A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE ART AND CUSTOMS OF BLUEGRASS JAMMING [Note: This is the first of the Bluegrass Tao series] INTRODUCTION Although the terms “jam session” and “jamming” have their roots in the jazz culture of the 1930s, humans … Read More
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
Despite serious cutbacks in funding for the arts, the Dutchess County Arts Council approved our grant proposal to establish a “Bluegrass in the Schools” program in collaboration with Poughkeepsie Day School this fall. The matching grant of $1,060, funded by … Read More
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
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
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
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
by Mary Burdette Howdy everyone. Many of you have been asking what the layout will be like at Grey Fox this year. We are making many changes — both big and small — that we feel are very positive. We … Read More
It’s been about forty years since I sat down in front of my first tape recorder, hit the record button and played a couple of guitar chords into a cheesy microphone. After recording I hit the play button and as … Read More
Ah but what to write? If you have the luxury of not being a nine-to-five Nashville songwriter (Whew! wipe your forehead, that was close!) have some more ice tea! A song idea will come along sooner or later. As a … Read More