Shows
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBitesize - Chris Eldridge on Tony Rice's Church Street BluesThis week's Bitesize episode features a conversation I had with Chris Eldridge from Punch Brothers and Mighty Poplar celebrating Tony Rice's classic album Church Street Blues.Chris talks about Tony's ability to combine big musical gestures with intricate detail, how other musicians played better when they played with Tony and why you should listen to Church Street Blues on vinyl, if you can find a copy (but why that's not necessarily true of other albums).This extract comes from a two part special I put together celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release ofCh...
2025-10-2221 min
Bluegrass Jam AlongBitesize - Chris Eldridge on Tony Rice's Church Street BluesThis week's Bitesize episode features a conversation I had with Chris Eldridge from Punch Brothers and Mighty Poplar celebrating Tony Rice's classic album Church Street Blues. Chris talks about Tony's ability to combine big musical gestures with intricate detail, how other musicians played better when they played with Tony and why you should listen to Church Street Blues on vinyl, if you can find a copy (but why that's not necessarily true of other albums).This extract comes from a two part special I put together celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release...
2025-10-2222 min
No Simple RoadMason Via - Roots in HarmonyWe are extremely excited to have Mason Via join us for this week's episode of No Simple Road!
Mason opens up about the highs and lows of touring life, balancing the demands of performance with personal health, and finding harmony between the expectations of a musician's life and the realities of constant travel.
Our conversation meanders through Mason's experiences growing up in a festival community, where he honed his craft at fiddlers conventions, finding the soul of music in lively campgrounds rather than grand stages. We discuss the delicate balance between achieving fame and maintaining...
2025-05-271h 07
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinDemonic Fiddle Legends and Bluegrass Black MagicIn this transmission, we descend into the eerie depths of bluegrass lore, where swampy ballads weave tales of the Näcken — a spectral fiddler luring souls to dark waters under a Scandinavian night sky. Within this shadowy realm, we unearth the mystical craft of bluegrass black magic, where rattlesnake tails rattle out spells and summon spectral harmonies from the bayou mist. Join us as we wade through this haunted galaxy of folklore and fiddle, exploring the arcane enchantments of bluegrass myth and mystery!
2024-11-0631 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinWrangling The Best Bluegrass Pickers feat. Mandolins and Beer
In this transmission, we hitch a ride aboard a passing space train where the fearless Daniel Patrick steers us into the orbit of his new mandolin album. Among the twinkling stars, Patrick shares tales of the all-star mandolinists who joined him and his travels across the galactic super highway. Join us as we journey through Daniel's celestial jam session, where tradition meets innovation on a cosmic scale!
Mandolins and Beer Podcast:
https://mandolinsandbeer.com/
2024-10-0443 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinWho smashed Bill Monroe's mandolin?
In this transmission, we delve into the turbulent orbits of bluegrass legends, where Jimmy Martin's inebriated escapades at the Grand Ole Opry ignite like cosmic supernovas, leading to unforgettable brawls beneath the starry Nashville sky. Amidst this galactic turmoil, we uncover the fiery tale of Bill Monroe's mandolin, shattered by a vengeful fire poker, its celestial melodies momentarily silenced. Join us as we navigate these stellar collisions, exploring the chaotic and vibrant constellations of bluegrass history!
2024-06-1756 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinThe Wild Side of Bluegrass Festivals feat. Jack DevereuxIn this transmission, we embark on a sonic odyssey through realms of bluegrass debauchery, where fiddles sing tales of hedonistic reverie. Amidst the Bohemian hills of the Czech Republic, we unearth clandestine roots, where moonshine-fueled jams echo through the galactic corridors of musical history. Join us for a journey where tradition collides with revelry with special guest Jack Devereux!
2024-04-2439 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinInside the National Flatpicking Championships feat. Andy HatfieldIn this transmission, we traverse the storied paths of Midwestern bluegrass, spotlighting the Osborne Brothers' cosmic resonance within the region's deep musical tapestry. Amidst the vast plains of Winfield, Kansas, we encounter the enigmatic Walnut Valley National Guitar Flatpicking Championships, a nexus where astral improvisations reverberate across the heartland's soul. Join us for a journey through the harmonious intersection of tradition, innovation, and the endless skies of Midwestern bluegrass history!
2024-03-1539 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinBill Monroe's Love Life (Mistress Edition)In this transmission, we explore the enchanting allure of bluegrass love songs, delving into the intricate interplay between emotional melodies and celestial lyrics. Among the tales of Bill Monroe's journey, we uncover the legacy of his most memorable mistress, a muse who traversed the galactic expanse of bluegrass history. Join us for a stellar exploration of love and cosmic connection within the vibrant tapestry of bluegrass music!
2024-02-1438 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinGibson Steals Their Guitar DesignsIn this transmission, we unveil the cosmic controversy surrounding Gibson Guitars, revealing their alleged theft of their most iconic designs. Further unraveling this galactic intrigue, we also explore the unconventional tale of Leo Fender, who some claim had a hand in the demise of western swing music. Join us for this otherworldly journey through the cosmic chords and stolen constellations of musical history!
2024-01-1933 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinA Bluegrass Fiddler Invented the .MP3 (Christmas Special)In this transmission, explore a technological marvel as we unveil the history behind Tex Logan's Christmas Times A-Comin', a track that resonates across the Appalachian Supercluster... for better or worse. Experience Marcel's cosmic misadventure as he gets snowed out of a gig. Feel the mystical allure of the diminished Christmas chord as we embark on a galactic exploration of the intersection between Christmas Classics and the cosmic unknown.
2023-12-1839 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinBluegrass Murders and Murder Ballads (Halloween Special)In this transmission, we traverse the cosmic soundscape of murder ballads, weaving together the fateful murder of Stringbean, the history of these haunting songs, and the chilling saga of Roy Lee Centers. Join us on this interstellar voyage through bluegrass and murder ballads, where cosmic echoes blend with terrestrial melodies in eerie harmony.
2023-10-3048 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinHow Marcel Was Cursed by a Jazz WizardIn this transmission, we unveil the enigmatic tale of being cursed by a jazz wizard, explore the captivating twists of Hayes' David Grier story. And amidst our musical musings, we find ourselves asking: where are we shoving that pig's foot? Join us for a bewitching blend of bluegrass, jazz wizardry, and a curious quest for porcine placement!
2023-10-0442 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsIBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 specialThis week's episode is a special IBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 round up.I was incredibly lucky to be nominated for an IBMA Momentum Award for the podcast, so I made the trip over from the UK to Raleigh for the awards ceremony and the conference. While I was there I interviewed a few people, some you'll be very familiar with, some maybe less so, about their experiences of IBMA and what it means to the bluegrass community.My guests include:Alex GrafFred Kosak of Stillhouse JunkiesDaniel Patrick from the Man...
2023-10-0451 minBluegrass Jam AlongIBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 specialThis week's episode is a special IBMA World of Bluegrass 2023 round up.I was incredibly lucky to be nominated for an IBMA Momentum Award for the podcast, so I made the trip over from the UK to Raleigh for the awards ceremony and the conference. While I was there I interviewed a few people, some you'll be very familiar with, some maybe less so, about their experiences of IBMA and what it means to the bluegrass community.My guests include:Alex GrafFred Kosak of Stillhouse JunkiesDaniel Patrick from the Mandolins and Beer p...
2023-10-0353 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTim Stafford (Guitar Melodies) interviewMy guest this week is Tim Stafford of Blue Highway.Tim joins me to chat about his new record Guitar Melodies, a wonderful album of guitar instrumentals. We talk about the tunes, the guitars he used, who else plays on the record and why Tim dedicated the album to the memory and legacy of Tony Rice.It's a great record and it's always a pleasure to chat to Tim.Head to Tim's website for more info. You can buy Guitar Melodies from Tim's store.If you don't kno...
2023-07-0544 minBluegrass Jam AlongTim Stafford (Guitar Melodies) interviewMy guest this week is Tim Stafford of Blue Highway.Tim joins me to chat about his new record Guitar Melodies, a wonderful album of guitar instrumentals. We talk about the tunes, the guitars he used, who else plays on the record and why Tim dedicated the album to the memory and legacy of Tony Rice.It's a great record and it's always a pleasure to chat to Tim.Head to Tim's website for more info. You can buy Guitar Melodies from Tim's store.If you don't know the tony_units...
2023-07-0445 min
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinThe Secret History of the Bluegrass and Country YodelIn this transmission we discuss how one forgotten singer influenced the future of bluegrass, country, and jazz. The boys discuss the etymology of "mash" and Hayes shares some of his favorite "backstepping" guitar exercises. Don't miss this stellar fusion of bluegrass and intergalactic vibes!
2023-05-3153 min
No Simple RoadMarcel Ardans of Lessons With Marcel - The Biggest Baddest Billy Goat In The BarnWe are so stoked to have Marcel Ardans of the Lessons With Marcel YouTube channel as our guest on No Simple Road this week! Marcel Ardans is a guitarist, teacher and YouTuber active in the Raleigh music scene. His time in the bluegrass scene began in the Pacific Northwest, where he wood-shedded and gigged extensively with local and regional acts. Rightfully earning the nickname “The Biggest Baddest Billy Goat In The Barnyard”. In 2015, he started the online business Lessons With Marcel. The goal was to bring flatpicking and bluegrass guitar to those who wanted instruction but lacke...
2023-05-261h 46Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTony Rice - Church Street Blues 40th anniversary part 2 (Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses, Marcel Ardans, Scott Nygaard, Jason Keiser & tony_units)Welcome to part 2 of the celebration to mark 40 years of Tony Rice's classic album 'Church Street Blues'.This episode focusses on people who were inspired by Tony and his music.The full line up for this episode is:Bob MinnerJake EddyJustin MosesMarcel ArdansScott NygaardJason Keiser@tony_unitsIf you missed part 1 (featuring Alison Krauss, Wyatt Rice, Mike Marshall and more) you'll find it here.Here's Marcel's excellent free book of Tony Rice transcriptions (do pay something if you can afford to!)Check out...
2023-05-101h 46Bluegrass Jam AlongTony Rice - Church Street Blues 40th anniversary part 2 (Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses, Marcel Ardans, Scott Nygaard, Jason Keiser & tony_units)Welcome to part 2 of the celebration to mark 40 years of Tony Rice's classic album 'Church Street Blues'.This episode focusses on people who were inspired by Tony and his music.The full line up for this episode is:Bob MinnerJake EddyJustin MosesMarcel ArdansScott NygaardJason Keiser@tony_unitsIf you missed part 1 (featuring Alison Krauss, Wyatt Rice, Mike Marshall and more) you'll find it here.Here's Marcel's excellent free book of Tony Rice transcriptions (do pay something if you can afford to!)Check out Phil's Tony Rice Instagram page @tony_u...
2023-05-101h 47
Podcast With Marcel feat. Hayes GriffinHippies Saved (and Also Ruined) Bluegrass MusicIn this transmission we discuss how hippies almost saved bluegrass during the folk revival. Hayes shares his Robert Plant story and we discuss modal fiddle tunes that are out of this world. Don't miss this cosmic collision of bluegrass and space!
2023-03-1642 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsMarcel Ardans (Lessons With Marcel) on Billy Strings, Trey Hensley, Molly Tuttle and Tony RiceMy guest this week is Marcel Ardans, from the Lessons With Marcel YouTube channel.Marcel has spent hours (probably weeks) transcribing the playing of bluegrass players. In this episode he picks four of his favourites and we chat about their styles, influences and what makes them unique.First up is Billy Strings, followed by Trey Hensley, Molly Tuttle and Tony Rice.Check out Marcel's fantastic YouTube channel if you haven't already - Lessons with Marcel - and aslo Marcel's website, where you'll find TABs of the artists we chat about (many of them fre...
2022-07-071h 30Bluegrass Jam AlongMarcel Ardans (Lessons With Marcel) on Billy Strings, Trey Hensley, Molly Tuttle and Tony RiceMy guest this week is Marcel Ardans, from the Lessons With Marcel YouTube channel.Marcel has spent hours (probably weeks) transcribing the playing of bluegrass players. In this episode he picks four of his favourites and we chat about their styles, influences and what makes them unique.First up is Billy Strings, followed by Trey Hensley, Molly Tuttle and Tony Rice.Check out Marcel's fantastic YouTube channel if you haven't already - Lessons with Marcel - and aslo Marcel's website, where you'll find TABs of the artists we chat about (many of them...
2022-07-071h 31Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTony Rice Birthday Tribute (Chris Eldridge, Mike Marshall, Happy Traum & Marcel Ardans)Yesterday was June 8th 2022 and would have been Tony Rice's birthday. As a tribute to Tony I've put together a compilation of some of the conversations I've had for this podcast where the guests mentioned Tony.I wanted to wait till today to release it as yesterday, Tony's actual birthday, I was speaking to Happy Traum of Homespun, who was a good friend of Tony's and worked closely with him. I wanted to make sure we included something from Happy.So here, a day late but hopefully worth the wait, is Bluegrass Jam Al...
2022-06-0919 minBluegrass Jam AlongTony Rice Birthday Tribute (Chris Eldridge, Mike Marshall, Happy Traum & Marcel Ardans)Yesterday was June 8th 2022 and would have been Tony Rice's birthday. As a tribute to Tony I've put together a compilation of some of the conversations I've had for this podcast where the guests mentioned Tony. I wanted to wait till today to release it as yesterday, Tony's actual birthday, I was speaking to Happy Traum of Homespun, who was a good friend of Tony's and worked closely with him. I wanted to make sure we included something from Happy.So here, a day late but hopefully worth the wait, is Bluegrass Jam Along's birthday tr...
2022-06-0920 min
Mandolin Secrets Podcast#16 Transcription Tips with Marcel ArdansIn this week’s episode, Hayes chats with special guest Marcel Ardans of Lessons with Marcel about transcription, the world of online content creation, and some tips for how to start working out music by ear. Here are the web links mentioned in the show.Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:https://mandolinsecrets.com/liveLessons with Marcelhttps://lessonswithmarcel.com
2022-04-0843 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBryan Sutton interviewThis week we have a very special interview with bluegrass flatpicking legend Bryan Sutton.Bryan is not only a Grammy Award winner, he was also awarded the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award 10 times. On top of that he's the flatpick guitar teacher at ArtistWorks and has spent the past decade helping players (like me) improve their technique and musicianship.Check out the links below to find out more.If you're interested in Bryan's journey so far I can highly recommend the interview he did with the Everyone Loves...
2021-11-0757 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsMarcel Ardans (lessons with Marcel) interviewMy guest on the podcast today is Marcel Ardans, who most of you will know through his site and YouTube channel Lessons With Marcel (if you don't know those, check out the links below!)We chat about learning to play, how both of us came to love bluegrass despite not being raised with it and how all musicians are on the same journey (and all fall flat on our faces sometimes!).It was a lot of fun to record and hopefully will be a lot of fun to listen to!...
2021-10-3148 minBluegrass Jam AlongBryan Sutton interview (episode #100)Welcome to the 100th episode of Bluegrass Jam Along. To celebrate we have a very special interview with bluegrass flatpicking legend Bryan Sutton.Bryan is not only a Grammy Award winner, he was also awarded the IBMA Guitar Player of the Year award 10 times. On top of that he's the flatpick guitar teacher at ArtistWorks and has spent the past decade helping players (like me) improve their technique and musicianship.I can't recommend ArtistWorks enough and, at the time of writing this, they're offering $100 off every 12 month course. That's around $3.50 a week to be taught...
2021-09-0858 minBluegrass Jam AlongMarcel Ardans (Lessons With Marcel) InterviewMy guest on the podcast today is Marcel Ardans, who most of you will know through his site and YouTube channel Lessons With Marcel (if you don't know those, check out the links below!)We chat about learning to play, how both of us came to love bluegrass despite not being raised with it and how all musicians are on the same journey (and all fall flat on our faces sometimes!).It was a lot of fun to record and hopefully will be a lot of fun to listen to!You'll find more...
2021-08-2550 min