Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast

Mark Rader was the lead vocalist and guitarist of The Traditional Grass, one of the foremost bluegrass bands on the festival circuit in the 80's and 90's. In this episode of Walls of Time, Mark shares great tales from the road, tells us what Kathy Bates film inspired one of the band's biggest hits, and discusses the band's decision to get off the road in 1995. He also lets us know what bands in today's bluegrass scene really fire him up!   Let's return to Mark's dining room table for Part Two of our conversation with Daniel's "Uncle" Mark Rader.   This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: -- Greene County Public Library: greenelibrary.info -- Samson's Haircare: samsonshaircare.com (Use code BLUEGRASS to save 10%.) 

The Traditional Grass was one of the premiere bluegrass bands of the '80s and 90s. Originating in the Miami Valley, they developed a strong reputation and a national following, releasing four albums for Rebel Records before disbanding in 1995. Daniel sits down to chat with the band's guitarist and lead vocalist, Mark Rader, who formed The Traditional Grass alongside Daniel's papaw and dad: Paul "Moon Mullins and Joe Mullins. Gathered around his dining room table, Mark shares stories about growing up in Middletown and coming of age in southwestern Ohio during such an exciting time for the region's bluegrass scene. He recounts how The Traditional Grass was founded in 1983 and breaks down the excitement behind writing one of their signature songs, "The Blues Are Still The Blues." Mark is a great storyteller and is a lover of roots music. We get him to break down some his favorites artists, from Larry Sparks to Lonnie Mack! Enjoy Part 1 of our conversation with Mark Rader. This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: -- Greene County Public Library: greenelibrary.info -- Samson's Haircare: samsonshaircare.com (Use code BLUEGRASS to save 10%.) 

Larry Sparks is truly one of one. We return to the Sparks home in eastern Indiana for the second half of our conversation with the "Youngest of the Old Timers". We chat with Larry about some of his biggest songs and albums, and we learn about why he turned down some opportunities in the late-80's. He also opens up about his faith and the love of his life, Pam Sparks. Enjoy Part 2 of our conversation with Larry Sparks. This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: -- Greene County Public Library: greenelibrary.info -- Samson's Haircare: samsonshaircare.com (Use code BLUEGRASS to save 10%.) 

There is no one like Larry Sparks. A member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, he is a large part of the "Industrial Strength Bluegrass" story. As we dive into the history of southwestern Ohio bluegrass, we visited with Larry Sparks at his home in eastern Indiana. Larry Sparks talks growing up in the Miami Valley and vividly recalls the first time he sang in church as youngster. We learn about his time with The Stanley Brothers, about him being asked to join Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, and what made him strike out on his own to form Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers. (He also bemoans the retirement of his flip phone.) Enjoy Part 1 of our conversation with Larry Sparks. This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: -- Greene County Public Library: greenelibrary.info -- Samson's Haircare: samsonshaircare.com (Use code BLUEGRASS to save 10%.) 

In this second episode of our "Industrial Strength Bluegrass" season of Walls of Time, we pick back up with Fred Bartenstein at his home in Yellow Springs, OH. Fred was about to share "the quintessential Carlton Haney story" (trust us, you have to hear it!). Fred also discusses working in New York City with the Greenbriar Boys and the time he spent in the Big Apple with Joe & Lily Isaacs. He also shares fascinating stories about his publications on Joe Wilson and Uncle Josh Graves. Fred's "bluegrass spotlights" analysis of the genre will change the way you view our musical genre, and of course, we chat more about "Industrial Strength Bluegrass." Enjoy Part 2 of our conversation with Fred Bartenstein, who truly is a "bluegrass guru.". This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: -- Greene County Public Library: greenelibrary.info -- Samson's Haircare: samsonshaircare.com (Use code BLUEGRASS to save 10%.)