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. Podcast news Earl Scruggs 100th birthday celebration part 1 News and announcements (Church Street News) Earl Scruggs Center - Center Stage shows Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Scroll on Buddy Rachel Baiman BGS piece on Brittany Haas and Punch Brothers Tristan Scroggins BGS pie...
Jan 22, 2024•9 min•Ep. 352
January 6th would have been Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. To celebrate Earl and his extraordinary influence, I've been speaking to people who knew, played with and have been inspired by him. This is part 1, featuring three amazing banjo players: Tony Trischka Kristin Scott Benson Alan Munde They all share their thoughts on Earl and his contribution to music and the banjo, as well as why Earl's music is so special to them. All of these are brand new interviews carried out for these episodes. They...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 351
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. Podcast news Josh Turknett interview episode News and announcements (Church Street News) Nickel Creek tour dates Sore Fingers Summer School Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Scroll on Buddy Tony Rice Church Street Blues vinyl reissue Other bits Sign up for emails https://bluegras...
Jan 14, 2024•12 min•Ep. 350
For this week's episode I'm doing something I don't normally do - reposting an old interview. In fact, I don't think I've ever done it before. The reason I'm doing it is that so many of us make resolutions at this time of year to practice more, play better or just improve on our instruments. My guest in this interview has some wonderful advice on all of those things. My guest for this one is Josh Turknett, author of the fantastic book 'The Laws of Brainjo - The Art & Science of Molding a Mus...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 349
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. Podcast news Jerry Douglas talks about the Earl Scruggs 100th birthday concert Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Scroll on Buddy Nickel Creek - Blackberry Session Other bits Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/ The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist Full lis...
Jan 08, 2024•7 min•Ep. 348
January 6th 2024 would have been Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. I'm putting together a very special set of episodes to celebrate. As part of them I spoke to Jerry Douglas, who's organising a spectacular night of music at The Ryman on Earl's birthday to mark the occasion. This is a taster taken from a much longer chat I had with Jerry. We talked about putting the show together and why he wants to celebrate Earl. The full interview will be released in a couple of weeks, alongside lots of other gues...
Jan 02, 2024•10 min•Ep. 347
It’s almost the end of 2023. Where did the year go?! I’m already working on some exciting stuff for 2024 but, before we head into the holidays, I wanted to have a look back at 2023 on Bluegrass Jam Along as it’s been an extraordinary year. I’ve had the opportunity to speak to some truly amazing guests. You’ll hear excerpts from a few of them in this episode, along with a recap of all the interviews on the podcast this year. You’ll hear from: Sierra Hull on playing with Bela Fleck and the new mus...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 346
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) Peghead Nation - Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Essentials, taught by Aaron Weinstein Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course Delfest lineup Releases (The Grass is New) Billy Strings live release The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Bela Fleck ...
Dec 10, 2023•12 min•Ep. 345
My guest this week is Ted Olson. Ted is Professor of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University. He's also written liner notes and essays for some wonderful projects, including “Doc Watson – Life's Work: A Retrospective,” and the fantastic “Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs Of Jane Gentry and Mary Sands” by Martin Simpson & Thomm Jutz. Ted joins me to talk about three wonderful projects he worked on for Bear Family Records, celebrating three key recording sessions that took pla...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 344
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 - Mickey’s Fiddle Tune Arrangements book Sierra Hull tour dates Billy Strings Europe 2023 Mini Tour Documentary Releases (The Grass is New) Rachel Baiman ‘Common Nation of Sorrow’ deluxe edition The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Bu...
Dec 04, 2023•10 min•Ep. 343
This 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 3 tunes with a more open feel, they're not quite as busy as tunes like Blackberry Blosson. They are: Home Sweet Home in D Red Wing in G Peartree in G We're doin...
Nov 28, 2023•21 min•Ep. 342
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) MerleFest Lineup IBMA Emcee masterclass Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Atkin Guitars D37 12S model (Instagram link) In My Ears The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Other bits Sign up for emails https://bluegr...
Nov 27, 2023•7 min•Ep. 341
This week we're jamming along to the classic tune Big Sandy River. 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 Send a message to ...
Nov 22, 2023•4 min•Ep. 340
This week we're jamming along to Big Sandy River 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 A 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include y...
Nov 22, 2023•9 min•Ep. 339
This week we're jamming along to Big Sandy River 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 A 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I ...
Nov 22, 2023•5 min•Ep. 338
This week we're jamming along to Big Sandy River 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 A 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name s...
Nov 22, 2023•5 min•Ep. 337
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) Energy Curfew Music Hour tickets Releases (The Grass is New) Kelly Hunt - Ozark Symphony The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Mandolin Cafe In My Ears The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Other bits Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalon...
Nov 20, 2023•9 min•Ep. 336
This week we're jamming along to the classic tune Home Sweet Home. 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. If you want a chord chart (or just want to find out more or get in touch), head to bluegrassjamalong.com Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Sup...
Nov 14, 2023•4 min•Ep. 335
This week we're jamming along to Home Sweet Home 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 D at 85 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include y...
Nov 14, 2023•8 min•Ep. 334
This week we're jamming along to Home Sweet Home 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 D at 85 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I ...
Nov 14, 2023•5 min•Ep. 333
This week we're jamming along to Home Sweet Home 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 D at 85 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 Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name s...
Nov 14, 2023•5 min•Ep. 332
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) Grammy Nominations Releases (The Grass is New) Catilin Canty ‘Quiet Flame’ video (with Paul Kowert) The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy ArtistWorks Mandolin Round Table video In My Ears The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Other bits Sign up...
Nov 13, 2023•9 min•Ep. 331
2023 is the 20th anniversary of the release of Mike Marshall and Chris Thile's album of mandolin duets 'Into the Cauldron'. To mark the anniversary and celebrate the album, and the influence it's had on a whole generation of mandolin players, I've put together two very special episodes. This is part 2, featuring interviews with mandolin players who were influenced by and love Into the Cauldron, including: Daniel Patrick (Mandolins and Beer podcast) Jarrod Walker (Billy Strings) Tristan Scroggins...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 330
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’ 100th Birthday Celebration Bluegrass Guitar Sicily - With Bryan Sutton and Chris Eldridge Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Appalachian Mountains and the Scottish Highlands map In My Ears The Grass is (m...
Nov 06, 2023•9 min•Ep. 329
2023 is the 20th anniversary of the release of Mike Marshall and Chris Thile's album of mandolin duets 'Into the Cauldron'. To mark the anniversary and celebrate the album, and the influence it's had on a whole generation of mandolin players, I've put together two very special episodes. This is part 1, featuring a brand new, in-depth interview with Mike Marshall. We chat about how the record came about, song choices, recording, how they got that amazing reverb and so much more. It was a fascinat...
Oct 31, 2023•54 min•Ep. 328
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. Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Elderly Instruments named America’s Top Small Business In My Ears Bear Family CDs We Shall All Be Reunited - Revisiting The Bristol Sessions 1927-1928 (CD) Tell It To Me - The Johnson City Sessions - Revisited 1928-1929 (CD) Sa...
Oct 30, 2023•7 min•Ep. 327
This week we're playing another tune back to back at two different speeds - once at 75 bpm then again at 85. We're doing Big Sciota 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 bpm. Don't forget to grab a chord sheet if you need one from bluegrassjamalong.com Happy picking! Matt Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (D...
Oct 24, 2023•16 min•Ep. 326
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. Bluegrass Jam Along News Clarence White Tribute - part 1 Clarence White Tribute - part 2 Releases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New Spotify playlist Scroll on Buddy Mandolins and Beer podcast Earl Scruggs book Other bits Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/ The Grass is (mostly) Ne...
Oct 24, 2023•7 min•Ep. 325
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Clarence White - one of the undisputed greats of bluegrass guitar. To mark the occasion, and to celebrate Clarence, I've been speaking to people who knew and played with him, as well as musicians who were influenced by his playing. This is part 2, featuring all new interviews with Russ Barenberg, Diane Bouska, Michael Daves and Tim Stafford. Russ produced the first book of transcriptions of Clarence's playing and Diane, who was married to Clarence'...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 324
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. Bluegrass Jam Along News Clarence White Tribute part 1 Sweet Relief Musicians Fund News and announcements (Church street News) Celtic Connections Oh, Didn’t They Ramble - Rounder Records book Blue Ridge Guitar Camp Charlotte Carrivick interview Web Apple Spotify Bela Fleck ‘My Bluegrass Heart’ transcriptions Rele...
Oct 16, 2023•9 min•Ep. 323
