Review of Leigh and Eric Gibson’s New CD “Ring the Bell”
by Tom Thorpe Get ready for another groundbreaking project from the Gibson Brothers before you listen to “Ring the Bell.” After I first played the album, I was moved. There was something different, something special about this CD – something … Read More
Hey Mister Bassman
by Doug Marcus Thoughts on playing bass; Bluegrass, Blues and Beyond I love playing bluegrass bass, however I am not strictly a purist when it comes to being the traditional bluegrass/rockabilly slapper. My approach to bluegrass bass is a result … Read More
David Peterson: Comin’ On Strong
by Enrico Scull What a great record. Peterson has that voice that sets a mood for the pure country music of the golden era that we all love. He covers some defining must-haves that anyone looking for a richer repertoire … Read More
Sierra Hull: Secrets
by Pat Dinges I was disappointed on the first listen. I was expecting a CD packed with instrumentals with the mandolin front and center. After all, Sierra Hull is a gifted mandolin player, right? When I listened to Sierra Hull’s … Read More
Larry Stephenson: Thankful
by Kim McMann Thankful, Larry Stephenson’s fourth gospel release, is a joyful celebration of Christian faith and bluegrass. Easy to listen to, without many surprises, the CD is worthy of a listen due to the smooth vocals and interesting collection … Read More
The Luthier’s Corner: Buying a Used Acoustic Guitar
by Rick Mullen Whether you’ve decided to buy a used guitar for reasons of economy, or you’ve just run across a sweet little number lying in some music store’s back room and you must have it, buying a used instrument … Read More
A Banjo Teacher’s Diary
I just had my seventh year teaching at Banjo Camp North in Massachusetts, and it was, as always, wonderful. Camp ran from noon Friday May 15, 2009 through Sunday afternoon May 17, and included dozens of classes for both bluegrass … Read More
Guerrilla Performing tips for Pick-Up Bands
by Bob Stump There is no substitute for a regular schedule of solid practice for a band who’s members are committed to that group. However there are times when the usual lineup of musicians are not always available. Enter the … Read More
The Nashville Number System
by Wayne Fugate History and background The Nashville Number System is an informal method of transcribing music by denoting the scale degree upon which a chord is built. Since the middle ages, musicians have substituted Roman numerals for chord … Read More