Bluegrass Jam Along

Kristina R. Gaddy joins me again to celebrate the paperback release of her fascinating  book “Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History”.We chat about the reception to the book's publication in hardback, what information has come to light since publication, Kristina's hopes that her book will inspire others to pick up where she left off and dig deeper, plus how Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter', featuring Rhiannon Giddens (who wrote the foreword to Kristina's book)  increased the attention on the themes the the book deals with.It was a treat getting to chat to Kristina again. If you missed the original episode,  I've reposted it as the episode before this (#380) so you can listen again.To buy the book, follow these links:US:https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803UK/Europe:https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393866803-well-of-soulsTo find our more, visit Kristina’s website and InstagramThe film mentioned at the end is The Librarian and the Banjo Happy picking!Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

**This interview was originally posted in September 2022**My guest this week is Kristina R. Gaddy, who joins us to discuss her fascinating  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 slaveowners throughout the Americas, to Suriname, the Caribbean, and the colonies that became U.S. states.It’s a fascinating book and, I hope you’ll agree, makes for a fascinating conversation.To buy the book, follow these links:US:https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803UK/Europe:https://wwnorton.co.uk/books/9780393866803-well-of-soulsTo find our more, visit Kristina’s website and InstagramThe film mentioned at the end is The Librarian and the Banjo Happy picking!Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - Church Street News Church Street Blues reissueReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My 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 curious is more important than being right.There's a link to his IMBA speech below and I strongly recommend you go and check it out if you haven't seen it. It's wonderful.I loved this conversation and hope you do too.You can find out more about Berklee and the Roots Music Program  at https://college.berklee.edu/focused/rootsHere's Matt's 2023 IBMA keynote speechHappy picking!Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - Church Street News Fretboard SummitRhiannon Giddens on collaborating with Beyoncé on 'Cowboy Carter'Releases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyDavid Benedict ‘How I Transcribe’ Hillary Klug KickstarterOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This  week we're jamming along to the classic tune Temperance Reel. This is a performance track, rather than a backing track. It's me playing both tune and backup so you've got a reference to listen to if you're new to the tune, or just want to be able to listen a few times to the whole thing.Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done and jam along!If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch),  head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got  three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the jam along track where I play backup, followed by the melody then we keep swapping.  It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm.Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done.If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch),  just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got  three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the you play lead track where I play backup so you can work on the tune.  It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm.Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done.If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch),  just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week we're jamming along to Temperance Reel and I've got  three brand new backing track episodes for you. This is the you play rhythm track where I play the melody so you can work on backup.  It's four times through in the key of G at 75 bpm.Don't forget to check out the other three episodes when you're done.If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch),  just head to bluegrassjamalong.com Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news IBMA ticket infoReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyBob Minner - Sulphur DellOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Lindsay Lou, who joins me to talk about her wonderful record Queen of Time.We talk about the arc of Lindsay's creative journey, from her previous record Southland to this record, and beyond. We also chat about why it's important to know where you came from, both personally and musically, and why that led to Lindsay using interviews with her grandmother on two tracks on the record, plus I got the chance to ask about Lindsay's recent experience of joining the Transatlantic Sessions tour in the UK.This was a fascinating conversation to get to be part of.  You can find out more about Lindsay at www.lindsayloumusic.comFor regular updates follow Lindsay on InstagramHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news Well of Souls - Kristina GaddyReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyPunch Brothers - Just What I NeededOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Bill Amatneek, who joins me to talk about his fascinating new book 'Discovering Tony Rice.'Bill shares his memories of playing with Tony in the David Grisman Quintet, officiating at Tony's wedding to Leela and spending time with him on the road. He also talks about how an article on Tony turned into a 260 page book and what he learned about Tony from interviewing his friends, musical colleagues and family in the process.It's a fascinating insight into one of the most extraordinary musicians of our time and was a truly wonderful conversation to get to be a part of.You can buy the book from Vineyard PressHappy picking,Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news Earl Scruggs Music Festival lineupMike Marshall and Caterina  Lichtenberg’s mandolin retreatReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyThe Last Repair ShopOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is singer-songwriter, producer, author, and playwright Michael Johnathon.Michael is probably best known as the founder, producer and host of The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour. He joins me to talk about Woodsongs' extraordinary history, from its humble beginnings in a tiny room with an audience of 12, to being broadcast on 537 radio stations and heard by over two million listeners.We also chat about his SongFarmers project, a global network where musicians become leaders and mentors in their communities through monthly gatherings.You can find out more about SongFarmers at www.songfarmers.orgYou can also find out more about Woodsongs at www.woodsongs.com, where you can listen to and watch hundreds of past episodes, including performances from some of the greatest names in roots and acoustic music.The movie Michael mentions is Caney Creek: The Legend of Alice LoydThanks for listening and happy picking!Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news North Carolina Guitar CelebrationChris Thile’s AcousticampReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyNew Music Streaming BillPitchforkMixmagOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is guitarist Ethan Sherman.Ethan joins me to talk about his new record 'Passages', which is due out on March 8th. We chat about working with producer Wes Corbett on the project, why it was important to write for specific players and how Ethan came to string band music in the first place.We also chat about a wonderful book Ethan co-wrote with Adam Levy called 'String Theories'. I've been working with it for a couple of weeks and it's really inspired me to focus more on where I want to get to on guitar. I can't recommend it enough.Ethan is also Michael Buble's touring guitarist - but we don't really talk about that at all!You can find out more about the book on the String Theories website and more about Ethan at ethanshermanmusic.comHappy picking!Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news Lessons With Marcel Tony Rice videoReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyEarl Scruggs’ D18Other bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Missy Raines.We talk about Missy's wonderful new album 'Highlander' and her journey from being a bass player to becoming a singer/songwriter and bandleader. Along the way Missy talks about being part of a musical tradition, what that means to her, how working with producer Alison Brown shaped the record and why it felt like coming home to a place she'd never left to begin with.It's a great record and I really enjoyed the conversation.To find out more about Missy, including links to her social channels and ArtistWorks bass school, visit www.missyraines.comHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome 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.News and announcements - church street news Song FarmersCasey Driessen’s Blue Ridge Fiddle CampReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyScott Nygaard on playing for people to dance toOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.Matt Support the show===- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts