John Hartford is one of the most unique and creative artists in American music history. Frankly, I consider a distaste for John Hartford bordering on a character flaw. Among other things, I look at the venerable fiddler, banjoist, and songwriter […]
Anyone who has read my blog even occasionally has probably noticed that I write about banjos a lot. In addition to many other pieces, I’ve discussed the forthcoming Banjo Project documentary, listed the instrument as one of the most important […]
Bela Fleck at MTSU’s Tucker Theater, photo by David Shields Earlier this evening, I attended a performance and speaking engagement with renowned banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck at Middle Tennessee State University, just outside of Nashville. As the evening began, Fleck […]
Earlier this week, I joined an online conversation about how to grow and sustain an audience for bluegrass music. Specifically, the conversation was about the use (or lack thereof) of social media in the bluegrass community. Through the twitter feed […]
For the most part Valentine’s Day kind of sucks, no matter your romantic situation. For those without a sweetheart, it can be a day of exhausted resentment as one watches those lucky souls in love make plans to celebrate […]
In the opening track of KMAG YOYO (& other American stories), Hayes Carll croons, “I’m like James Brown, only white and taller.” While Carll may not be the Godfather of country soul, his fourth album certainly solidifies that he’s a […]
Justin Robinson to leave Chocolate Drops I just heard an unsubstantiated rumor that Justin Robinson will be leaving the Carolina Chocolate Drops. According to a post on The Banjo Hangout, this was announced at the Drops’ Lincoln Center concert […]
Discovering Cahalen Morrison & Eli West reminds me that there is an upside to digital technology shaking up the music industry. I came to their music through twitter, when their promoter, Hearth Music, began following my feed. I followed Hearth’s […]
The EP collaboration between the Carolina Chocolate Drops and Luminescent Orchestrii (also featuring beatbox artist, Adam Matta) is easily the best acoustic-hip-hop-stringband-Romanian-gypsy-fiddle-old-time hybrid you’re likely to hear this year. Actually, despite its novelty, this album is probably one of the […]
