Since the 1960s, David Grisman has been redefining what that mandolin means in bluegrass—and even what bluegrass means itself. With a laundry list of collaborators from Andy Statman to Jerry Garcia to Ricky Skaggs to John Hartford, Grisman’s unmistakable “Dawg” … Read More
Whether it’s down in the mines or on the chain gang, hammers feature somewhat heavily in bluegrass music. This includes classics like “Big Spike Hammer” on the Bluegrass Album Band’s California Connection and “Nine Pound Hammer” on the Tony Rice … Read More
Dan Tyminski has shown himself to be an artist with a strong understanding of what makes good modern bluegrass. Having been an instrumental architect of the genre’s return to the American zeitgeist through his role in O Brother Where Art … Read More
Just as there are essential bluegrass tunes that just about every bluegrasser should know, there are the essential songs: classic numbers like “The Old Home Place” and “Nine Pound Hammer” will never raise an eyebrow at a jam, and just … Read More
There are some bluegrass tunes that are just essential—the kind that 99% of pickers will know how to play when called at a jam. These tunes, like “Big Sciota” and “Cherokee Shuffle,” are jam standards that are a good way … Read More
This week marks the first in the HVBA’s Member Band Spotlight Series, where we shine the spotlight on our wonderful local member bands in the Hudson Valley! First up is long-time member Too Blue! In 1995, banjo player Joan Harrison … Read More
The consensus is clear: Tony Rice says it was never meant to be. Flat Lonesome reports that it’s just sad. Hot Rise says it’s time to walk the way the wind blows. Breakup songs make up a big chunk of … Read More
Dan Tyminski is a man of constant sorr- er, I mean, a man of many voices. The venerable Union Station member has a powerful vocal presence—with inimitable performances like his iconic take on “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow”—as … Read More
Whether it’s down in the mines, on the farm, or on the railroad line, some of bluegrass music’s best songs celebrate (or bellyache) about working life. Makes sense for a genre with such blue collar roots! Some songs on this … Read More
In bluegrass music, each bluegrasser is expected to know a good number of instrumental fiddle tunes to keep up at a jam. While tunes like “Cherokee Shuffle,” “Big Sciota,” and “Gold Rush” are known by just about every picker, there … Read More