Bluegrass,
Americana,
Folk & Country - Listings, News, Views & Reviews
Issue
15, Nov/Dec 2011 - Published Bi-Monthly next deadline for
editorial 1st Feb 2012
THE CROWE BROTHERS – BRIDGING
THE GAP
with new album
In
the fine tradition of the
Stanley Brothers,
Louvin Brothers and
Wilburn Brothers, the
CROWE
BROTHERS are carrying on the
tradition of beautifully blended
brother harmonies in bluegrass and
traditional country music with their new
album BRIDGING THE GAP on
Rural Rhythm Records. This new album will
truly delight both bluegrass and traditional
country music listeners as the veteran
bluegrass brothers, Josh & Wayne
Crowe, deliver a solid album filled
with beautifully blended harmonies, soulful
lead vocals and fine pickin’ that
bridges the gap between the traditional
and contemporary Bluegrass music styles.
Joining the
CROWE BROTHERS on their
album is an all star group of bluegrass
musicians who have won Grammy, IBMA and/or
SPBGMA awards including: Randy Kohrs,
Steve Sutton (Jimmy Martin, Rhonda
Vincent & The Rage, Alecia Nugent),
Ashby Frank (Special Consensus,
Mashville Brigade) and album co-producer /
musician Steve Thomas (J.D.
Crowe & The New South).
Each song on
BRIDGING THE GAP
was carefully chosen to showcase the
CROWE BROTHER’S powerful vocals
including: “He Could Pick the Hound”,
“Eighteen Wheels”, “Trusting In My Lord”
and “If I Had My Life To Live Over”.
Other album highlights include new versions
of their # 1 hit single on the Bluegrass
Unlimited Top 30 Song Chart, “The
Winds Are Blowing in Maggie Valley”,
and fan favorites “Grandma’s Little
Boardside Cabin” and “I’m Going
Back to Old Virginia”, originally
recorded with David McLaughlin on the
classic Crowe & McLaughlin 1994
album.
The
CROWE BROTHERS are coming off their
highly successful last album
BROTHERS-N-HARMONY, which
contained the #1 SiriusXM hit single “Cindy Mae” along with
their incredible performances on THE ALL-STAR JAM – LIVE AT GRAVES
MOUNTAIN that received an
impressive five 2011 IBMA nominations
including a nod for Album of the Year.
BRIDGING THE GAP will
be available 10.11.11 wherever bluegrass
music is sold for both the physical CD and
Digital album.
TRACKS:
01 HE
COULD PICK THE HOUND
02
SNOW WOMAN
03
EIGHTEEN WHEELS
04 IF
I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
05
WAYWARD HEART
06
SOUTHERN MOON
07 I
KNEW IT WASN’T YOU (The Telephone Song)
08
TRUSTING IN MY LORD
09
GRANDMA’S LITTLE BOARDSIDE CABIN
10 IF
IT TAKES MORE THAN LOVE TO HOLD YOU
11
THE WINDS ARE BLOWING IN MAGGIE VALLEY
12
I’M GOING BACK TO OLD VIRGINIA
13
GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO ME
For more
information on THE CROWE BROTHERS, please
visit
CroweBrothers.com
STELLAR LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
FOR CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2012
Celtic Connections 2012, sponsored by ScottishPower
19th January – 5th
February
2100 artists, 300 events, 18
days, 20 venues
·Artistic Director Donald Shaw today
unveiled a stellar programme
for Celtic Connections
2012, sponsored by
ScottishPower, with some
of the biggest names in
folk, roots, world,
traditional, indie, blues
and jazz
performing in Glasgow this
January and February.
·The 19th Celtic
Connections festival will
see around 2100 artists
from around the world
taking part in 300 events
in 20 venues across
Glasgow over 18
days.
·Programme highlights include Béla Fleck
and the original
Flecktones, The Aaron
Neville Band, Bruce Hornsby
and guests, Jack
Bruce (Cream) with
Lau, a Woody Guthrie
Centennial, Orchestra
Baobab, The Spirit of
Scotland Pipe Band, Song for
Ireland, a one-off
reunion gig with Glasgow’s
The Big Dish, and
Floating Palace
featuring KT Tunstall.
·An all-star line-up will assemble to
celebrate the life and music
of Gerry Rafferty, in a show
curated by his daughter
Martha Rafferty and
long-time friend Rab
Noakes, featuring The
Proclaimers, Barbara
Dickson, Maria Muldaur, Ron
Sexsmith and more.
·Spearheading the festival’s political strand
is a celebration of the
Woody Guthrie Centennial
with his granddaughter
Sarah Lee Guthrie and
Johnny Irion.
Coming together for the
first ever live performance
of the The Woody Guthrie
Project are Jay
Farrar (Son Volt),
Yim Yames (My Morning
Jacket), Anders Parker
and Will Johnson
(Monsters of Folk).
·
Also part of the political
strand, the festival will
host a UCS Work In 40th
Anniversary Celebration,
marking 40years
since the
conclusion of the historic
Upper Clyde Shipbuilder Work
In.
·The festival celebrates the vibrancy of the
folk and trad scene with
performances by
Shooglenifty, Session A9,
Blazin’ Fiddles, Treacherous
Orchestra, Salsa Celtica,
Dónal Lunny,
Cherish the Ladies, Matt
Molloy Trio and more.
·Celtic Connections will launch in
spectacular fashion with
Béla Fleck and the
reunited original
Flecktones performing
with an array of special
guests for the opening
concert.
·Martha Reeves and The Vandellas,
Cedric Watson, Moussu T,
Pura Fé and John
Trudell will bring a
touch of soul, gospel and
blues to Glasgow.
·Omar Sosa, Emir Kusturica & the No
Smoking Orchestra, Vieux
Farka Touré, Faiz Ali Faiz,
Orchestra Baobab
and Sol i Serena add
a world music flavour to the
festivities.
The
festival, which enters its
19th year in
2012, will run from 19th
January – 5th
February andis
sponsored by
ScottishPower. With an
ambitious and adventurous
programme which embraces
Celtic music’s connections
with musical genres and
cultural traditions from
across the globe, Celtic
Connections 2012 will see
2100 artists perform in
around 300 events
over 18 days in 20
venues across Glasgow.
Celtic Connections is
programmed and promoted by
Glasgow Life. New venues for the 2012 festival include
the Mitchell Theatre,
Brel, St Mary’s Cathedral,
Platform and Apollo
23 – the new home of the
Celtic Connections Festival
Club.
AMERICANA, COUNTRY AND
BLUEGRASS
Some of the world’s most
exciting Americana, country
and bluegrass talent will
visit Glasgow this
January. Acts on the bill
include New Country Rehab,
Madison Violet, US
singer-songwriter Josh
Rouse andthe
formidably virtuosic,
genre-busting quintet
Punch Brothers, formed
by ex-Nickel Creek
mandolinist and singer
Chris Thile. Old time
string band Carolina
Chocolate Drops and
The Turtle Dhuks also
make an appearance at Celtic
Connections this January.
FREE CONCERTS & WORKSHOPS
FOR 12,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN
Crowned Best Educational
Event at the 2011 Scottish
Event Awards, the Celtic
Connections Education
Programme enters into
its 13th year in
2012. Over 10,000
children will enjoy 5 free
schools concerts in the
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
in January. For many of the
children in attendance, this
will be their first
experience of live music. A
further 2,000
children will benefit from
free in-school workshops led
by professional Celtic
musicians.
Celtic Connections 2012 runs
from Thursday 19th
January – Sunday 5th
February and comprises 300
concerts, ceilidhs, talks,
workshops, free events and
late night sessions taking
place over 18 days in 20
venues across Glasgow.
The focal point of Celtic
Connections is the
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall,
where every available space
is utilised during the
festival, from workshops in
the foyers to performances
by world-class artists in
the Main Auditorium.
Elsewhere in Glasgow, venues
such as O2
ABC, The Tron, Òran Mór, The
Arches, The Mitchell
Theatre, City Halls and
festival fans’ favourite the
Old Fruitmarket will
all play host to Celtic
Connections events, whilst
the legendary Celtic
Connections Festival Club
will move to a new home of
Apollo 23 (formerly
Jongleurs Comedy Club) on
Renfrew Street. Brel
will host jazz and acoustic
sessions as part of the
festival.
Tickets can be booked:
Online
www.celticconnections.com
By phone 0141 353 8000 In
person Glasgow Royal Concert
Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street,
Glasgow, G2 3NY City Halls
and Old Fruitmarket,
Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1
1NQ
MAIL ORDER
Banjos,
parts
and
accessories,
practice
aides,
and
tablature.
Dates for the 2012 Acoustic Festival of Britain are May 25 - 26 - 27
when we will be back at Uttoxeter Racecourse in Staffordshire.
Artists Already Confirmed
Joan Armatrading John Cooper Clark,Quill, Glenn Tilbrook,Tir Na Nog,
Gordon Giltrap,The Animals,Stackridge Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams,
Robin & Bina Williamson, Wee Bag Band, Joe O'Donnells' Shkyla,Rodney Branigan, The Re-Entrants,Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson ,
+many more T.B.A.
You can hear most of these artists on our new updated 2012 Acoustic Festival Jukebox Listen Here
2012 EARLY BIRD TICKETS Now on Sale £70 Adult Weekend £15 camping
No Extra Charges for Caravans or live in vehicles
The best value Festival Price Around....Posh Loos...Showers....
Park next to your tent.
Available Until Dec 31st. 4 Stage Easy Instalment Plan Available
First Headline Act Confirmed Joan Armatrading
Uttoxeter Acoustic Festival - Folkish, rockish and daring
The Uttoxeter Acoustic Festival is unique in many ways. In the first place it is incredible that for the price of one concert ticket, one can enjoy a multitude of sounds spread over three days.
Its very intimate setting makes it completely different from all other festivals. It has not commercialised and one hopes that the indie, DIY philosophy that does characterize this festival continues to prevail. Here is a festival that has a mind and a heart of its own.
Joan Armatrading's rich, distinctive voice and passionate yet tender blend of Pop Jazz, Folk and Blues music has earned her a place in British music history. One of Britain's female artists who has stood the test of time with songs like Love And Affection, Willow, Drop The Pilot and Lovers Speak.
Joan Armatrading has earned herself a reputation as one of Britain's most unusual and gifted talents whose live performances are not to be missed. Joan will be playing the Acoustic Festival on Saturday May 26th.
Please
do not
reply to
this
email as
the
email
account
used for
sending
this
isn't
monitered
apart
from
managing
subscriptions
and your
email
will not
be
answered.
To
contact
The
Festival
Office
please
use
info@acousticfestival.co.uk
Traders
Please
Note -
Please
use the
relevant
contact
form at
www.acousticfestival.co.uk
The
Acoustic
Festival
of
Britain
May Fest
- PO Box
64,
Ammanford,
Carmarthenshire.
SA18 9AB
Telephone
0333
9000 919
- email
info@acousticfestival.co.uk
The
20th Annual Charlie
Gaisford
Memorial/Charity
Concert for the RNLI
Saturday 3rd Dec 2011,
7pm to 11pm
Ruskin
House, 23 Coombe Road,
Croydon, Surrey, CR0
1BD.
(Corner of Coombe Road
and Park Lane)
Bands
so far………..
Monroes Revenge, Acoustic
Astronauts, Kent Carters
Rustic Ramblers,
FoolProof, Biggin
Hillbillies, Les Elvin
Bar - Raffle £8
entry £5 Ruskin House
Members
Concessions
Nearest stations East
Croydon or South Croydon
Contact Mike 07545326534
"The
Future of Bluegrass“
Della Mae (USA) “The
Daughters of Bluegrass"
Deadly Gentlemen (USA)
“Epic Folk & Grasscore”
Cahalen Morrison & Eli
West (USA) “Mountain
Roots"
As the Bluegrass World
celebrates the hundredth
birthday of Bill Monroe,
the "father" of
bluegrass music, the
3rd „Bluegrass Jamboree
– Festival of Bluegrass
& Americana Music“, with
three young and
innovative artists
performing on this
year`s tour, will offer
a look into the future
of the genre. Many of
the exciting
developments in
Bluegrass are currently
found outside the
regions of its origin in
the South East of the
United States. In the
same way Bill Monroe and
his band invented
Bluegrass in the late
1940s mixing Blues,
Jazz, Irish and Scottish
folk, Gospel and
Spirituals in Kentucky,
his peers and successive
generations of players
kept experimenting on
developing new aspects
and sounds until today.
This year the „Jamboree“
artists are all from the
northern states of the
USA, where the music
grows more freely
without sometimes rather
conservative limitations
of the South. The sound
stays fully authentic
and usually only experts
may notice the
differences and find out
that most of the music
is new and does not draw
from the repertoire of
sixty years of
Bluegrass, although the
connection is still easy
to recognize. But be
sure - there will also
be a good dose of
"Monroe" tribute on the
show!
CAHALEN MORRISON and
ELI WEST present
archaic folk sounds on
banjo and other stringed
instruments, played with
energy and virtuosity of
Bluegrass. There will be
intense spellbinding
two-part male vocals
along lyrics about
essential life
experiences, guiding the
audience on a journey
through the musical
heights of New Folk,
Oldtime and Bluegrass.
The two rising stars of
the Seattle Folk scene
perform new pieces with
the musical sound of
today. Cahalen's
songwriting is inspired
by the old songs of a
time, when hard work and
the struggle to survive
the Depression years in
the mountain region of
the Appalachians lead to
a musical form that
dealt with the
existential aspects of
life: themes of
landscape, nature, love,
sorrow, grief, joy,
death and reverence,
deeply spiritual, open
and honest. In the
course of history this
sometimes-called "White
Mans's Blues" was named
oldtime, folk, country,
bluegrass and hillbilly.
The "fire" of Cahalen
and Eli emerges from the
combination of
songwriting with the
intensity of the
Bluegrass and
beautifully played
instruments as well as
intense vocals. At age
15 the (practically
incurable) bluegrass
virus got Eli, since
then he has been devoted
to stringed instruments.
His special way of
playing the guitar
combines breathtaking
solo and rhythm work. He
also writes the vocal
arrangements which can
be characterized by
spirited rhythmic and
harmonic explorations of
the style - exactly the
artistic freedom that
motivated the musicians
of the genre back in the
early years of the 20th
century – or as Monroe
put it: "create your own
music!"
THE DEADLY GENTLEMEN
These banjo-rappers at
some of their
performances in the
South virtually had to
escape from the stage of
a traditional Bluegrass
Festival, because the
audience did not seem
ready for the innovative
“rap-grass“-sound of the
band. Amazing, as they
further developed Bill
Monroe's idea of
Bluegrass: the mix of
old and new: Rap, Jazz,
Pop and Rock, New
Acoustic Music plus
Bluegrass into something they call „Grasscore and Epic Folk“. The
lyrics sometimes are
harsh and violent, but
also sweet and romantic
and tell about love and
hate and many other
timeless topics. The way
they combine rhythmic
vocal structures and
wild, improvisational
instrumental outbursts
is simply
revolutionary. "The
Bluegrass Police will
definitely keep an eye
on us"laughs
master Gentleman, banjo
wizzard and doctor of
molecular biology Greg
Liszt. He joined Bruce
Springsteen for
productions and on tour,
became a founding member
of progressive folk
roots band "Crooked
Still" and is considered
as one of the few true
banjo innovators. His
playing is "funky" and
expands traditional
three-finger picking
into a four-finger style
with exciting rhythmic
elements along powerful
melodic lines.
DELLA MAE, or in
other words five of the
best female Bluegrass
musicians and performers
of the North East
together in one “supergroup“.
They do not think much
of the rather softly
played softer modern
Bluegrass style, but
favour a more speedy and
rough version of this
kind of music. As huge
fans of the 40`s and
50`s sound of the wild
men of that era, the
five women combine a
strong drive, powerful
harmonies and modern
song writing to a
contemporary and
intensive style of
Bluegrass, which they
will perform for the
first time in Europe at
all. Celia Woodsmith's
powerful voice is
influenced by various
styles of music from
Bluegrass, Country and
Soul over to Blues and
even Folk. Through her
impressive play of the
rhythm guitar on stage
she`s theconnective part
between the different
members of this
ambitious band. Kimber
Ludiker plays the
fiddle: when she was
three years old her
grandfather taught her
the first fiddle lessons
and today by the
beginning of her 20s she
already has been awarded
Grand National Fiddle
Champion twice. She is
furious play of the
extraordinary
five-string fiddle she
mixes elements of
Bluegrass, Oldtime and
Western Swing.
Courtney Hartman
provides the Flat Pick
Solo Guitar, an
instrument which first
in the 1960`s became an
equal part of the
Bluegrass-ensemble
besidesmandolin, fiddle
and banjo and is more
often played by men. For
her virtuoso solos she
regularly gains standing
ovations from
enthusiastic audiences.
Today besides her band
activities she is taking
classes in "serious"
music at the
well-respected Berklee
College of Music in
Boston, a region where
currently the most
exciting developments in
Bluegrass music in the
USA are taking place.
Jenny Lyn Gardner is a
master of the Bluegrass
Mandolin: As the band's
“snare drum“ she is
responsible for the
typical Bluegrass
off-beat rhythm. In
traditional Bluegrass
there is no percussion
itself, so this part is
taken over by the other
instruments together.
During the band`s
performances it is
always an exciting
moment listening to
Jenny Lyn`s vivid solos.
Amanda Kowalski plays
the acoustic String
Bass. A true and living
legend at the string
bass, she has played in
extraordinary projects
together with banjo
explorers Tony Trischka,
Bela Fleck or Abigail
Washburn, only to name a
few of the great names
she has performed with
over the years. Her
musical journey lead
Amanda, who was born in
the Hillbilly State of
West Virginia, to the
“Grand Ole Opry“ in
Nashville as well as to
Sidney`s famous opera
house where she played
highly respected shows.
3rd
Bluegrass Jamboree! –
Festival of Bluegrass
and Americana Music
18.12.2011 41564
Kaarst Albert
Einstein Forum 20:00
ATTENTION: Again there
will be a world wide
live radio broadcast of
the full first show of
the tour. So all of you
who can't be at this
show can catch the music
on radio Wueste Welle in
Tübingen via Internet
radio.
http://www.wueste-welle.de
DATE: Dec 2, 20-24:00
(Central European Time)
It
had been a few years
since the princess of
bluegrass, Alison Krauss
graced the British Isles
with her tender, breathy
vocal and mournful
fiddle. Then, of
course, she was on the
arm of a native and rock
god, Robert Plant.
Perhaps it was really
that intoxicating duo
and subsequent
critically acclaimed
album, Rising Sand that
won Alison Krauss a new
found following in the
UK.
Now, she
is promoting her 2011
release, Paper Airplane,
with her long serving
and ultra-talented band,
Union Station. The
premier performance in
the UK tour was held at
Birmingham’s Symphony
Hall.
Alison
Krauss and Union Station
made such a demure
entrance and opened with
the title track off the
new album, Paper
Airplane. This was
followed up almost
immediately with Dan
Tyminski on vocals with
Dustbowl Children.
Union Station stay true
to the essence of
bluegrass with its
intense lamenting
lyrics, beautiful three
(and sometimes four)
part harmonies and
traditional instruments
but yet they are able to
put it across in such a
commercial, mainstream
way. This approach is
particularly evident in
its delivery of
well-known covers like
early-90s country
favourite, Ghost in this
House, or British soul
Baby Now that I Found
You to the mega hit and
pop remake, When You Say
Nothing At All.
The
set list was very heavy
on songs from the new
album which included the
haunting, percussive Lie
Awake, the sweet
surrender of Dimming of
the Day to the
roots-laden tale of
Bonita and Bill Butler.
However, there was still
plenty of time-honoured
instrumental breakdowns
especially from
legendary lap steel
player, Jerry Douglas
and older Union Station
favourites like The Boy
that Couldn’t Hoe Corn,
Oh Atlanta, Miles to Go
and the ultimate crowd
pleaser and movie
sensation, Man of
Constant Sorrow.
It was a
striking performance
brought to the UK from
Alison Krauss and Union
Station which included
30 songs interspersed
with quite humorous
interludes and an encore
that just stripped away
the instruments and
showcased the band’s
stunning harmonies and
folk reverence.
Review by
Juanita McGowen
Photography by Mark
Howell
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out debut at #8 on
BILLBOARD's Top 10 Bluegrass Album Chart with PRIME TYME
“If Your Heart Should Ever Roll This Way Again” hits
#1 on Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 30 Hot Singles
Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out hit #8 this week on Billboard Magazine’s Top 10 Bluegrass Album Chart with their new album, PRIME TYME. Not only have retail sales been impressive, but the album and first single have topped the radio charts as well. The single, “If Your Heart Should Ever Roll This Way Again,” hit #1 this month on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Hot Singles, climbed to #8 on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine ’s Top 30 Songs, and debuted on Power Source Magazine’s Top 35 Songs, with the album making its debut on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 15 Album chart this month.
Radio host and music critics agree PRIME TYME has set the standard for quality bluegrass music saying……
“Among bluegrass artists, there aren't many superstars, but Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are certainly among them. PRIME TYME is absolutely stunning in its musicianship, harmony, song selection, and just all-around quality. It may be the best IIIrd Tyme Out disc ever!” Kyle Cantrell, SiriusXM Radio, Bluegrass Junction
"Now, in their 20th year as a first-rate bluegrass band, one would expect that Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out would produce a stellar anniversary CD. There isn't a word in the English language that means 'beyond stellar' but as soon as we have one, we'll apply it to their newest recording - PRIME TYME. In the meantime, we'll have to be satisfied with words like: 'stupendous', 'colossal', 'brilliant', and 'astounding'. We congratulate Russell, Steve, Edgar, Justen, Wayne and all the folks at Rural Rhythm Records. Here's a salute to the next 20 years!" - Brian McNeal,Prescription Bluegrass Radio
“Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out’s PRIME TYME proves once again why this band is a consistent award winner. Refreshing interpretations of songs on this recording will make it one of your favorites.” Bob Webster, WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, Stained Glass Bluegrass
"With PRIME TYME, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out demonstrate why they have led the charts since the band first started 20 years ago. I'm not sure if this was the meaning behind the title, but it also makes clear that they are in their prime." - John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
“For many years now, IIIrd Tyme Out has been one the most enjoyable - and most awarded groups in Bluegrass Music. After hearing their latest disc, I see no reason why either of those distinctions should come to an end anytime soon. I can tell you this album is proof that Bluegrass Music is in some mighty fine hands!” - Chuck Dauphin, Music News Nashville
“Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme definitely has the edge in PRIME TYME. This recording is chock full of outstanding music.” - Jim Fisher, WGCS Down Home
As the band celebrates their 20th anniversary, they continue to receive top awards and accolades as evidenced by Russell Moore’s win as the 2011 International Bluegrass Music Association’s MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR – his fourth award in this category. He is also a 6-time winner of the SPBGMA - MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR award. IIIrd Tyme Out is no doubt one of the top awarding-winning bands in bluegrass, receiving over 50 Industry Awards during their impressive career including: 7-time winner of the IBMA - VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR; 5-time winner of the SPBGMA - VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR, plus many more.
For more information on Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out’s special collector’s album, PRIME TYME, plus upcoming tour dates, please visit IIIrdTymeOut.com.
WILKESBORO, N.C. —
Ticket sales for
MerleFest 25, presented
by Lowe’s and slated for
April 26 – 29, 2012,
will beginon
Tuesday, November 8,
at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Ticket purchases can be
made on the web at
www.merlefest.org
or by calling
1-800-343-7857. The
four-day festival will
once again take place on
the campus of Wilkes
Community College in
Wilkesboro, North
Carolina. MerleFest is
an annual homecoming of
musicians and music
fans, gathering to
celebrate the memory of
musician Eddy Merle
Watson, beloved son of
American music icon Doc
Watson.
A complete list of the
initial lineup for
MerleFest 25 is
available at
www.merlefest.org.
Additionally,
up-to-the-minute lineup
additions for the
festival can be obtained
through the festival’s
e-newsletter and various
social media. For
instance, this past
weekend, it was first
announced through
Facebook and Twitter
that the Waybacks have
been confirmed for
MerleFest 25, ensuring
that the popular
festival feature
“Hillside Album Hour”
will take place once
again this year.
With nearly 90 artists
performing on 14 stages
during the course of the
event, MerleFest 25 is
an entertainment value.
An early bird ticket
discount is
available through
March 12, 2012.
MerleFest, considered
one of the premiere
music festivals in the
country, is held on the
campus of Wilkes
Community College in
Wilkesboro, North
Carolina. MerleFest was
founded in 1988 in
memory of Eddy Merle
Watson and is a
celebration of
“traditional plus”
music. The annual
festival has become the
primary fundraiser for
the WCC Endowment
Corporation, funding
scholarships, capital
projects and other
educational needs.
NEWS FROM
FRIENDS OF AMERICAN OLD TIME
MUSIC AND DANCE (foaotmad)
www.foaotmad.org.uk
***************************************
La Fuente de
Musica
Residential
old-time Music workshop week
in Andalucia May 12-19, 2012
El Fonte, Sorbas, Espana
04270
The
curriculum for May music
week includes classes in
beginning and advanced
old-time fiddle, beginning
and advanced old-time banjo,
guitar, and group singing.
Teachers are Dave Bing, Kate
Lissauer, John Whelan, Peter
Dunn, and one or two others
TBC. his delightful and
popular learning holiday is
claimed by many to be the
best holiday they've ever
had! Why? Great teaching,
great companionship, a small
group of like-minded people,
the intimate setting, pure
natural beauty, wonderful
food, big swimming pool,
mountains, privacy, great
music day and night...
May week has
now expanded to include more
instruments and more levels
of instruction. There is
something for everyone, and
even the non-playing partner
or family member will have a
glorious, relaxing time.
Tuition, room and board, and
use of all facilities is
covered by the £500 fee.
Transport is paid by
participants, and transfers
are arranged, as needed, by
La Fuente. Rooms are shared
by two, three or four
people, and private double
or twin rooms are available
for couples.
Old-time
banjo player Hunter
Robertsonwww.hunterrobertson.com
will be playing in the UK
this coming May/June 2012
and is looking to arrange
additional gigs. If anyone
is interested in arranging
something, or has leads,
contacts or information,
please contact him at:
http://www.hunterrobertson.com/reachoutframe.html
May 26th,
Saturday. Day workshop on
old-time banjo with a
concert in the evening.
Ludlow, Shropshire (venue:
www.wanderingwilliam.co.uk
). £25 for the 1 day
workshop, £8 for the
concert, £30 for both.
Contact Jim Allen for
booking: 01568 750546.
May 27th,
Sunday. Walthamstow Folk
Club, Ye Olde Rose and Crown
Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street,
Walthamstow, London E17 4SA.
http://www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk/
***************************************
PBS Arts from
the Blue Ridge Mountains: Give Me the Banjo. A
musical odyssey through 300
years of American culture.
http://video.pbs.org/video/2164506461
***************************************
Tour Dates -
Aaron Jonah Lewis, Ed Hicks
and Rosalind Masson
19th - ISLE
OF JURA: Jura Village
Hall. www.soundofjura.com
Irish Leg of
the Tour - Aaron Jonah
Lewis, Ed Hicks and Noriana
Kennedy
Fri 16th Dec
- Geraghtys Westport
Sat 17th Dec
- The Pillar Bar -
Ballinasloe, Galway
Mon 19th Dec
- Cookstown House concert
***************************************
Pete & Sue
Coe: CRABSHELL INN,
KINGSBRIDGE:
Sunday 27 November
Dulcimer,
melodeon, bouzouki and
banjo! Singer, songwriter,
dancer and caller,
bandleader, teacher,
entrepreneur, album producer
and broadcaster! Little
wonder they’ve been calling
him “A One-man Folk
Industry” since turning
professional in 1971. Dry
wit and raconteur Pete Coe
has been respected, admired
and hugely influential at
the very centre of the folk
tradition, both here and
abroad, ever since. The BBC
says “He’s still one of the
most committed, most
versatile, most important
folk artists in Britain”.
Married to Pete, Sue Coe is
one of our foremost
stepdancers, choreographers,
teachers, and callers, from
Appalachian flatfooting to
Yorkshire Longsword. She has
plied her trade at most of
our major festivals and on
BBC TV. Her afternoon
workshop here, to Pete’s
playing, will be based on
the Appalachian traditions.
DANCE
WORKSHOP: 3.30pm (hard
soles, no taps please) £5 on
the door CONCERT: 8.00pm £15
door, or £10 in advance BOOK
FOR BOTH at £13 in advance
Advance
booking on 01548 856601 or
at the Bar - 20% off
pre-concert meals booked on
01548 852345
www.shamstrad.co.uk
***************************************
New session -
the Hop Pole,
Aylesbury on the first
Monday of the month. Contact
Andy Pridgeon 01844 238203
***************************************
FOAOTMADT-shirts.The order
form is on the website
www.foaotmad.org.uk
Because of the multiple
size, style and colour
options (2 colours for
men/ordinary t-shirts, 2
colours for lady fit) we
will be holding minimal
stocks so be prepared to
wait for your order. The
full colour logo is on the
front and 'Old Time Here is
not forgotten' in black on
the reverse. These T-shirts
are NOT restricted to
members. For out-of-UK
postage and payment options
please email
treasurer@foaotmad.org.uk
Remember that there may be a
delay between ordering and
availability because we need
to have a suitable sized
order.
***************************************
FOAOTMAD
oldtime sampler cd "Friends
Across The Pond" are still available. Check out our web site for
more details and a tracklist
-
www.foaotmad.org.uk
Payment now available by
Paypal.
**************************************
Eve Morris's
latest cd & books sales
catalogue. Click on her yellow advert at the bottom of the
main page. Available
from
www.foaotmad.org.uk
The Friends
of American Old Time Music
and Dance annual festival
presents old time music and
traditional dance from
American and British
performers. This year
featuring the music of
Charlie Poole from The New
North Carolina Ramblers with
Appalachian dance, fiddle
and banjo from Ira Bernstein
and Riley Baugus and much
more... February 10 – 12,
2012 Queen Elizabeth High
School, Morton Terrace,
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
DN21 2ST More details on
our website nearer the time:
www.foaotmad.org.uk
festival@foaotmad.org.uk
A two day
residential workshop in
Fiddle and Appalachian
Flatfooting in Grantham, Lincs. is being planned for the
weekend of 28/29th April
2012. Kate Lissauer and
Issy Emeney are the tutors.
Full details will be
available soon, but places
will be limited so people
might like to contact JSArts,
who are organising the
weekend, to express their
interest. JSArts email
address is
jsarts09@gmail.com
Interested dancers may
contact Issy about it -
issy.emeney@zen.co.uk
***************************************
Clogging in
London Kerry Fletcher's classes
Autumn 2011 NEW! Short 6
week course in Appalachian
Clogging in London! On:
Wednesday 16th Nov
Weekly
Appalachian Clogging
- Faversham, Kent On:
Thursdays (term times only)
Autumn term – 8th Sept –
15th Dec (no class half term
on 27th Oct) 14 week term
At: St Catherine's
Schoolroom, Preston Lane,
Faversham ME13 8LG Times:
6.30pm-7.30pm Beginners /
7.45pm-8.45pm Improvers
8.45pm-9.45pm Intermediates
Cost: £6/£5 conc. per class
(payable by term only)
Discount for 2 classes -
Improvers & Intermediates:
£10 / conc. £8 per class.
Youth – conc. rate for
15-25year olds.
Monthly
Appalachian Clogging
- Pirton, Herts On:
Saturdays: Sept 24th, Oct
22nd (and then on to Dance
Around the World Festival at
Cecil Sharp House in
London), Nov 12th (and then
a workshop and concert with
IRA BERNSTEIN & RILEY BAUGUS
– not to be missed!), Dec 10th
(NB – Sept & Dec same dates
as Euro dance Workshops in
Ickleford – you can dance
all day!) Usual times (but
sometimes vary – check
before travelling):
9.30am-10.30am Beginners /
10.45am-11.45am Improvers /
12noon-1pm Intermediates /
1pm – 2pm Repertoire or
Musicians – check with
Kerry. At: Pirton Village
Hall, Nr Hitchin,
Hertfordshire SG5 3PS Cost:
£6 per hourly session
Friends rate: £5 per hourly
session when paying for 3
months. And Wendy is also
running beginners classes
Monthly Appalachian Clogging
- Peter's Green, Herts On:
Mondays; Nov 28th
At: The Village Hall,
Peter's Green, Hertfordshire
LU2 9QL Time: 8.00pm -
10.00pm Cost: £6.00.
kerry@kerryfletcher.co.uk
***************************************
FLATFOOTING
WORKSHOP
The Friday
morning Flatfooting classes
in Cheddar - Contact Issy
Emeney for more details.
01934 741551
issy.emeney@zen.co.uk
***************************************
Coastal
Cloggers
- Burnham on Sea, Somerset -
are looking for new dancers.
Some experience a help but
not essential. Monday
evenings 7:00 to 8:30.
Contact Linda Bond 01278
780533
labond222@hotmail.co.uk
***************************************
Clogging -
south Somerset
Beginners'
classes in Appalachian
dance, run by No Mean Feet,
West Chinnock Village Hall.
7.30 every Tuesday - all
welcome. Tel 01935 826758
for further info.
Bill Malone's
book Music from the True
Vine:
Mike Seeger's Life and
Musical Journey is now out
in the world. A musician,
documentarian, scholar, and
one of the founding members
of the influential folk
revival group the New Lost
City Ramblers, Mike Seeger
(1933-2009) spent more than
fifty years collecting,
performing, and
commemorating the culture
and folk music of white and
black southerners, which he
called "music from the true
vine." In this fascinating
biography, Bill Malone
explores the life and
musical contributions of
folk artist Seeger, son of
musicologists Charles and
Ruth Crawford Seeger and
brother of folksingers Pete
and Peggy Seeger. Malone
argues that Seeger, while
not as well known as his
brother, may be more
important to the history of
American music through his
work in identifying and
giving voice to the people
from whom the folk revival
borrowed its songs. Seeger
recorded and produced over
forty albums, including the
work of artists such as
Libba Cotten, Tommy Jarrell,
Dock Boggs, and Maybelle
Carter. In 1958, with an
ambition to recreate the
southern string bands of the
twenties, he formed the New
Lost City Ramblers, helping
to inspire the urban folk
revival of the sixties.
Music from the True Vine
presents Seeger as a
gatekeeper of American roots
music and culture, showing
why generations of musicians
and fans of traditional
music regard him as a mentor
and an inspiration.
Steve Wise
saw the article in the OTN
about the slow-downer and
says there is a free piece
of software – best practice
– which does much the same
but without the restrictions
of the free version
slow-downer
http://bestpractice.sourceforge.net/
The monthly
Oxford session
has now moved due to the
closure of the Duke of
Monmouth. It is now at: The
Red Lion, 130 Godstow Road,
Wolvercote, Oxford OX28PG
- Still meeting on the LAST
Thursday of the month. More
details from:
taube.marks@lang.ox.ac.uk
by phone on 01865 552111Easy
access by car and by bus
from Oxford city.
The Birkbeck,
Leyton, London. Last Tuesday
of the month. Contact Paul
Warner 07990 737539
***************************************
Plume of
Feathers,
Castlemorton, nr Malvern,
Worcestershire. Wednesdays
8:30pm
***************************************
Old
time/Bluegrass Session
takes place on the first
Friday of each month at the
George III Hotel,
Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, N.
Wales.
***************************************
Manchester
Cajun session
is at The Beech pub on
Blackburn Rd, Chorlton, on
the last Tues of every month
diggerhugh@tiscali.co.uk
***************************************
Newcastle
upon Tyne session:
The Gathering American
Old-Time Music Session The
Fusilier, off Victoria Ave,
off Station Road, Forest
Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 0JB Monday evenings
from 8.30 pm contact:
passthebuck@talktalk.net
***************************************
Nottingham
session
The Plough,
St Peter's St. Radford,
Nottingham. American
Singaround - 1st Monday in
the month. Starts 8pm.
Bluegrass, old-time,
country, gospel. Tel. Yvonne
Dreyer 0115 9249438
***************************************
Bakewell
every Thursday at the
Queen’s Arms, on the market
square in the middle of
town, opposite the co-op
supermarket. The postal
address is Bridge street and
the postcode is DE45 1DS
Contact is Steve Wise.
email:
stevewise@fastmail.co.uk
tel:07986 903409
****************************************
Cambridge
Bluegrass and Old Time
Session,
2nd or 3rd Wed of month at
Six Bells, Covent Garden,
off Mill Rd, Cambridge.
Contact Julie Watson at
jkw32@cam.ac.uk
****************************************
Bournemouth
Folk
continues to promote monthly
gigs of old-time, bluegrass
and Americana bands. More
information:
www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
***************************************
Old Time
Session at the Union Hotel,
Chapel Street, Penzance,
Cornwall. Contact Bob and
Sibs on 01736 332821 for
dates, and/or to be put on
the mailing list. They're
looking forward to seeing
friends old and new who
manage to get down this far
for their holidays! Or why
not make a special trip.
sibs@sibylle2.freeserve.co.uk
***************************************
Old Time &
Bluegrass Session at The
Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, Northants (3rd Monday of every Month)
8.00pm start. Contact Andrew
Metcalfe metcalfe340@btinternet.com
***************************************
Rainham Oast
Old Time Sessions (ROOTS)
meets at 8 pm on the first
and third Wednesday every
month in the bar of the
Rainham Oast Community
Centre, next to Rainham
Railway station in Kent.
Plenty of floor spots,
mainly playing, dancing and
singing to old time. People
encouraged to join in,
especially beginners, the
club is acoustic, all
welcome. Also at ROOTS we
have a slow jam session on
the last Friday every month
all welcome
www.roots.ik.com
contact Graham on 01634
260281,
graham.g.anstee@btopenworld.com
********************************************
Old-time &
bluegrass session
Blue Lion
pub, 133 Gray's Inn Road,
London. Meet every other
Wednesday, gathering from
around 7 and playing tunes
from 8.
Dec 1st *
Free Admission * LATE NIGHT
SHOPPING OPEN NIGHT
Dec 8th *
NOEL DUMBRELL
Dec 15th *
RATTLE ON THE STOVEPIPE
Dec 22nd *
Free Admission * GRAND
CHRISTMAS SONG & DANCE NIGHT
Dec 29th *
CLOSED
Jan 5th *
PETE MORTON
Jan 12th *
POTIPHAR’S APPRENTICES
Jan 19th *
Free Admission * “HERE’S A
HEALTH TO THE BARLEY MOW”
Jan 26th *
ALAN DAY & MIKE AINSCOUGH
Our Future
Guests will include:-
* Jeff Davis
(February 16th)
* Dave
Swarbrick (February 23rd)
* Bartram,
Brookes & Weatherall (March
1st)
* Judy Cook
(March 15th)
* Andy Irvine
(April 12th)
* Jim
MacFarland & Jerry O’Reilly
(April 19th)
* John
Kirkpatrick (May 17th)
* Bayou Seco
(May 24th)
* Sisters
Unlimited (September 13th)
* Jerry
Epstein & Ralph Bodington
(September 27th)
* Jeff Warner
(October 4th)
***************************************
CELLAR
UPSTAIRS FOLK CLUB
MEETS on
Saturdays at 8.15pm VENUE:
Exmouth Arms, Starcross
Street, London NW1 2HR (on
the corner of Cobourg
Street, near Euston and
Euston Square stations;
parking is easy), on
Saturdays at 8.15pm
INFORMATION: 020 7281 7700;
www.cellarupstairs.org.uk
(PUB: 020 7387 5440 - but
they're not very aware of
the folk club details)
ENTRANCE: Members: £6,
non-members: £7 (unwaged
£1.50 less), except on
nights marked *, when it
will be £7 and £8.
Membership: £2 for the year
ACCESS: The
club room is up a short
staircase. RESIDENT
PERFORMERS: Jim Younger,
Gail Williams, Peta Webb,
Ken Hall, Bob Wakeling,
Frankie Cleeve
19 NOV: BILL
CADDICK
26 NOV: JIM
AND LYNETTE ELDON
3 DEC: PHIL
CALLERY
10 DEC: KATE
LISSAUER
2012
7 JAN: ROBB
JOHNSON
14 JAN: G and
T
21 JAN: DONAL
MAGUIRE
28 JAN: JOHN
HEGLEY
***************************************
Eve Morris's
Old Time imports
cd, video & dvd catalogue is
available to download in
Acrobat pdf format. Just
click on her butterfly
advert at the bottom of the
www.foaotmad.org.uk
home page
CD
Songs:
Christmas Times A Coming;
Light Of The Stable; The
First Noel; What Songs Were
Sung; Silent Night; Flight
to Egypt; Reunion Song;
Children Go; Oh Come, Oh
Come, Emmanuel; Joy To The
World.
A Skaggs
Family Christmas…Volume Two
kicks off with an energetic
version of "Christmas Times
A Coming". Then, Cheryl and
Sharon White trade lead
vocals on "Light of the
Stable", followed by an a
capella version of the "The
First Noel" with Ricky
Skaggs singing lead. Molly
Skaggs, Ricky's daughter,
plays piano and sings "What
Songs Were Sung", followed
by Luke, Molly's brother,
burning up his own
composition, "Flight to
Egypt". Rachel, Cheryl's
daughter, along with Luke
and Molly do a fine original
arrangement with wonderful
harmony of "Oh Come, Oh
Come, Emmanuel".
Anyone
familiar at all with Ricky
Skaggs and his music
understands the quality of a
Skaggs production. Timing,
harmonies, instrumentation
and performances are all
unquestionably perfect. The
same can be said of the
bonus DVD accompanying the
CD. The 26 songs on the DVD
were recorded live at the
Ryman Auditorium during the
Skaggs Family Christmas
Show. Kentucky Thunder,
Skaggs band, backed by The
Nashville Strings, an
outstanding strings
orchestra, complement one
another on many of the
songs. The DVD is packed
with two hours of solidly
super Christmas music with
the 26 songs ranging from
"Santa Claus is Coming to
Town" to "Go Tell it on the
Mountain".
The
Skaggs Family
Christmas…Volume Two
includes both recorded and
live performances. Every
song is an excellent piece
of work. The qualities of
the CD and the DVD can not
be out done. The price of
the package is a great value
even if a person was buying
the CD and DVD separately.
With the CD and DVD together
the music is a must for any
lover of The Skaggs Family,
The Whites, Christmas music
or traditional bluegrass.
And that includes just about
everybody!!
LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM album releasing November 22, 2011
Commemorative album includes top award-winning bluegrass artists
Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce the November 22, 2011 album release of LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. The album will no doubt be high on the wish list of not only Monroe fans, but the thousands of visitors that attend the numerous festivals held at the Bill Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom, Indiana every year.
“Given the influence of Bill Monroe on the musicians in each band, and the depth of their appreciation for him and his art the results of these sessions are truly extraordinary. Even the most familiar of Monroe’s well-known compositions comes across in this tribute with palpable freshness and excitement, and the on-stage comments of the musicians and the audible audience response reveal their mutual delight at taking part in this commemoration,” wrote Tom Adler who provided the extensive liner notes for the album and is the author of the 2011 publication of Bean Blossom: The Brown County Jamboree and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Festivals.
LIVE AT BEAN BLOSSOM includes performances by: Russell Moore & III Tyme Out; Lonesome River Band; Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Audie Blaylock & Redline; Lou Reid and Carolina; Blue Moon Rising; Grasstowne; Brand New Strings; Carolina Road; Wasson & McCall (Rickey Wasson and Dwight McCall) featuring J. D. Crowe; Ronnie Reno and The Reno Tradition; and The Bartley Brothers.
TRACKS: 01 Uncle Pen - Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
02 Can’t You Hear Me Calling - Lou Reid and Carolina
03 Southern Flavor - Brand New Strings
04 Were You There - Grasstowne
05 Footprints in the Snow - Lonesome River Band
06 Six Feet Under the Ground – Audie Blaylock & Redline
07 Big Mon – The Bartley Brothers
08 Body & Soul - Blue Moon Rising
09 Blue Moon of Kentucky - Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
10 This World Is Not My Home – Carolina Road
11 Bluegrass Breakdown – Ronnie Reno & The Reno Tradition
12 Molly & Tenbrooks – Wasson & McCall (Featuring J. D. Crowe)
The album was produced by Sammy Shelor of the Lonesome River Band with Rural Rhythm Records President, Sam Passamano II serving as Executive Producer. On site production staff included: Tom Feller and Dale Perry (live recording engineers); park's owner, Dwight Dillman (Event Executive); and Sammy Passamano III (Video Producer).
CLICK ON CD COVER FOR HIGH RES COVER ART. Album artwork design by Kneelindesign.com
Radio:
Sammy Passamano, email
Our Music is also available
via Airplaydirect.com - free to radio
Media Inquiries:
Penni McDaniel, email 678.377.3298
Thunderbridge
Bluegrass
Hey!
We
hope
you're
all
OK
and
are
looking
forward
to
the
winter.
Chop
those
toes
and
wrap
up
those
logs
(is
that
right?)
-
it's
gonna
snow
for
sure!
After
the
rather
mad
round
of
summer
gigs
that
we've
just
finished,
we
are
now
looking
forward
to a
couple
more
shows,
one
of
which
is
just
next
weekend.
But
first!
Let's
talk
about
someone
else......
As
many
TBB
followers
will
know,
there
is a
rather
good
songwriter
from
Tennessee
called
Scott
Miller.
Now,
he's
done
some
rather
lovely
songs
which
are
now
a
regular
part
of
the
TBB
set
-
and
the
new
CD.
If
you
like
the
sounds
of
Is
There
Room
On
The
Cross?,
The
Rain,
Dear
Sarah
and
For
Jack
Tymon,
you'll
know
what
we
mean.
This
is
songwriting
of
the
highest
calibre,
and
all
of
Scott's
CDs
are
available
through
his
website
www.thescottmiller.com.
Anyhow,
after
liaising
with
Scott's
HQ,
it
seems
he's
finally
got
a UK
distribution
deal,
and
we've
promised
them
we'd
tell
you
all
about
it.
Proper
Records,
http://www.propermusic.com/search?term=The+V-Roys ,
has
two
of
Scott's
CDs
for
sale,
the
wonderful
live
solo
acoustic
'Are
You
With
Me?',
featuring
the
original
live
recording
of
The
Rain,
and
'Christmas
Gift',
a
collection
of
seasonal
faves
from
the
man
himself,
just
in
time
for December
(see
what
they
did
there...?)
Also,
and
well
worth
checking
out,
is a
new
'best
of'
from
Scott's
former
Alt.
Country
band,
The
V-Roys,
called
'Sooner
or
Later'.
It
features
tracks
from
both
the
band's
late
90's
albums,
as
well
as
some
never-heard-before
stuff.
Now,
none
of
these
recordings
are
strictly
bluegrass,
but
we
are
sure
that
because
his
songs are
so
well
received
by
our
gig-goers,
then
many
of
you
may
want
to
hear
the
real
thing. All
the CDs
are
worth
checking
out,
and
all
being
well,
Scott
may
be
over
in 2012
to
show
us
all
how
its
done.
Also
worth
a
mention
is
the
fact
that
tickets
for
our
annual
Christmas
bash
at
the
Wellington
Arts
Centre
are
now
available
at
our
webstore..
http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com/blog/?page_id=241,
along
with
everything
else
we're
trying
to
sell
to
you.
Remember
that
there's
only
100
tickets
for
this
and
it
usually
sells
out
fairly
quickly
-
hence
the
earlier
availability.
That's
about
it -
keep
the
comments
coming
in,
and
don't
forget
to
follow
us
on
both
Facebook
and
Twitter.
If
you
do
that
sort
of
thing.
Banjoist Noam Pikelny, acclaimed banjoist for the Punch Brothers, released his sophomore solo album Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail which debuted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart for overall album sales at #27 and on the Billboard Bluegrass chart in the #3 position.
The Gibson Brothers’ Help My Brother which received Album of the Year at this year's IBMA Awards, is still the #1 album on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for the 8th consecutive month, with three singles in the top 20.
2011 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley’s Somewhere South of Crazy charted on the Bluegrass Unlimited album chart at #13, with the title track #22.
“I’ll Take Love,” the title track from bluegrass songwriter Louisa Branscomb’s album is in the #24 position.
Bearfoot's American Story was a most added album at Americana radio and is taking hold on the #22 position.
In The News and on TV
Current bluegrass "Female Vocalist of the Year," Dale Ann Bradley, whose Somewhere South of Crazy was glowingly reviewed in the New York Times, will debut the video for "Come Home Good Boy" on CMT Network next week.
Pop bluegrass group Bearfoot also has a video set to air on CMT TV with “Tell Me a Story” from their new release American Story.
Noam Pikelny was also the first acoustic artist to ever be featured in a Funny Or Die spoof, with stars Ed Helms, Steve Martin and more -- to hilarious and immensely popular response which was featured on all major news websites including USA Today, CNN, American Songwriter and more. Pikelny is receiving great praise from Relix, Fretboard Journal and will be featured on Bob Edwards show on Sirius XM radio. He was also recently seen on the PBS special "Give Me The Banjo."
In the Studio
Matt Flinner Trio has confirmed a new album, Winter Harvest, to be released at the end of this upcoming January.
The Larry Stephenson Band is putting the finishing touches on a new album to be released this spring.
Special Consensus spent the last week recording a new album. The band will celebrate their album release at the Old Town School of Folk Music this April.
On the Road
Bearfoot is on tour throughout November promoting American Story with dates in Philadelphia, Saratoga Springs and Portland, Maine.
Noam Pikelny and friends will be on the road this December for the Beat The Devil and Carry A Rail tour. Band members include Aoife O'Donovan (Crooked Still), Gabe Witcher and Chris Eldridge (Punch Bros), Jesse Cobb (Infamous Stringdusters) and esteemed bassist Mark Schatz in markets such as New York, Chicago, DC and more!
Co-founded in 1994 by musicians Alison Brown and Garry West, Compass is a new breed of roots-music label: eclectic, sophisticated, and artist-friendly. Called “one of the greatest independent labels of the last decade” by Billboard Magazine, Compass Records has provided a thriving haven of creativity for artists and a reliable beacon of quality for music fans. Its 2006 acquisition of the Green Linnet catalog and the 2008 acquisition of the seminal Mulligan Records label has made Compass the place to go for Celtic and roots music.
Blue Highway's new CD hits the streets on August 23. Featuring 11 original songs and a "stunningly creative arrangement" of a traditional song, Sounds of Home is "profound, powerful and purely enjoyable music."
"Ultimately, what makes Blue Highway so great, and this album so special, is that they are a band - not only in the way the word is used with respect to a musical ensemble, but in a larger sense, in the way it's used in phrases like "band of brothers." It's taken more than just music and talent to make Blue Highway into what they are today, respected, admired and loved by an entire community of artists and fans alike. And really, why would anyone want to escape those facts? Here they are, embedded in some profound, powerful and purely enjoyable music-the Sounds Of Home indeed." - Jon Weisberger
Your choice:
autographed CD or free US shipping
Choose the special offer you prefer:
An autographed CD, or free U.S. shipping. (If you're ordering from outside the U.S., the "free US shipping" offer will result in a $3 discount on your order.) Just select the special offer you prefer when you order here. Better yet, order a "free shipping" CD, plus 1 or 2 autographed CDs, and U.S. shipping will be free for your entire order.
Special offer expires on the CD street date of 8/23/11.
Tommy Webb pays tribute to the Father of Bluegrass
Langley, KY ----- In celebration of Bill Monroe's 100th birthday, Tommy Webb is proud to announce his new single release, “From Rock-N-Roll to Bill Monroe” available to radio now via New Cuts of Bluegrass and Airplay Direct. This catchy up-tempo beat will have you tapping your toes and singing along with its catchy lyrics that describe singing rock-n-roll to playing bluegrass like the legendary Bill Monroe whose songs are as well known today as they were 50 years ago.
The album was recorded at the Sleepy Valley Barn in Russell Springs, Kentucky and is set for release September 6, 2011. FROM ROCK-N-ROLL TO BILL MONROE includes the talents of The Tommy Webb band members: Tommy Webb, Chris Goble, Josh Huff, and Jared Doss. They are joined by special guests and three members of the hot new group, The Boxcars:Adam Steffey, Harold Nixon, and Ron Stewart who also produced this exciting new project.
“Not only is Tommy Webb a great singer, he is a singer that has the soulful quality that defines the truly gifted and separates the great ones from all the others,” said Adam Steffey.
Last year, Tommy Webb’s hit single “Teardrop Inn” reached as high as #10 on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Song chart. The song was from his hit album, HEARTLAND (Rural Rhythm) that appeared on Bluegrass Unlimited Top 15 Album and Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 Album charts. The CD also appeared on WNCW Radio’s Top 50 Bluegrass CDs of 2009, with “Teardrop Inn” being chosen on WCYO Radio’s Bluegrass Express Top Songs of 2009.
For radio requests, more information and tour dates for The Tommy Webb Band, please visit TheTommyWebbBand.com
MEDIA REQUEST: Hope River Entertainment, 678.377.3298, email
Guildtown Bluegrass
Festival
The Best of Bluegrass in Scotland
July
20th — 23rd, 2012
Wayne
Taylor & Appaloosa (USA)
Rough & Rocky Road
(CZ)
Goldrush, Dapper
McDans plus more
Featuring top bands
from the USA, Europe & Scotland
Tickets available for
purchase from April 2012
- details on this site
Check out our 25th Anniversary
Videos from 2011
Background to the Festival:
The
festival is held in the idyllic village of Guildtown in rural Perthshire
– the
scenic heartland of Scotland, six miles from the historic city of Perth -
an ancient Roman settlement named Bertha, and early Scottish capital
known then as St John’s Toun, where the Kings of Scotland were crowned
at Scone Palace. The whole area is a haven for visitors catering for every aspect of tourism including all aspects of
Scottish culture. Late summer,
when the festival is held, is renowned for good harvest time weather.
Edinburgh the nation’s capital, and seat of the new Scottish
Parliament, lies 40 miles to the south and at that time of year the
capital with its famed castle, is vibrant on the run up to its Festival of Arts.
Festival Site & Facilities: Guildtown
Bluegrass festival is hosted in the Village Hall and is sponsored by The
Anglers Inn & Restaurant – the delightful and hospitable village Pub
and top class restaurant. Festival
attendees camp on the village green and enjoy the facilities in the
village hall, which includes washing, cooking and toilet facilities. The City of Perth
has every possible facility including tourist accommodation and
information.
www.visitscotland.com
The festival is famed for
its
informal, friendly and exciting atmosphere.
It incorporates great music, both in concerts and in informal sessions; good ale
and great food at the Anglers Inn & Restaurant with its great Scottish hospitality, and the
wonderful location in the Scottish heartland.
John
Sheldon founded the festival in 1987 with the support of Bluegrass aficionados. Its successful principles
are those of a non-profit making team effort by the SBA committee. It is a
showcase and focus for Bluegrass in Scotland and welcomes European and overseas
visitors for a relaxing and exciting Bluegrass experience.
Each
year the festival welcomes a small but growing number to a very special event.
The festival has been likened to attending a reunion with lifelong friends
and featuring the renowned atmosphere of the ‘kerosene circuit’ of early
Bluegrass pioneering days.
We would love to welcome you to our national
Bluegrass festival at the invitation of the Scottish Bluegrass Association. The success of Guildtown over the years proves beyond doubt that Bluegrass has
made the long journey home and, that as Bill Monroe requested to the organisers,
the Celtic connections and roots are secure and growing.
Blistering Hot
Bluegrass & Celtic Roots
Band
“Top British bluegrass combo Goldrush….folk roots masters..” SCOTSMAN
GUIDE
GOLDRUSH IN CONCERT (further
info tel:07968 124582)
"Goldrush were
so hot they
nearly made our
stage burn. Not
only were the
band technically
brilliant, their
songs and
instrumentals
really gripped
the audience - a
case study in
best
performance"
Sunday, 1st April,
8-00pm, Royal British Legion, 50 North Bridge
Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PP
Wednesday, 18th April,
8-00pm,
Dunfermline Folk Club, Thistle Tavern,
Baldridgeburn, Dunfermline, KY12 9EG
Friday, 18th May,
8-00pm, Heart Of England Bluegrass Venue,
Bulkington War Memorial Club, Stafford Close Bulkington,
Bedworth CV12 9QX nr. Coventry
Friday, 29th June,
9-00pm, Hoedown At The Crown, The Crown Inn,
The Crown Inn, 109-111 High Street, Biggar ML12
6DL, £5-00
admission on the door
July 20/21/22,
Guildtown Bluegrass Festival, Hall Road
Guildtown PH2 6BY, 6 miles north Perth, A93
Saturday, 11th August,
8-30pm, Acoustic Music Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace,
Edinburgh, EH1 12DZ
Friday, October 26th,
8-00pm, Alan Munde's Americana Road Show,
The Alan Munde Band, plus Goldrush, in Concert
at Birnam
Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, Dunkeld PH8
ODS, Perthshire
Goldrushwas formed by John Sheldon in 1989 and made its debut
at the Guildtown Bluegrass Festival which John founded
in 1987. The current Goldrush line-up is stronger than
ever. Individually and collectively the band has decades
of performing experience ranging from the folk scene,
the country music circuit, Edinburgh International
Festival, Edale Bluegrass Festival, Southern Fried,
Living Tradition Summer School and premier bluegrass
events including the European World of Bluegrass. The
band also runs workshops and performs on the Scottish
Bluegrass Association Bluegrass in the Schools programme
along with extensive charity work.Goldrush has forged a distinct and impressive identity
for delivering cutting edge traditional bluegrass and
Celtic roots music to delighted audiences.
The autumn workshops have seen a rise in
interest in singing. During last
October’s week, communal singing became
a main feature of our time together,
with almost everyone on site, and some
neighbours, joining in the afternoon
duet singing class, and evening song
sessions filling the casa’s big room
every night. Alice will be a great
asset to the October week, because of
her huge experience and long history as
a singer. She will teach banjo,
individual singing, and duet singing,
and Beverly will teach fiddle, guitar,
and duet singing.
The project is a labour of love. It’s
non-profit. Therefore, we can organise
an amazing learning holiday at a
remarkably low cost, and all proceeds go
to supporting our wonderful visiting
teachers, and covering the costs of
looking after our participants.
You will find a gallery of photographs
from past workshops on
www.katelissauer.com For enrolment
and any further information, contact
Kate Lissauer at kate@katelissauer.com or on 01373
474 110
New album by Audie Blaylock & Redline
"I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky (A Bill Monroe Celebration"
Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce today’s new album release,I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY (A Bill Monroe Celebration)by Audie Blaylock & Redline. The wealth of talent on this album is certainly a fitting tribute to Bill Monroe - especially this year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legend’s birth.
The album includes the talents of Audie Blaylock along with Redline members: Patrick McAvinue, Reed Jones, and Russ Carson. Special guests on this exciting new album include: Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Glenn Duncan, Carl Jackson, Lou Reid, and Jason Carter. Tracks include favorites, "Mighty Dark to Travel", "I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky", "My Little Georgia Rose," and many more!
I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY was recorded at Digital Underground, Engineered by Scott Vestal and Produced by Audie Blaylock."Audie Blaylock & his Redline band have hit a home run with their new I’M GOING BACK TO OLD KENTUCKY (A Bill Monroe Celebration) CD on Rural Rhythm Records. With special guest vocalists Lou Reid, Bobby Osborne, Carl Jackson and Del McCoury they were able to capture the true Spirt of Bill Monroe's beloved Bluegrass Music,"said Charlie Hall, Radio Host WCYO FM. The entire album, including the first single, "Mighty Dark to Travel" is now available to radio via AirplayDirect.com
Audie Blaylock & Redline have of course also been busy touring and offering up fun new videos for their fans. Redliners, Patrick McAvinue and Russell Carson ride the Powderkeg roller coaster after playing a few shows at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri all the while talking about the new album. Fans will also enjoy their recent performance on Fox 7 TV show in Austin, Texas promoting their appearance at the Old Settler’s Music Festival (see video links below).
Grasstowne kicks off the
summer with a HOT new album
as
KICKIN UP DUST
climbs the charts
Grasstowne, comprised of the talents of Alan Bibey, Steve Gulley, Justin Jenkins, Kameron Keller and Adam Haynes, certainly know how to kick off their summer touring season! The band is celebrating chart success with their current album, KICKIN UP DUST along with the first single release (title track) now appearing on: Sirius XM Radio Bluegrass Junction’s Most Played Albums and Tracks; debuting this month on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Songs; and continuing its climb up the Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 30 Hot Single and Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 Album charts.
Radio is certainly enjoying the music with Larry Carter (WCXZ Radio) saying, “When it comes to this combination you only expect the best and you’ve got it,” and Jerry Eicher (WQTE Radio) saying, “You got some great grass here! These boys are playing some good driving Bluegrass that will keep our listeners on there toes! The boys take this song and get Down on the farm and go Up-Town with some mighty fine Progressive Pickin.”
Grasstowne is busy this month with performances in West Virginia, Canada, Ohio, Tennessee and also in Bean Blossom, Indiana where they will be part of the BEAN BLOSSOM LIVE - A Bill Monroe Tribute album releasing on Rural Rhythm Records later this year. That exciting new project will be recorded during the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival located at the Bill Monroe Music Park and produced by fellow Rural Rhythm artist, Sammy Shelor (Lonesome River Band.)
For more information on Grasstowne, including a full tour schedule, bios and more information, please visit www.grasstowne.com For more information on Rural Rhythm Records, please visit www.ruralrhythm.com
Tuesdays
Doors open 7.30 for an 8pm start
The Village, South Fort Street Edinburgh,
EH6 4DN
Reservations via
www.leithfolkclub.orgor call/text 07502 024852 For
sale on Ebay
Vintage 1967 D35 Martin guitar for
sale (serial number 219085). Previously owned by
bluegrass recording artist Bill Clifton. For
further details, search for item number
290602681884 on the E bay homepage.
St. Bonadventures,
Bristol COUNTRY, ALT.COUNTRY,
AMERICANA, SINGERS,
SONGWRITERS, LIVING LEGENDS, YOUNG PRETENDERS, TROUBLED TROUBADOURS, HONKY TONK HEROES, CHEAP BEER, check out
www.crhmusic.com
UK Bluegrass Musician, Teacher, multi instrumentalist, Barn Dance Caller
and compiler of a great listing of south East England gigs – Rick is a main
man in
UK
bluegrass who links back to Bill Clifton taking bluegrass round the folk
circuit in the 60’s. At this time Rick and his band worked closely with
Bill to establish the scene bluegrass in the
UK. He is a brilliant musician
and organiser.Kentucky to
Kent Festival, St Julian’s
Club,
Kent,
England
Check out the dates at my website –
www.ricktownend.co.uk – where there are listings of all
bluegrass/old-time events in London and Kent, Surrey & Sussex.
If you would like to
receive The Toy Hearts monthly newsletter please email
sophiaguitar@hotmail.co.uk
We would love to keep in touch and let you know what we are up to!
Visit the band at:
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER UK TOUR(see full itinerary below)
The 4CD box set Band For All Seasons comprises all four of Larkin Poe’s acclaimed series of seasonally-titled mini-albums - Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Originally released individually in 2010 and earlier this year, the box set includes all four titles in their original digipack editions inside a slipcase box with an 8-panel foldout lyric booklet and is being released to coincide with their second UK Tour this year.
“…already gifted as instrumentalists and, having a head start on the rest of us with the unique power and beauty of sibling harmony in their vocal blend, their songwriting has leapt forward and now surprises and delights in equal measure.” Elvis Costello
Sisters. Music Lovers. Storytellers.
Every since they were little girls, Rebecca and Megan Lovell have been awed by the power of a story well told: from children’s books and bedtime yarns to figments and fairytales. Before they were able to read, the girls hounded their parents for “more stories!” and then, when at last they could; began hounding the bookshelves themselves.
Now, nearly a decade later, at 20 (Rebecca Lovell) and 22 (Megan Lovell), the multi-instrumentalist sisters are still doing the same thing: searching for stories and striving to tell them well. Hounding not only bookshelves, but also the people surrounding them, they search for stories of human experience; of love won and love lost, and of the million mundane things that make up everyday life.
The sisters’ musical journey, which began as children playing classical violin and piano at the ages of 5 and 6, continued through their teenage years as they toured internationally from 2005 to 2010 as part of a group called The Lovell Sisters. This incarnation, which included their eldest sister, Jessica, took the group from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, to summer festivals such as Bonnaroo and Telluride, and even gave them the opportunity to collaborate with the likes of Elvis Costello, Brandi Carlile, and the Indigo Girls. But all things come to an end in time, and in January 2010, after saying a fond ‘farewell’ to The Lovell Sisters, the musical story of Rebecca and Megan’s young adulthood began in the form of a new band: Larkin Poe.
Larkin Poe released its debut mini-album, Spring, in 2010. Searching for a way in which to include their friends, family, and fans in the development of the band – and always looking to do things their own way – the siblings decided to embark upon the quest of recording and releasing four seasonally themed mini-albums in 2010 and 2011: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; effectively becoming a self-proclaimed “Band For All Seasons.”
In preparation for an upcoming tour opening for the legendary Elvis Costello throughout Europe in fall of 2011, Larkin Poe started work on a new project in late summer 2011 – with plans to release the project in early 2012.
Touring extensively across the United States and Europe, Larkin Poe continues its high-energy invasion of the folk music scene, captivating audiences around the world with their insightful lyrics, magnetic presence, and dazzling instrumental virtuosity. For more info, visit: www.LarkinPoe.com. Embrace your inner poet; become a Larkin Poet.
Press for Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter
“… these girls have the vocal and song writing prowess to make a success of whatever genre they turn their hand to.”Americana-UK
“…sublime vocal harmonies… the arrangements are inventive, varied and skilfully played…a remarkably mature and accomplished album considering they are still so young.”
Country Music People
“With the Dixie Chicks currently taking a break and the Court Yard Hounds lacking bite without Natalie Maines, Larkin Poe look set to enter from stage left and steal the crown.”
Get Ready To Rock
“Classically trained in violin and piano, they switched allegiances when they encountered the bluegrass music that thrives in their part of northern Georgia. They then added the rhythm that powers soul music from their home state’s southern end and groovegrass was born. This potent fusion brings out the sisters’ outstanding skills and natural talents. They’re being tipped as successors to the Dixie Chicks. Musically speaking at least, that could be underselling them.” The Herald
"…the 20-year-old sisters' dynamic story-songs open up new realms of cream-fresh Americana"
Album of the Week (Jazz, World, Folk & Blues) - The Independent
“…rootsy, melodic, and reflective, not to mention highly irresistible.” Maverick
“With the Dixie Chicks on sabbatical, this could be Larkin Poe's season in the sun.” The Observer
“…beautiful otherworldly harmonies that only blood relations can conjure up.” R2
“…a delicious collision between influences of the storytelling tradition, Nashville commerciality and fine musicianship.” Taplas
DecemberThursday 1st Brighton The Prince Albert01273 730 499 / www.unionmusicstore.com £10, 8pm
Bio
Larkin Poe is the evolution of The Lovell Sisters, who received critical acclaim for their albums, Time to Grow (2009) and When Forever Rolls Around (2006). Originally comprising three sisters – Jessica, Rebecca and Megan, The Lovell Sisters gained their first US breakthrough in 2005 after winning the Talent >From Twelve To Twenty competition on the long running internationally-syndicated weekly radio show ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, which has more than 4 million regular listeners world-wide. Originally trained in classical violin and piano, when they first heard bluegrass, The Lovell Sisters were immediately smitten and chose to go in that direction, their natural talent for the genre quickly being recognized. In 2006, Rebecca entered the mandolin contest at Merlefest, America's largest Roots Festival and won! Just fifteen years old, she is still the youngest person and only woman to have ever won the competition. The band then released their first album When Forever Rolls Around, before heading out on a busy schedule of concerts and festivals around the United States. Superlatives abounded, with the band frequently referred to as heirs to the Dixie Chicks. The band were so busy doing live shows, that they had no time to record any new material until 2009 when they released their second album Time to Grow, which received great reviews in the USA and Europe.
When eldest sister Jessica decided to marry, return to college and take a break from music, it was natural for youngest sister Rebecca, to step into the lead role and together with sister Megan, create Larkin Poe, the name of their great-great-great-grandfather.
“While featuring mandolin and dobro, this is not Bluegrass. Electric guitar, bass and drums don't make it Rock 'n Roll. Un-pop like melodies and arrangements don't make it Jazz. iTunes calls it Folk, but that isn't it either. Take a bit of all of this and stir it up. In lesser hands it might be chaos. Larkin Poe turn it into a very smooth, well crafted piece of work. It's unique.” No Depression
With their heady brew of bluegrass, southern soul, rock, folk and Americana,
Larkin Poe return for their second UK tour this year for dates in England and Wales from November 22 –
Oran Mor Glasgow on Friday January 27. Their 4-CD box-set Band For All Seasons, which comprises their acclaimed series of mini-albums Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, originally released individually in 2010 and earlier this year, will be released on November 14. Hear Larkin Poe interviewed and live on Woman’s Hour at 10am on BBC Radio 4, Tuesday November 29.
from Larkin Poe's 2010 debut EP, Spring,as included in the 4 CD box-set Band For All Seasons
Produced and Directed by Hallgrim Haug
Maverick Magazine: The UK’s leading independent country music media platform
Country music takes it’s biggest step forward in the UK…
Maverick Magazine has always been a pursuit of passion and a labour of love. Now, after nine years Maverick is becoming bigger and better than ever before. Yes, the rumours are true, Maverick magazine has a new owner and will launch back into print media, to give country music it’s biggest step forward in the UK for years.
Hand Media launch the magazine back onto the newsstands and back into readers homes in the format that was much loved prior to the current digital only version.
A leading combination of editor Alan Cackett’s knowledge and country music wisdom and Hand Media’s enterprising skills and business acumen, the magazine has already taken the country by storm and we now intend to build upon the magazine’s list of impressive achievements.
For the first time in nine years Maverick will be a full colour ninety-six page print publication, gracing the newsstands throughout the UK in November. The now bi-monthly magazine will keep its focus on CD reviews, tour dates and current news, alongside detailed features and impressive editorial. Maverick retains the contributors the readers love to read. Laura Bethell also joins the design and editorial team at Hand Media and will continue to help produce the magazine and website.
Launching with Lady Antebellum and their influential number one record OWN THE NIGHT, Alan Cackett talks with Charles, Dave and Hillary about their rollercoaster ride into unexpected stardom. Alongside this will be features on the renowned Chris Rea and his brand new studio album SANTO SPIRITO BLUES, Tom Paxton and Darius Rucker.
Alan Cackett will continue as editor of Maverick and also continue with his current Maverick engagements, including his regular radio appearances for the BBC. Maverick will also continue to support the independent music labels and retain space for the commercial side of country music, making the magazine more accessible than ever before, as well as supporting live music events and festivals.
For any further information (media, PR or otherwise) please contact Cherry Batchelor.
Cherry.batchelor@hand-media.com 01622 823920
Subscriptions are now available to the print edition of Maverick Magazine:
UK 1 year subscription - £27.00 +£3 p&p
Euro/ROW 1 year subscription - £27.00 +£23 p&p
La Fuente de Musica
May 12-19, 2012
The perfect setting
for learning and sharing music, in the most beautiful of places,
with old friends and new. We offer an Old-Time week of intensive
learning and fun, hosted by teachers Dave Bing, Kate Lissauer,
Johnny Whelan and Pete Dunn. The
week will feature old-time fiddle, banjo, guitar, and singing
instruction.
All
levels of ability are welcome, and classes, which are usually about
6-7 strong, have included complete beginners alongside highly
experienced players.
News Flash:
Scholarships are now available! Economic
slumps in England and Spain have resulted in less available money,
as well as higher prices in Spain, forcing us to raise our fees! To
help the situation, La Fuente is currently offering several
half-price scholarships. Please contact Kate to find out how to
apply for one.
Dave
Bing,
known internationally as a master fiddler and hugely knowledgeable
carrier of American traditional and bluegrass fiddle styles, is also
a highly accomplished banjo player and guitarist, and excellent
singer. He has many years of teaching experience at home and in the
UK, and is regarded as one of the best and most accessible music
teachers around.
Kate
Lissauer,
well known as a fiddle and banjo player and singer, is a very
experienced teacher, highly regarded in the UK and US for her
workshops in fiddle and banjo. She performs as a solo musician and
with her band Buffalo Gals.
Johnny
Whelan
plays clawhammer and finger-style banjo and is the banjo player with
Buffalo Gals, the very popular UK-based old-time string band. He is
a very patient and knowledgeable teacher and is known for his
dedication to encouraging beginners.
Peter
Dunn,
currently guitarist with Buffalo Gals, is arguably the UK’s
favourite and most sought-after old-time back-up guitarist, but his
versatility, scope and knowledge of the guitar in a range of styles
is also well known. Pete has endless patience and generosity as a
teacher.
The
residential week is held in a beautiful and remote part of
mountainous southeastern Spain, an hour’s drive north of Almeria.
The site is self-contained, all meals are provided, and rooms are
shared with one to three other people. Double rooms for couples are
available. The site is self-contained, with a beautifully appointed
farmhouse and 20-metre swimming pool. All meals are provided, and
rooms are shared with one to three others. Double rooms for couples
are available. There is plenty to do in the area, including
sightseeing to the beaches and natural park, rock climbing, hill
walking, and visits to Granada and other places of cultural
interest.
Room,
full board, tuition and use of all facilities are included in the
£500 price. Non-playing spouses, friends and family members are
welcome, but we must charge the same fee to everyone: £500 per
person, £250 per scholarship or child 14 or under, and £450 for
participants who are camping on site. Tents, beds, and bedding are
provided for campers, and, apart from a torch, no further particular
supplies would be required by campers.
Transportation is the responsibility of individual participants,
with advice and assistance provided by Kate. A deposit of £100 will
secure a place on the course. These weeks are not profit making,
and all proceeds go toward supporting our very inspiring US based
tutors.
For
information or enrolment, contact
kate@katelissauer.com Please visit
www.katelissauer.com and go to the events and gallery pages for
information and pictures from La Fuente de Musica.
Letters To the Editor
Greetings,
my name is Terry Kruger from Calgary, Canada. I started
playing Bluegrass banjo in the sixties, and learned directly
from Earl Scruggs records. Over the years I’ve played in
several bands, done a lot of festivals, and recorded with
various groups. I’ve just released a CD, which I feel is
very different than most bluegrass banjo albums; it’s called
“Mountain Bluebird”.
“Mountain
Bluebird” is sort of “alternate Scruggs”, with some unusual
combinations. I use Bluegrass playing with old time mountain
tunings, fretless banjo, clawhammer banjo performed by my
producer on the CD, Dirk Powell, and fiddle ( Kevin Wimmer
), with a bit of Cajun influence. Maybe some of your members
would like to give a listen. My web site is
http://www.terrykruger.ca, and I am on CD Baby at
http://cdbaby.com/cd/terrykruger
Thanks very
much for your consideration , I really appreciate it --your
friend in Bluegrass, Terry Kruger
Here’s what we have in store at North Bristol’s premier
American music venue in November.
William Elliott Whitmore, who appears on November
15th. is the real deal. He lives on a horse farm on the
banks of the mighty Mississippi River, and his
environment informs his music, with his songs being
described as being not only from the heart but also from
the heartland. He’s a mesmerising performer, and his
latest record, Field Songs contains, according to Mojo
magazine, "Sparse new songs brilliantly interpreted...a
warming light in all the darkness.” This is his only
headlining UK show, and it’s a pleasure to be able to
welcome him to St. Bonaventure’s.Also on the bill is
Alexander John – without question the finest
country-blues singer, songwriter and guitarist ever to
emerge from Gloucester.
Jim Lauderdale is a colossal figure in American
music. He’s won two Grammys as well as the Americana
Music Associations Artist of the Year Award. He’s worked
with a stellar list of people ranging from Elvis
Costello to George Jones, James Burton to Dr. Ralph
Stanley. His latest record, Reason and Rhyme, is
collaboration with Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Again, from Mojo,
“This is timeless. Great music, well played, its rhythms
upbeat and its words weary and wise.” Absolutely
unmissable A list stuff.
The
fab competition? It’s obvious from the high level of
entry for previous ones that they’re just too easy. To
tax the more diligent ones amongst you therefore I’ve
come up with a real puzzler. Diana Jones plays on 9th.
November. Exactly fifty years previously, to the day, an
event took place that arguably changed the face of pop
music for ever. What was it? (Nothing to do with
somebody dying or getting out of the army or anything
similar). You may need a cavernous capacity for pop
music trivia to get it, but I know that there are a few
of you out there with such a gift, so have a bash. First
prize is a rare limited edition framed Chatham County
Line tour poster, produced by the fantastic
Hatch Show Prints, and signed by every member of the
band. Plus a couple of tickets for a future show. Good
luck.
Best
wishes
Tim
Martin
Hi John
I hope this finds you well.
Dave Morriss (Morriss Boys String Band) has created a "British
Bluegrass Veterans" page on Facebook.
We're reconnecting with old friends and fans and exchanging
memories and photos of the old days.
It's well worth joining facebook if only for this page only.
- it's our daughter Pam's band (Belle Monroe and her Brewglass
Boys, at the California Bluegrass Associations annual Father's Day
Festival, 2011) singing a song composed and written by Jean for me
~:o)= It's about evenings by the campfire at the campsite we visited
for many years in the south of France.
(927 pages, easy to search or navigate) Best to all, Derek B.
Introducing The Editor ............... I play
5 string banjo and sing baritone harmony in a five piece
Bluegrass band - details at
www.scottishbluegrass.com/goldrush.htm
along with details of events run by the Scottish
Bluegrass Association, registered Scottish charity SC034759
of which I am the director and secretary. My main goal is to
continue to develop interest in bluegrass and old time music
as international genres and to enjoy performing and teaching
bluegrass. The bulk of my work is under the umbrella of the
Scottish Bluegrass Association. My band Goldrush is very
involved in volunteering performances on the Bluegrass in
the Schools programme and in teaching Bluegrass Academy
workshops. Our original material is on You tube.
Under my leadership the BBMA and the SBA have in 25 years
organised over 100 tours and events featuring bluegrass
bands; many visiting from the USA. Under my direction and
leadership the BBMA founded the Sore Fingers Summer School
at Kingham school which continues today run by John Wirtz
after it was established and run successfully and profitably
for three years by the BBMA. The SBA and the Guildtown
Bluegrass Festival were founded by me with assistance from
dedicated helpers and the festival has celebrated the 25th
anniversary which is also recorded on You tube.
An important aspect of SBA activity is the provision of
free advice and work permits for visiting bluegrass and old
time musicians. Artists seeking advice on touring the UK are
invited to contact
secretary@scottishbluegrass.com
I also run a recording studio and have produced many
albums and CD's including the BBMA compilation album and a
radio promotion CD of talented European bands.
As a past chairman of the British Bluegrass Music
Association; founder and organiser of Guildtown Bluegrass
Festival and the Scottish Bluegrass Association; promoter;
producer; event organiser and bluegrass musician; I received
an international award Pioneer of European Bluegrass awarded
by European World Of Bluegrass.. When serving as chairman of
the British Bluegrass Music Association March 1990 – May
1995 (5 years 3 months) I initiated significant
developments;- I built up the membership, magazine and
profile of the BBMA; and 'hands on' produced a compilation
CD; established involvement in the Home Office work permit
scheme for foreign entertainers; established events and
awards including the highly successful BBMA " Sore Fingers"
Summer School; obtained significant grants and support for
the organisation including international networking and area
representatives............. John Sheldon
* Please note that information in
this e-news letter comes from many different and generally reliable sources
– and although efforts to verify the contents have been made – regrettably
– its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
We ask you to format text for submission
as 10 point Arial for the body of text and 12 point Arial bold for
headlines; all jpegs should be sized to fit on our pages and no bigger that
150 kb. mp3's are accepted for inclusion as are links to sites and mp3's. We offer free advertising at the discretion
of the Editor
The
festival, which enters its
19th year in
2012, will run from 19th
January – 5th
February and is
sponsored by
ScottishPower. With an
ambitious and adventurous
programme which embraces
Celtic music’s connections
with musical genres and
cultural traditions from
across the globe, Celtic
Connections 2012 will see
2100 artists perform in
around 300 events
over 18 days in 20
venues across Glasgow.
Celtic Connections is
programmed and promoted by
Glasgow Life.
It
had been a few years
since the princess of
bluegrass, Alison Krauss
graced the British Isles
with her tender, breathy
vocal and mournful
fiddle. Then, of
course, she was on the
arm of a native and rock
god, Robert Plant.
Perhaps it was really
that intoxicating duo
and subsequent
critically acclaimed
album, Rising Sand that
won Alison Krauss a new
found following in the
UK. 
The
set list was very heavy
on songs from the new
album which included the
haunting, percussive Lie
Awake, the sweet
surrender of Dimming of
the Day to the
roots-laden tale of
Bonita and Bill Butler.
However, there was still
plenty of time-honoured
instrumental breakdowns
especially from
legendary lap steel
player, Jerry Douglas
and older Union Station
favourites like The Boy
that Couldn’t Hoe Corn,
Oh Atlanta, Miles to Go
and the ultimate crowd
pleaser and movie
sensation, Man of
Constant Sorrow.
Langley, KY ----- In celebration of Bill Monroe's 100th birthday, Tommy Webb is proud to announce his new single release, “From Rock-N-Roll to Bill Monroe” available to radio now via New Cuts of Bluegrass and Airplay Direct. This catchy up-tempo beat will have you tapping your toes and singing along with its catchy lyrics that describe singing rock-n-roll to playing bluegrass like the legendary Bill Monroe whose songs are as well known today as they were 50 years ago.
Background to the Festival:
established
1979 
