Shows
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsKatie Harford Hogue - Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2My guest this week is Katie Harford Hogue, who joins me to chat about the wonderful album 'Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2'We discuss how the project came about, following the discovery of dozens of John Hartford's notebooks, kept between 1983 and 2001, full of as many as 4,000 original fiddle tunes he'd composed. That led to the book - 'John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes', followed by two albums, the second of which we're exploring today.Co-produced by Katie, with Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, 'Julia Belle' features...2025-04-1644 min
Bluegrass Jam AlongKatie Harford Hogue - Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2My guest this week is Katie Harford Hogue, who joins me to chat about the wonderful album 'Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2'We discuss how the project came about, following the discovery of dozens of John Hartford's notebooks, kept between 1983 and 2001, full of as many as 4,000 original fiddle tunes he'd composed. That led to the book - 'John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes', followed by two albums, the second of which we're exploring today.Co-produced by Katie, with Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, 'Julia Belle' features a selection...2025-04-1645 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsCelebrating 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner' with Eric SkyeMy guest on the podcast this week is Eric Skye, who joins me to celebrate the album 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner'.Released in 1999 on Compass Records, it marks the first collaboration between bassist Todd Phillips, guitarist David Grier, and mandolinist Matt Flinner and features three original tunes from each.We chat about how Eric first discovered the record and why it means so much to him, plus what's so special about these three musicians and this collection of tunes. We also chat about the album's sound and why listening is such an important part...2025-01-2958 minBluegrass Jam AlongCelebrating 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner' with Eric SkyeMy guest on the podcast this week is Eric Skye, who joins me to celebrate the album 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner'.Released in 1999 on Compass Records, it marks the first collaboration between bassist Todd Phillips, guitarist David Grier, and mandolinist Matt Flinner and features three original tunes from each.We chat about how Eric first discovered the record and why it means so much to him, plus what's so special about these three musicians and this collection of tunes. We also chat about the album's sound and why listening is such an important part of making...2025-01-291h 00Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsMatt Glaser - Celebrating 15 Years of Berklee's American Roots Music ProgramMy guest this week is Matt Glaser, Artistic Director of Berklee's Center for American Roots Music.Matt joins me to celebrate 15 years of the program, but also to delve into some of the themes of his superb Keynote Speech at IBMA 2023. In the speech, Matt sets out the idea that American music can be seen as one thing, rather than simply a series of genres, and goes on to give countless examples of early musical connections between styles.We chat about his approach, how music education differs in the UK and US and wh...2024-04-1054 minBluegrass Jam AlongMatt Glaser - Celebrating 15 Years of Berklee's American Roots Music ProgramMy guest this week is Matt Glaser, Artistic Director of Berklee's Center for American Roots Music.Matt joins me to celebrate 15 years of the program, but also to delve into some of the themes of his superb Keynote Speech at IBMA 2023. In the speech, Matt sets out the idea that American music can be seen as one thing, rather than simply a series of genres, and goes on to give countless examples of early musical connections between styles.We chat about his approach, how music education differs in the UK and US and why being cu...2024-04-0955 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBluegrass Briefing - May 1st 2023Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsRachel Baiman interviewSign up for email alertsChurch Street NewsMatt Flinner mandolin coursesThe Grass is New - new releasesThe Grass is New Spotify playlistScroll on BuddyBilly...2023-05-0107 minBluegrass Jam AlongBluegrass Briefing - May 1st 2023Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsRachel Baiman interviewSign up for email alertsChurch Street NewsMatt Flinner mandolin coursesThe Grass is New - new releasesThe Grass is New Spotify playlistScroll on BuddyBilly Strings and Willie Nelson - California SoberIn my ears this...2023-05-0108 minBluegrass Jam AlongBluegrass Briefing - March 13th 2023Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a new weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsDoc Watson 100th birthday celebration - part 1 & part 2Bluegrass Jam Along’s YouTube channelSign up for email alertsChurch Street NewsIBMA lineup and ticketsKyle Cantrell leaves Sirius XMRon Block banjo appThe Grass in New - new releasesMight Poplar tracksMissy Raines new single with Dan Pa...2023-03-1214 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBluegrass Briefing - March 6th 2023Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a new weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.This week we’re all about the birthdays and anniversaries. We’re celebrating Doc Watson’s 100th, as well as Telluride’s 50th…and Bluegrass Jam Along’s 2nd!Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.NewsDoc Watson 100th birthday celebration - part 1 & part 2Jarrod Walker interviewJake Eddy first interviewJake Eddy second interview (Andy Statman)Telluride 50th anniversary2023-03-0609 minBluegrass Jam AlongBluegrass Briefing - March 6th 2023Welcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a new weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.This week we’re all about the birthdays and anniversaries. We’re celebrating Doc Watson’s 100th, as well as Telluride’s 50th…and Bluegrass Jam Along’s 2nd!Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.NewsDoc Watson 100th birthday celebration - part 1 & part 2Jarrod Walker interviewJake Eddy first interviewJake Eddy second interview (Andy Statman)Telluride 50th anniversaryReleasesMichael Clevelan...2023-03-0610 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsDoc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 2Hi everyone.Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the second....This one focusses on people who were inspired by Doc and his music.You'll hear from:2023-03-032h 45Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsDoc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 1Hi everyone.Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the first....This one focusses on those who worked and played with Doc, plus a couple of people responsible for carrying on his l...2023-03-032h 06Bluegrass Jam AlongDoc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 2Hi everyone.Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the second....This one focusses on people who were inspired by Doc and his music.You'll hear from:2023-03-012h 46Bluegrass Jam AlongDoc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 1Hi everyone.Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the first....This one focusses on those who worked and played with Doc, plus a couple of people responsible for carrying on his legacy.Y...2023-03-012h 07Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBluegrass Briefing - February 27th 2023Welcome to the very first Bluegrass Briefing, a brand new weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.This week we’ve got plenty of Doc Watson related content in the run up to his 100th birthday on March 3rd. I’ll be releasing two extra special episodes of the podcast on Doc’s birthday, featuring 4 hours of brand new interviews with people who knew, worked with, admire and have been influenced by Doc. Guests include T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Bryan Sutton, Tim O’Brien, John McEuen and...2023-02-2713 minBluegrass Jam AlongSalt Creek in A at 2 tempos - 75 bpm & 85 bpmThis week we're playing another tune back to back at two different speeds - once at 75 bpm then again at 85. We're doing Salt Creek and we're in the key of A.We're using the jam along format - that means I'm kicking off playing backup and you're on the tune, then we swap and go round 4 times. Then, after a quick pause, we do the whole thing again at 85 bpm.Don't forget to grab a chord sheet if you need one from bluegrassjamalong.comHappy picking!MattSend a message t...2023-02-2015 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsRob Ickes and Trey Hensley interviewMy guests on the podcsat this week are Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley.Rob and Trey have a fantastic new record out called 'Living in a Song' and they joined me to chat about the inspiration behind the songs, the recording process and much more.Trey has been on the podcast before, but this was my first time chatting to Rob, so that was a real treat. They're great to chat to and I love the new record.You'll find all the info you need on Rob & Trey's website.2023-02-1331 minBluegrass Jam AlongRob Ickes and Trey Hensley interviewMy guests on the podcsat this week are Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley.Rob and Trey have a fantastic new record out called 'Living in a Song' and they joined me to chat about the inspiration behind the songs, the recording process and much more. Trey has been on the podcast before, but this was my first time chatting to Rob, so that was a real treat. They're great to chat to and I love the new record.You'll find all the info you need on Rob & Trey's website.You can...2023-02-0832 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTony Trischka has dinner with Bill MonroeThis is a really quick bonus episode I wanted to share with you all. I'm putting together a Doc Watson 100th birthday episode, which is due out in March. I've interviewed lots of amazing guests for that and one of them was the wonderful Tony Trischka. At the end of our chat Tony told me a story about meeting Bill Monroe - it doesn't fit in the Doc episode but it's really cool and I wanted to share it. So here it is!That's it, just a quick anecdote to listen to in a...2023-02-0303 minBluegrass Jam AlongTony Trischka has dinner with Bill MonroeThis is a really quick bonus episode I wanted to share with you all. I'm putting together a Doc Watson 100th birthday episode, which is due out in March. I've interviewed lots of amazing guests for that and one of them was the wonderful Tony Trischka. At the end of our chat Tony told me a story about meeting Bill Monroe - it doesn't fit in the Doc episode but it's really cool and I wanted to share it. So here it is!That's it, just a quick anecdote to listen to in a quiet fi...2023-02-0304 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsSierra Hull interviewMy guest this week is Sierra Hull.I caught up with Sierra before the London show on her UK tour with Justin Moses. We chatted about how spending so much time at home over the course of the pandemic changed her outlook on things and about some of the collaborations she's been part of over the past year, including touring with Cory Wong and her involvement in Bela Fleck's 'My Bluegrass Heart' record and tour.We also talk about the new record Sierra's currently in the process of making, her A...2023-01-3033 minBluegrass Jam AlongSierra Hull interviewMy guest this week is Sierra Hull. I caught up with Sierra before the London show on her UK tour with Justin Moses. We chatted about how spending so much time at home over the course of the pandemic changed her outlook on things and about some of the collaborations she's been part of over the past year, including touring with Cory Wong and her involvement in Bela Fleck's 'My Bluegrass Heart' record and tour. We also talk about the new record Sierra's currently in the process of making, her ArtistWorks course and m...2023-01-2734 minBluegrass Jam AlongCherokee Shuffle in A at 2 tempos - 75 bpm & 85 bpmThis week we're playing another tune back to back at two different speeds - once at 75 bpm then again at 85. We're doing Cherokee Shuffle and we're in the key of A.We're using the jam along format - that means I'm kicking off playing backup and you're on the tune, then we swap and go round 4 times. Then, after a quick pause, we do the whole thing again at 85 bpm.Don't forget to grab a chord sheet if you need one from bluegrassjamalong.comHappy picking!MattSend a message t...2023-01-2217 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsEric Skye interviewMy guest this week is guitarist Eric Skye.We covered a lot of ground, including Eric's Santa Cruz signature model guitar, the joys of playing tunes slowly, why tone is so important and, especially, his wonderful new record of fiddle tune duets with Jamie Stillway, 'Over the Waterfall', which is released on January 13th.I loved this chat. My favourite conversations on the podcast tend to be more about why people play music, rather than what they play, and this is a wonderful example of the former.For more info check out the Eric...2023-01-091h 10Bluegrass Jam AlongEric Skye interviewMy guest this week is guitarist Eric Skye.We covered a lot of ground, including Eric's Santa Cruz signature model guitar, the joys of playing tunes slowly, why tone is so important and, especially, his wonderful new record of fiddle tune duets with Jamie Stillway, 'Over the Waterfall', which is released on January 13th.I loved this chat. My favourite conversations on the podcast tend to be more about why people play music, rather than what they play, and this is a wonderful example of the former.For more info check out the Eric...2023-01-091h 12
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsPaul Kowert mini interview - commissioning Nick Lloyd to make a copy of Edgar Meyer's bassThis episode features a short interview with Paul Kowert of Hawktail and Punch Brothers talking about his Nick Lloyd double bass.I interviewed Nick about the bass (episode 245) and thought it would be cool to chat to Paul about what makes the instrument special and why he wanted a copy of Edgar Meyer's bass in the first place.You'll also get to hear a track from Hawktail's latest release 'Place of Growth' featuring Paul playing the bass we're talking about.Hope you enjoy it!You'll find info on Nick and his...2023-01-0317 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsNick Lloyd interview - copying Edgar Meyer's bass for Paul KowertMy guest this week is Nick Lloyd of Nick Lloyd basses.I recently interviewed Paul Kowert of Hawktail and Punch Brothers (see episode 228 if you missed that). Shortly after, I got an email from Nick saying he'd heard the interview and that he'd made the bass Paul talked about. We got chatting and I asked him if he'd be up for coming on the podcast to talk about that, as well as bass making in general. So, here he is!I really enjoyed this one. We talked about how Nick got into bass making, how...2023-01-031h 00Bluegrass Jam AlongPaul Kowert mini interview - commissioning Nick Lloyd to make a copy of Edgar Meyer's bassThis episode features a short interview with Paul Kowert of Hawktail and Punch Brothers talking about his Nick Lloyd double bass.I interviewed Nick about making the bass (episode 245) and thought it would be cool to chat to Paul about what makes the instrument special and why he wanted a copy of Edgar Meyer's bass in the first place.You'll also get to hear a track from Hawktail's latest release 'Place of Growth' featuring Paul playing the bass we're talking about.Hope you enjoy it!You'll find info on Nick and...2023-01-0318 minBluegrass Jam AlongNick Lloyd interview - copying Edgar Meyer's bass for Paul KowertMy guest this week is Nick Lloyd of Nick Lloyd basses. I recently interviewed Paul Kowert of Hawktail and Punch Brothers (see episode 228 if you missed that). Shortly after, I got an email from Nick saying he'd heard the interview and that he'd made the bass Paul talked about. We got chatting and I asked him if he'd be up for coming on the podcast to talk about that, as well as bass making in general. So, here he is!I really enjoyed this one. We talked about how Nick got into bass making, how...2023-01-031h 01Bluegrass Jam AlongWhiskey Before Breakfast in D at 2 tempos - 75 bpm & 85 bpmHi everyone. We're back with another two tempo jam. This week it's Whiskey Before Breakfast, again at 75 and 85, and we're in the key of D.We're using the jam along format - that means I'm kicking off playing backup and you're on the tune, then we swap and go round 4 times. Then, after a quick pause, we do the whole thing again at 85 bpm.Don't forget to grab a chord sheet if you need one from bluegrassjamalong.comHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget...2022-12-1216 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTonewoods Special with Nully from Collings GuitarsSteve Nall (Nully), Collings' Head of Production, returns to the podcast to chat about tonewoods. When Nully was originally on the podcast in July we touched on this and I thought it would make for a great episode in its own right, as it's something lots of us have questions about.We start with a look at the woods typically used in bluegrass guitars, why they're chosen and what the different bits of the instrument contribute to the sound of a guitar. We then look at alternative types of wood, what happens to wood as it ages...2022-12-051h 04Bluegrass Jam AlongTonewoods Special with Nully from Collings GuitarsSteve Nall (Nully), Collings' Head of Production, returns to the podcast to chat about tonewoods. When Nully was originally on the podcast in July we touched on this and I thought it would make for a great episode in its own right, as it's something lots of us have questions about.We start with a look at the woods typically used in bluegrass guitars, why they're chosen and what the different bits of the instrument contribute to the sound of a guitar. We then look at alternative types of wood, what happens to wood as it ages...2022-12-051h 05
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsFood for Thought - Tuning Your Ear (Tim Stafford on electronic tuners and Tony Rice's tuning)Hi everyone.I've got another quick Food for Thought episode for you, inspired by my recent interview with Tim Stafford. Tim told me nobody could tune a guitar like Tony Rice and that he thought that was a big part of his sound. He said we've all lost the ability to tune because we rely on electronic tuners too much, but suggests a new way to use them that will actually help improve our ears.It's really simple, but effective (I've tried it and it's working already!)If you missed the full interview wit...2022-12-0205 minBluegrass Jam AlongFood for Thought - Tuning Your Ear (Tim Stafford on electronic tuners and Tony Rice's tuning)Hi everyone.I've got another quick Food for Thought episode for you, inspired by my recent interview with Tim Stafford. Tim told me nobody could tune a guitar like Tony Rice and that he thought that was a big part of his sound. He said we've all lost the ability to tune because we rely on electronic tuners too much, but suggests a new way to use them that will actually help improve our ears.It's really simple, but effective (I've tried it and it's working already!)If you missed the full interview wi...2022-12-0205 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsHarry Clark (East Nash Grass/Dan Tyminski) interviewMy guest this week is Harry Clark, a recipient of the 2022 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award.Harry plays mandolin with East Nash Grass as well as in Dan Tyminski's band, both of which have new records due out in 2023. He also played in the band for Bronwyn Keith-Hynes' fabulous record 'Fiddler's Pastime.' Both Dan and Bronwyn were full of praise for Harry's playing when I interviewed them (you'll find links to those interviews on the Bluegrass Jam Along website).We chatted about how Harry got into mandolin, how East Nash Grass got to...2022-11-2843 minBluegrass Jam AlongHarry Clark (East Nash Grass/Dan Tyminski) interviewMy guest this week is Harry Clark, a recipient of the 2022 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award.Harry plays mandolin with East Nash Grass as well as in Dan Tyminski's band, both of which have new records due out in 2023. He also played in the band for Bronwyn Keith-Hynes' fabulous record 'Fiddler's Pastime.' Both Dan and Bronwyn were full of praise for Harry's playing when I interviewed them (you'll find links to those interviews on the Bluegrass Jam Along website).We chatted about how Harry got into mandolin, how East Nash Grass got t...2022-11-2444 minBluegrass Jam AlongTurkey in the Straw in G at 2 tempos - 75 bpm & 85 bpmA couple of weeks ago I released an episode where we played Wildwood Flower back to back at two different speeds - once at 75 bpm then again at 85. It proved so popular I've decided to do the same with some more tunes! This week it's Turkey in the Straw, again at 75 and 85 and we're in the key of G.We're using the jam along format - that means I'm kicking off playing backup and you're on the tune, then we swap and go round 4 times. Then, after a quick pause, we do the whole thing again at 85 b...2022-11-1815 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsFood For Thought - Tim Stafford on Why David Grier Doesn't Put Rhinestones in his Hammers (!)I interviewed Tim Stafford for the podcast this week, which was an absolute treat. We talked about all sorts, from Blue Highway to Tony Rice, Billy Strings and Tim's songwriting.Tim also talked about David Grier's take on what matters when it comes to guitars, strings and picks, which is great. Tim also does a killer David Grier impersonation, which is worth hearing in its own right!Here's the Tim Stafford interview, in case you missed it.And here's David Grier's website, for no reason other than David's brilliant.Happy picking!...2022-11-1705 minBluegrass Jam AlongFood For Thought - Tim Stafford on Why David Grier Doesn't Put Rhinestones in his Hammers (!)I interviewed Tim Stafford for the podcast this week, which was an absolute treat. We talked about all sorts, from Blue Highway to Tony Rice, Billy Strings and Tim's songwriting.Tim also talked about David Grier's take on what matters when it comes to guitars, strings and picks, which is great. Tim also does a killer David Grier impersonation, which is worth hearing in its own right!Here's the Tim Stafford interview, in case you missed it.And here's David Grier's website, for no reason other than David's brilliant.Happy picking!2022-11-1705 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTim Stafford interviewMy guest this week is Tim Stafford.Tim is a multi award winning guitarist, songwriter, singer, producer and author.We covered a lot of ground, including the recent Blue Highway Fest, Tim's songwriting partnerships, how bluegrass has changed in the last 15 years, why he has no time for people moaning about Billy Strings and, of course, plenty of Tony Rice chat (including the wonderful biography of Tony Tim co-wrote and the CD box set he's currently working on!)For news and updates go to Tim's website and Facebook pageFind out more...2022-11-141h 12Bluegrass Jam AlongTim Stafford InterviewMy guest this week is Tim Stafford.Tim is a multi award winning guitarist, songwriter, singer, producer and author.We covered a lot of ground, including the recent Blue Highway Fest, Tim's songwriting partnerships, how bluegrass has changed in the last 15 years, why he has no time for people moaning about Billy Strings and, of course, plenty of Tony Rice chat (including the wonderful biography of Tony Tim co-wrote and the CD box set he's currently working on!)For news and updates go to Tim's website and Facebook pageFind out mo...2022-11-141h 13Bluegrass Jam AlongWildwood Flower in C at 2 tempos - 75 bpm & 85 bpmThis week we've got a bonus episode! As we've been playing Wildwood Flower for the past two weeks, I thought it would be fun to have a run through at 75 bpm, then, when we're warmed up, go through it again slightly quicker at 85 bpm. It's a bit of an experiment. We're using the jam along format - that means I'm kicking off playing backup and you're on the tune, then we swap and go round 4 times. Then, after a quick pause, we do the whole thing again at 85 bpm.Have a go and...2022-10-1310 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsKristina R Gaddy - "Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History"My guest this week is Kristina R. Gaddy, who joins us to discuss her fascinating new book “Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History”.We chat about how she came to write the book and some of the key discoveries she made along the way, in particular the banjo’s unknown history as an instrument of ritual and rebellion.Kristina’s research in diaries, letters, archives, and art, traces the banjo’s beginnings from the seventeenth century, when enslaved people of African descent created and carried this unique instrument as they were transported and sold by sl...2022-09-271h 05Bluegrass Jam AlongKristina R Gaddy - "Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History"My guest this week is Kristina R. Gaddy, who joins us to discuss her fascinating new book “Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History”.We chat about how she came to write the book and some of the key discoveries she made along the way, in particular the banjo’s unknown history as an instrument of ritual and rebellion.Kristina’s research in diaries, letters, archives, and art, traces the banjo’s beginnings from the seventeenth century, when enslaved people of African descent created and carried this unique instrument as they were transported and sold by sl...2022-09-271h 06Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTrey Hensley interviewMy guest this week is three time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year nominee Trey Hensley.We talk about Trey's early start in the music business, including his first appearance on the Opry, just 9 months after starting to play the guitar. We also chat about some of his heroes and influences, ranging from Earl Scruggs and Tony Rice, to Miles Davis and Van Halen, as well as his long standing collaboration with dobro player Rob Ickes.It was a really fun conversation to have and I hope it's just as much fun to listen to.2022-09-1351 minBluegrass Jam AlongTrey Hensley interviewMy guest this week is three time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year nominee Trey Hensley.We talk about Trey's early start in the music business, including his first appearance on the Opry, just 9 months after starting to play the guitar. We also chat about some of his heroes and influences, ranging from Earl Scruggs and Tony Rice, to Miles Davis and Van Halen, as well as his long standing collaboration with dobro player Rob Ickes.It was a really fun conversation to have and I hope it's just as much fun to listen to.2022-09-1252 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsPaul Kowert (Hawktail/Punch Brothers) interviewMy guest this week is Paul Kowert, bassist with Punch Brothers and Hawktail.Paul joins me to chat about Hawktail's wonderful new record 'Place of Growth', how the band came together, why they decided to record an album designed to be listened to in one sitting and some of the music and musicians that had a profound effect on him, including Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Väsen and his Punch Brothers bandmate Chris Thile.You can find out more about Hawktail and the new record at the Padiddle Records website and also get updates via Hawk...2022-09-081h 03Bluegrass Jam AlongPaul Kowert (Hawktail/Punch Brothers) interviewMy guest this week is Paul Kowert, bassist with Punch Brothers and Hawktail.Paul joins me to chat about Hawktail's wonderful new record 'Place of Growth', how the band came together, why they decided to record an album designed to be listened to in one sitting and some of the music and musicians that had a profound effect on him, including Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Väsen and his Punch Brothers bandmate Chris Thile.You can find out more about Hawktail and the new record at the Padiddle Records website and also get updates via H...2022-09-071h 05
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsFood for Thought - The Art of ReactionHi everyone.I've had a couple of weeks off the podcast to have a holiday, but I've been mulling over something Dan Tyminski said in the interview I did with him a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share it.It's about the idea of reacting in music, rather than just playing. Dan talked about how Tony Rice did that and also how he does, and it got me thinking. The idea of music as a conversation, one that relies on listening as much as speaking, is something I've always been interested in.2022-09-0104 minBluegrass Jam AlongFood for Thought - The Art of ReactionHi everyone.I've had a couple of weeks off the podcast to have a holiday, but I've been mulling over something Dan Tyminski said in the interview I did with him a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share it.It's about the idea of reacting in music, rather than just playing. Dan talked about how Tony Rice did that and also how he does, and it got me thinking. The idea of music as a conversation, one that relies on listening as much as speaking, is something I've always been interested in. 2022-09-0105 minBluegrass Jam AlongMini Jam #5 - 3 tunes at 85bpmThis week we've got another mini jam episode. This time we're stepping things up to 85 bpm and playing 3 tunes back to back. This week's tunes areCherokee Shuffle in A (starts at 1:03)Blackberry Blossom in G (starts at 8:08)Big Sciota in G (starts at 14:34)We're doing all three at 85bpm and each tune follows our regular 'jam along' format. That means I play backup and you play lead, then we swap, then we repeat the whole thing another 3 times. The whole jam lasts around 22 minutes.If you want chord charts for these t...2022-08-1621 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsChris Pandolfi (Infamous Stringdusters) interviewMy guest this week is Chris Pandolfi, banjo player with The Infamous Stringdusters and also the host of my favourite podcast, Inside the Musician's Brain.We chat about the podcast and the lessons Chris learned from it, as well as how the lessons we learn through music can be applied to life (and vice versa). There's so much in here, from talking about music as a journey and how the players who inspire us are on that same journey as us, to learning to be present and in the moment and how to notice and let go o...2022-08-101h 28Bluegrass Jam AlongChris Pandolfi (Infamous Stringdusters) interviewMy guest this week is Chris Pandolfi, banjo player with The Infamous Stringdusters and also the host of my favourite podcast, Inside the Musician's Brain.We chat about the podcast and the lessons Chris learned from it, as well as how the lessons we learn through music can be applied to life (and vice versa). There's so much in here, from talking about music as a journey and how the players who inspire us are on that same journey as us, to learning to be present and in the moment and how to notice and let go o...2022-08-101h 29
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsScott Nygaard (Peghead Nation) interviewMy guest on the podcast this week is guitarist and Peghead Nation founder Scott Nygaard.We chat about playing with Chris Thile and Tim O'Brien, including how Scott got the gig with Tim after a chance meeting. We also talk about how Peghead Nation was founded, the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award they're receiving next month and how the site has developed over the years.We also cover various other topics, including improvising, Scott's musical influences, the importance of going back to the sources of fiddle tunes and Scott's forthcoming record, which was heavily influenced by...2022-08-031h 02Bluegrass Jam AlongScott Nygaard (Peghead Nation) interviewMy guest on the podcast this week is guitarist and Peghead Nation founder Scott Nygaard.We chat about playing with Chris Thile and Tim O'Brien, including how Scott got the gig with Tim after a chance meeting. We also talk about how Peghead Nation was founded, the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award they're receiving next month and how the site has developed over the years.We also cover various other topics, including improvising, Scott's musical influences, the importance of going back to the sources of fiddle tunes and Scott's forthcoming record, which was heavily influenced by...2022-08-031h 03Bluegrass Jam AlongMini Jam #4 - 3 tunes at 75bpmThis week we've got something I haven't done in a while - a mini jam episode. That means we're playing 3 tunes back to back instead of focussing on just one. The idea is it feels a bit more like playing at a jam session. I know some of you use these tracks to work up to attending a jam so hopefully this will help with that!I've gone for the 3 most popular tunes from the first year and a bit of the podcast. They are:Cherokee Shuffle in A (starts at 1:30)Whiskey Before Breakfast in D...2022-07-2525 minBluegrass 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 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsFood For Thought #8 - 'Yes, but is it bluegrass?'Hi.We haven't had a Food For Thought episode for a while, but I've had something in my head all week based on a few Facebook posts I saw. The general theme was whether something can be called bluegrass if it has a non-traditionally bluegrass instrument in it (e.g. pedal steel or accordion).In the episode I play a clip of my interview with Tristan Scroggins where he discusses genre and how he sees it. Here's the full Tristan Scroggins interview if you want to hear it all (or have a listen again - whi...2022-06-0304 minBluegrass Jam AlongFood for Thought #8 - 'Yes, but is it bluegrass?'Hi.We haven't had a Food For Thought episode for a while, but I've had something in my head all week based on a few Facebook posts I saw. The general theme was whether something can be called bluegrass if it has a non-traditionally bluegrass instrument in it (e.g. pedal steel or accordion).In the episode I play a clip of my interview with Tristan Scroggins where he discusses genre and how he sees it. Here's the full Tristan Scroggins interview if you want to hear it all (or have a listen again - w...2022-06-0305 minBluegrass Jam AlongWe reached 200 Episodes!I've just released the 200th episode of Bluegrass Jam Along! I can't believe it's come around after just 14 months!Thanks to all of you, whether you've been listening a few days or since the start.I'd really love it if you head to wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review. It would also be great if you could share this podcast with anyone, and everyone, you think might be interested. Helping spread the word helps me keep the podcast going, and also means I can carry on getting great guests on for you!2022-05-3101 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsBronwyn Keith-Hynes (Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway) interviewMy guest this week is current IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.We chatted about her fantastic record Fiddler's Pastime, which features guest performances from Sierra Hull, Tim O'Brien and Sarah Jarosz. Check it out - it's great! We also talked about Bronwyn's current gig as fiddle player for Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway.You can order Fiddler's Pastime from Bronwyn's website and get updates on what's going on via her Instagram Here's where you'll find Molly Tuttle tour datesBronwyn recommended we all listen to Bella...2022-05-1843 minBluegrass Jam AlongBronwyn Keith-Hynes (Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway) interviewMy guest this week is current IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.We chatted about her fantastic record Fiddler's Pastime, which features guest performances from Sierra Hull, Tim O'Brien and Sarah Jarosz. Check it out - it's great! We also talked about Bronwyn's current gig as fiddle player for Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway.You can order Fiddler's Pastime from Bronwyn's website and get updates on what's going on via her Instagram Here's where you'll find Molly Tuttle tour datesBronwyn recommended we all listen to Bella White, so I...2022-05-1844 minBluegrass Jam Along InterviewsJake Eddy returnsMy guest (again) this week is Jake Eddy.Jake was my first ever guest on Bluegrass Jam Along. If you want to check out that episode it's hereJake came back to chat to me about his latest project, 'Nor' Easter', a new collaboration with mandolin legend Andy Statman. Jake explains how the project came about (very quickly!), what the process was and talks about some of the amazing instruments used in the sessions.As always it was great chatting to Jake - hope you enjoy this as much as I...2022-05-1131 minBluegrass Jam AlongJake Eddy returnsMy guest (again) this week is Jake Eddy.Jake was my first ever guest on Bluegrass Jam Along. If you want to check out that episode it's hereJake came back to chat to me about his latest project, 'Nor' Easter', a new collaboration with mandolin legend Andy Statman. Jake explains how the project came about (very quickly!), what the process was and talks about some of the amazing instruments used in the sessions.As always it was great chatting to Jake - hope you enjoy this as much as I did.2022-05-1132 min
Bluegrass Jam Along InterviewsTony Trischka interviewMy guest this week is Tony Trischka, who the New York Times called 'the father of modern bluegrass'. Tony has been at the forefront of the folk and bluegrass worlds since the 1960s. Our conversation focusses on his 2021 album Shall We Hope, described on Tony's website as "a dramatized listening experience. It invites its audience into the lives of characters from America’s past as they grapple with the hard realities of war and death, and the meaning of freedom". We also chat about his teaching, both online with ArtistWorks' and over several decades in person, and...2022-05-0451 minBluegrass Jam AlongTony Trischka interviewMy guest this week is Tony Trischka, who the New York Times called 'the father of modern bluegrass'. Tony has been at the forefront of the folk and bluegrass worlds since the 1960s. Our conversation focusses on his 2021 album Shall We Hope, described on Tony's website as "a dramatized listening experience. It invites its audience into the lives of characters from America’s past as they grapple with the hard realities of war and death, and the meaning of freedom". We also chat about his teaching, both online with ArtistWorks' and over several decades in person, and via...2022-05-0453 min