Bluegrass Jam Along

2025 marks 50 years since The David Grisman Quintet first got together, an event that changed string band music forever. The DGQ played a huge part in the careers of some incredible musicians, including Tony Rice, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and Todd Phillips, as well as including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli. Their first record, The David Grisman Quintet, remains one of the most important records in string band history.To celebrate the early years of the quintet, and the amazing music they created, I've been speaking to some of the people who were right at the heart of it.First up is a wonderful conversation I had with Mike Marshall and Darol Anger. We talk about how they both came to be in that band, how the sound developed, what working with David taught them and what Tony Rice brought to the group.Next week I'll be sharing an interview with Todd Phillips, followed by an interview with the man himself, David Grisman.For more on David, and to buy copies of his music (including the wonderful David Grisman Quintet - First Recordings Live in Dawg's Living Room) visit acousticdisc.comHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)IBMA Bluegrass Live - lineup and ticketsReleases (The Grass is New)Acoustic Disc Frank Wakefield album The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Bob Minner and we're celebrating one of the most iconic flatpicking records of all time - Norman Blake's 'Whiskey Before Breakfast'.We chat about Bob first hearing this record and why he loves it so much; its place in the flatpicking repertoire; the gear Norman used (including guitars, picks and even string gauges!) and we go through the record track by track.Not only that, Bob phoned Norman before we did the interview specifically to ask him about the songs and tunes he picked for the record and where he first heard them.Whether you're new to this record or you know it inside out, I hope you'll learn something from our conversation. I certainly did!Bob mentions a video he made with Bryan Sutton, Chris Eldridge and Kenny Smith, about the D18 that appears on the album cover - you'll find it on the Fretboard Journal's YouTube channelAlso, check out Bob's wonderful tribute album to Norman, 'From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn'.It's always a joy chatting to Bob. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Romp Festival lineup and ticketsBluegrass Hall of Fame gigsGreen Mountain LineupHardly Strictly BluegrassCarolina Chocolate Drops documentaryReleases (The Grass is New)George Jackson PatreonTristan Scroggins PatreonCaterina Lichtenberg Mike Marshall & Friends - Bandcamp The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Wayne Erbsen, professor of old-time and bluegrass music at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.Wayne joins me to talk about half a century of writing about old-time and bluegrass music, including his latest book Southern Mountain Music: The Collected Writings of Wayne Erbsen.Over the past 50 years Wayne has interviewed many legendary figures in Appalachian music, as well as many lesser known names (including the guitarist who acted as AP Carter's 'human tape recorder'), often being the first and only person to collect their stories. These articles come together to create a fascinating history of bluegrass and old-time music in Appalachia.The book profiles many pioneers of old-time and bluegrass music, alongside chapters on brother duets from the 1930s, legendary banjo pickers and fiddle players and tales of 19th-century songwriters whose songs still populate bluegrass music. Wayne also shares some great stories, including the time Charlie Cline's powerful snoring led to the Bluegrass Boys spending a night out in the cold and the gig where Clarence White borrowed his guitar.You can buy Wayne's book at the MacFarland Books website. Check out Wayne's YouTube channel tooHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Bluegrass on Hudson lineup and ticketsIBMA WOB ticketsIBMA International Stage applicationsNote - the deadline is being extended to the end of MayPhillips, Grier and Flinner tour datesReleases (The Grass is New) The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest on the podcast this week is six time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Jason Carter.Jason recently ended his 33 year run with the Del McCoury Band and we talk about that extraordinary journey, from the fascinating story about how he got the job in the first place, to the decision to move on and what comes next. We also talk about the huge changes bluegrass has gone through in those 33 years, how Del's career grew alongside that, recording The Mountain with Steve Earle and Jason's recent solo album, plus his project with Michael Cleveland.This was a wonderful conversation - I hope you enjoy it.For more info, head to jasoncarterfiddle.com and follow Jason on his Instagram You'll find the videos Jason mentions on his YouTube pageEnjoy!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This Bitesize episode features a conversation I had with Wyatt Rice for a set of episodes in 2023 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tony Rice's 'Church Street Blues' album.Wyatt talks about his experience of playing on the sessions aged just 17, hanging out with Tony, the first time he saw an Ovation guitar at Tony's house and the track from 'Church Street Blues' he ended up playing backup on, even though he'd never played it before the tape started running.It was a really special interview to get to be a part of - I hoe you enjoy it.Here are the links to the full Church Street Blues episodes:- Part 1  - (inc. Tim Stafford, Wyatt, Alison Krauss, Bryan Sutton and Chris Eldridge- Part 2  - (inc. Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses and Scott Nygaard)- Wyatt (extended interview)Happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Tony Rice Memorial Day Music FestBanjo in Sicily with Tony TrischkaReleases (The Grass is New)Daniel Kimbro album - buy/stream The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddyAlison Krauss vinyl reissueSoul Folk bookOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Katie Harford Hogue, who joins me to chat about the wonderful album 'Julia Belle: The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 2'We discuss how the project came about, following the discovery of dozens of John Hartford's notebooks, kept between 1983 and 2001, full of as many as 4,000 original fiddle tunes he'd composed. That led to the book - 'John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes', followed by two albums, the second of which we're exploring today.Co-produced by Katie, with Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, 'Julia Belle' features a selection of John's original fiddle tunes, as well as some favourite songs, performed by some of the most beloved female artists in the Hartford-inspired bluegrass scene, including Rachel Baiman, Phoebe Hunt, Ginger Boatwright, Brittany and Natalie Haas, Deanie Richardson, Allison de Groot, Della Mae, The Price Sisters, Uncle Earl, Alison Brown, Missy Raines and Sierra Hull. It's a wonderful record and made for a fascinating conversation. Check out the links below to buy the album and discover the many amazing resources available to celebrate John's music.Happy picking,MattMore info... Buy on CD from johnhartford.comDownload on BandcampListen - Matt Coombs plays John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle TunesSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Darol Anger's Big Book of Tunes vol 3Releases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddySteve Earle's Fifty Years of Songs and Stories tour datesOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This Bitesize episode comes from an interview I did in April 2023 with Rachel Baiman about her wonderful record Common Nation of SorrowI re-listened to the episode (and the album) recently and this section really stood out. We chat about storytelling in music; the power of infusing a song with emotion; the importance of connection and conversation and how music can foster community.I really enjoyed this and found it thought provoking to listen back to. I hope you find something interesting, inspiring or meaningful in it too. Do go and listen to Common Nation of Sorrow  as well! Links below for more info on Rachel and to buy her music.Happy picking!MattRachel's website – http://www.rachelbaiman.com/Bandcamp: https://rachelbaimanmerch.bandcamp.com/musicFollow Rachel:Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/rachelbaiman/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Rachelbaimanmusic/Send a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Earl Scruggs Music FestivalRhiannon Giddens and Kristina Gaddy bookReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddyBilly Strings and Sierra Hull - Midnight on the Stormy DeepOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)North Carolina Guitar CelebrationReleases (The Grass is New)Darol Anger & Mike Marshall with the WDR Big BandSpotifyCDThe Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddyDawg at 80 - Hartford's Reel (with Sam Bush, Billy Strings and more)Other bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Sierra Hull.Sierra has been a guest on the podcast twice before and both times we chatted about an ongoing project she's been working on since her last record 25 Trips. That project eventually became her new album, the wonderful A Tiptoe High Wire, which we talk about in this episode.Recorded over four sets of sessions over a two year period, the album features Sierra's current touring band, as well as including guest appearances from Béla Fleck, Tim O'Brien, Ronnie Bowman, Lindsay Lou, Aoife O'Donovan and Sierra's husband Justin Moses.We talk about the process of writing the songs, some of which were written with these specific musicians in mind; the themes and inspiration behind the tracks; Sierra's desire to write more optimistic and hopeful songs; her decision to put the record out independently and how the album, co-produced by Sierra's friend Shani Gandhi, feels like one piece, despite being split over several different sessions.It's a fantastic record and, as always, it was a real treat getting to chat with Sierra.For info on where you can buy A Tiptoe High Wire and a full list of Sierra's upcoming tour dates, check out sierrahull.comHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is a legend of American string band music.When David Grisman raised his middle finger to MCA Records, after being  dropped for failing to meet arbitrary sales targets, he couldn't have known it would spark a 35-year musical revolution. As one of America's foremost, and best loved, mandolin virtuosos turns 80 this year, he offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth, evolution, and future of Acoustic Disc, the independent label he founded in 1990 that became a vital archive of American string band traditions, as well as home to over three decades of his own music.Grisman's journey from frustrated artist to label founder came at a pivotal moment in music history, as CDs were eclipsing vinyl and the digital revolution loomed on the horizon. He built his own studio, using gear he bought from the iconic 1750 Arch Studios, and Acoustic Disc was born. The label's early success—including Grammy nominations for its first two releases—established a blueprint combining Grisman's new compositions, collaborations with luminaries like Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice, and carefully chosen historical recordings.The switch from physical media to digital distribution liberated both Grisman's creative vision and business model."It's just too beautiful a concept to make one product and sell an infinite number without manufacturing anything," he explains. This shift allows him to release an album every month, including expanded versions of classic recordings with Tony Rice, Jerry Garcia, and others. These "deluxe editions" offer fascinating insights into the creative process behind influential albums like Tone Poems, capturing not just the music but the conversations between master musicians at work.Whether you're a huge Grisman fan, dedicated bluegrass lover or just a fan of acoustic music at its best, Acoustic Disc's extraordinary catalog offers a gateway into America's rich string band traditions. Find out more at acousticdisc.com and, while you're there, sign up for their weekly newsletter to receive a free "Treat of the Week".For updates, follow David on Instagram and FacebookHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsBluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and BeerAppleSpotifyBluegrass Standard article on Bluegrass Jam Along!News and Announcements (Church Street News)I'm With HerAlbum preordersTour datesReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week's episode is a Bitesize episode, which is a short section highlighting a previous episode you may have missed, which feels apt, given that this is episode #450, so the back catalogue is getting pretty big!But, it's not a previous episode of Bluegrass Jam Along. This week I'm sharing part of an episode on mandolins and Beer, because the guest was....me!Daniel has been on my podcast a couple of times and was kind enough to invite me onto Mandolins and Beer to chat about how I got into bluegrass, how the podcast started, how t's developed, some of my favourite moments and (of course) what my favourite beer is.I really enjoyed chatting to Daniel for this. If you want to hear the full interview just head to the Mandolins and Beer website. You can also listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts.Happy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsDoc Watson 100th birthday episodesPart 1AppleSpotifyYouTubePart 2AppleSpotifyYouTubeBluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and BeerAppleSpotifyBluegrass Standard article on Bluegrass Jam Along!News and Announcements (Church Street News)Telluride lineupRockygrass lineupReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Tim Stafford, who joins me to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the best loved and most influential albums in bluegrass.'JD Crowe & The New South' was recorded in January 1975 and released in August the same year. Tim joins me to chat about what makes it such a milestone record in bluegrass, despite it not really being a bluegrass album at all in some ways. We chat about the musicians who made it so special, including the rhythmic magic Tony Rice and JD Crowe had; why Ricky Skaggs is potentially the greatest tenor singer in bluegrass; why you it's important not to underestimate Bobby Slone's role in the band and the Jerry Douglas break on this record that was so good all three singers forgot to come back in after it!Tim also tells me why the session almost didn't happen due to Tony cutting his hand and suffering from a bad cold, plus plenty more fascinating detail about the band and the making of this record.You can see the video Tim talks about (along with the wonderful hair and shirts!) on YouTube2025 is also a big anniversary year for Tim's band Blue Highway, who turn 30 this year. Fund out more at bluehighwayband.comHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod NewsBluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and BeerAppleSpotifyNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Rhiannon Giddens' American TunesDelFest LineupReleases (The Grass is New)Sierra Hull - Spitfire videoSierra Hull - tour datesMax Wareham - tour datesThe Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on Buddy/In my earsJake Workman - Northern Shore videoAtkin Guitars - D37 vs White Rice videoOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is guitarist Jake Workman. Jake joins me to talk about his recently ended 9 year run with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, including a great story about how he got the gig, what he learned from playing with Ricky, why rhythm guitar is so important in that role and why now was the time to look for a new challenge.We also talk about Jake's long standing teaching career, including his thoughts on why listening is more important than transcribing and the importance of being yourself as a musician.To find out more, visit jakeworkman.com and follow Jake on Instagram and YouTubeJake is also teaching at Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp this year.Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.Happy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Grey Fox FestivalCasey Driessen Fiddle Camp ScholarshipReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on Buddy/In my ears1925 Fiddle Convention 100th anniversary tribute pre-orders‘Complete' Tone Poems at Acoustic DiscOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This is the first of a new series of episodes on the podcast I'm calling 'Bitesize'. I've done well over 100 interviews for the podcast now. That's a lot of conversations! The idea with these episodes is to pick out a highlight from a past conversation and share it again, in case you missed it missed it first time round, or just want to hear some bits again. If you're new to the podcast they'll also give you a great sense of what's there, so you can dive in and discover some of the older episodes.This first one is a real favourite of mine. Back in 2023 I did a bunch of episodes celebrating Doc Watson on what would have been his 100th birthday. I spoke to people who  played with Doc and spent time with him (including Jack Lawrence, Happy Traum and T. Michael Coleman), as well as players who just love Doc's music (including Critter Eldridge, Tim O'Brien, Bryan Sutton and many more).This comes from the chat I had with Jack Lawrence. He shares a wonderful story about Doc giving him an iconic Martin D18 that needed a little TLC.I hope you enjoy this. It was great listening back to it!If you want to hear more from the Doc episodes, you'll find them here:Doc Watson 100th birthday celebration - Part 1Doc Watson 100th birthday celebration - Part 2 Jack Lawrence conversation in full Happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)ETSU Artist in Residence postPunch Brothers tour datesGreen Mountain lineupReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on Buddy/In my earsBela Fleck ‘Throw Down Your Heart' documentary (YouTube)Other bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Tom Nechville from Nechville Banjos.Tom joins me to chat about 40 years of making banjos, including what he's learned along the way and some of the innovations he's brought to the banjo, including his revolutionary Heli-Mount head tightening system. We also chat about why he chose to sell his building in Minneapolis and move his entire shop to Sisters, Oregon; returning to his passion for hands-on building of custom instruments on his own with complete control over the outcome; the role  bluegrass plays in building and strengthening community and developing the Vintage Eclipse model for and with Billy Failing, who plays banjo with Billy Strings.For more info on Nechville Banjos visit www.nechville.comHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsEric Skye - Phillips, Grier & Fliner special Apple PodcastsSpotifyNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Alison Krauss pre-order and tour infoBilly Strings tour datesDelFest lineup and ticketsBlue Highway 30th anniversary concertReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest on the podcast this week is Eric Skye, who joins me to celebrate the album 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner'.Released in 1999 on Compass Records, it marks the first collaboration between bassist Todd Phillips, guitarist David Grier, and mandolinist Matt Flinner and features three original tunes from each.We chat about how Eric first discovered the record and why it means so much to him, plus what's so special about these three musicians and this collection of tunes. We also chat about the album's sound and why listening is such an important part of making (and understanding) music.This was a fantastic conversation to get to have and it's always a pleasure talking to Eric.You can buy 'Phillips, Grier and Flinner' on CD or as a digital download in mp3,FLAC or WAV via the Compass Records websiteFor more info on Eric's music and production services, check out ericskye.comThe Chris Thile and David Grier bootleg we discuss in the episode is available via sugarmegs:Part 1Part 2  SetlistHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsDaniel Kimbro interviewApple PodcastsSpotifyNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Dawg at 80Sierra Ferrell tour datesEarl Experience Banjo CampReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddyMartin Guitars Billy Strings signature modelsOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Daniel Kimbro. Daniel is the bass player in Jerry Douglas's band and plays with Jerry in Transatlantic Sessions and The Earls of Leicester. He's also part of the trio Harley Kimbro Lewis and joins me this week to chat about his first solo record Carpet in the Kitchen.  This was a fun conversation that touches on story songs, fishing, murder ballads, collaboration and finding a sense of place in music, plus lots of chat about how Carpet in the Kitchen came together and the musicians Daniel chose to accompany him on the record. Loyston, the first single from the album, is out now. You can listen here.For more info check out Daniel's website and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.Happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Sierra Hull - pre-order/pre-save the new recordBluegrass in La Roche infoReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episodeNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Chris Thile's AcousticampStation Inn bookBluegrass Hall of Fame - John Hartford DaysReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is author Dan Gutstein, who joins me to chat about his book 'Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane'.The book traces the history of one of America's most recorded folk songs, from it's origins amongst enslaved people on southern plantations, through the Civl War and minstrelsy, to the folk revival and beyond. On its journey Little Liza Jane, and its variants, was performed and recorded by a huge range of artists, including Del McCoury, Nina Simone, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Alison Krauss...and David Bowie.It's a fascinating subject, which could have filled several episodes!You'll find more info on Dan and the book (including links to buy a copy) at www.dangutstein.com/#/littlelizajaneThere's a great playlist of Liza Jane recordings on Spotify if you want to check out some of the versions we discuss in the episode.You'll also find info on the ongoing film project Dan talks about at www.lizajanemovie.comHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Noam Pikelny and Friends tour datesAlison Krauss tour datesEarl Scruggs Center eventsBela Fleck's Blue Ridge Banjo CampEuropean Bluegrass SummitReleases (The Grass is New)Buy Sarah Jarosz's Blue Heron SuiteSierra Hull's Holiday Favorites 7” vinylThe Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyTony Rice Manzanita vinyl reissueRounder vinyl bundle (Tony Rice, JD Crowe, Bela Fleck)Other bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Darol Anger, one of the leading lights of progressive string band music over the last 50 years.Through his work with the David Grisman Quintet, the Turtle Island String Quartet, bands like Psychograss and New Grange and his long standing collaboration with Mike Marshall (not to mention his own wonderful solo records), Darol has been at the forefront of pushing perceptions of what string bands can do for decades.Today we're chatting about Darol's current band, Mr Sun, and their wonderful record Mr Sun Plays Duke Ellington's Nutcracker, which feels very appropriate as we enter holiday season!We talk about adapting Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's big band arrangements for string band and some of the challenges that involved, as well as why the humour in this music (and all music) is so important.  We also talk about why Darol keeps coming back to the string band as a format, why he loves playing with Mr Sun and  much more.This one was a real treat.You'll find more info on Mr Sun, including current tour dates for the Nutcracker record, at mrsunband.comFor info and updates on Darol and his music visit darolanger.comDarol also has a great fiddle course on ArtistWorksHope you enjoy this one!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Charlotte Carrivick.Charlotte is one of my favourite guitarists, so I'm delighted she's back on the podcast to talk about her new record Sensible or Otherwise.We chat about why, despite having written tunes for years, it took so long to make an instrumental record; the new guitar she commissioned for this album; why she's not uploading it to Spotify and  where some of the names for the tunes on this record came from (there are some fabulous titles on this one!).We also chat about her experience of being a tutor at Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp last year.You can hear and buy the record digitally at Charlotte's Bandcamp pageYou can also get a CD from charlottecarrivick.co.ukFor news and updates, plus some wonderful flatpick and clawhammer banjo tune videos, follow Charlotte on InstagramHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guests this week is Olli Chanoff, Director of Programming at the FreshGrass Foundation.So much music I love has its roots in FreshGrass Commissions, from albums like Becky Buller's Jubilee, Sarah Jarosz's Blue Heron Suite and Aoife O'Donovan's All My Friends, to instrumental works by Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas and Jacob Jolliff. So I was delighted to get the opportunity to chat to Olli about how FreshGrass goes about commissioning these works, why they support the FreshGrass Foundation's mission and what the process is like.  We also talk about FreshGrass's fantastic work to support and promote roots music and artists, including their festivals, FreshScores film commissions and their involvement in the Steve Martin Banjo prize.I really enjoyed this conversation - I hope you do too!Find out more about FreshGrass's mission and what's coming next at https://freshgrassfoundation.orgHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Blue Ridge Guitar CampAlison de Groot's ArtistWorks clawhammer banjo courseReleases (The Grass is New)Charlotte Carrivick BandcampThe Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyBela Fleck and Abigail Washburn's Holiday Card listOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Sarah Jarosz.Sarah joins me to talk about one of my favourite albums, 'Blue Heron Suite', which is getting a physical reissue on November 22nd. We chat about how the record developed out of a FreshGrass commission, what that process was like, the central themes that underpin the album, the decision to arrange it for a trio rather than including drums and how it fits into Sarah's journey, both personally and as a songwriter.Getting to chat about new records is always fun, but I also love getting to dig into a record that's been out for a while and I've had a chance to really get to know - it makes for a different type of conversation and I loved this one.We also chatted briefly about I'm With Her and the good news is that Sarah has been writing with Aoife and Sara and we can look forward to another album (although there are no specific dates yet).'Blue Heron Suite' is being reissued as a CD and LP - you can pre-order your copy here, where you'll also find links to the album on streaming services.For info and updates visit sarahjarosz.com and follow Sarah on Instagram, TikTok and FacebookHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.This week we have a special episode looking at the artists from the bluegrass and string band world who've been nominated for a Grammy. There'll be some music in here you're familiar with and, hopefully, something new to discover too.The awards themselves will take place on Sunday February 2nd 2025.Who are your favourites?Other bitsDonate to the Bluegrass Jam Along/Bryan Sutton fundraiser to help people and communities devastated by Hurricane HeleneThe Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/Full list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Sierra Hull.Since I spoke to Sierra for the podcast back in January 2023 she's been ridiculously busy touring and recording. We chat about the extended tour she's been on for Bela Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart (which she describes as one of the highlights of her musical life), her current and ongoing tour with her own band (which has been chaotic to say the least!) and why she chose to have a drummer in her band, even though she confesses she's not generally a fan of drums in bluegrass.We talk about the wonderful band she's assembled and what they've been up to in  the studio, including recording a new album (due in the first quarter of 2025), two great covers (Tears For Fears' Mad World and The Grateful Dead's Black Muddy River), not one but two holiday songs (the first of which,The First Snowfall, is out this week) and her Freshgrass Concerto commission.Lots to look forward to if (like me) you're a Sierra Hull fan!This conversation was a lot of fun - I hope you enjoy it!For info and tour dates head to Sierra's website sierrahull.comFor regular updates follow Sierra on Facebook and InstagramIf you missed it, check out my previous interview with Sierra.Happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Podcast newsBryan Sutton IBMA fundraiser interviewDonate to the Bluegrass Jam Along/Bryan Sutton fundraiser to help people and communities devastated by Hurricane HeleneNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza JaneReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyBilly Strings - O Billy Where Art Thou clips:Down To The River and Pray - Sierra Hull, Rachael Davis, Lindsay LouBilly Strings & Tim Blake Nelson - In The Jailhouse NowBilly Strings 10/31/2024 Baltimore, MD (Complete Show)Other bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week I'm joined by bluegrass legend Bryan Sutton for a very special episode to benefit the IBMA Trust Fund and help people suffering the devastation of Hurricane Helene.In the run up to recording the episode we asked for questions for Bryan for Bluegrass Jam Along listeners - in this interview you'll hear me put those questions to him. We talk about growing up in Asheville and how important that community was to Bryan's musical development; about his relationship with Doc Watson and the time he got to spend with him; about how he goes about learning complex music and his thoughts on practice; why learning more than one instrument is a good thing...and his admiration for Metallica's James Hetfield. We cover a lot of ground!Everyone who asked a question donated to our GoFundMe fundraiser, which remains open after the episode goes out. If you're able to, please do consider donating whatever you can. As you'll hear from Bryan in the interview, there are people in desperate need of help as they rebuild their homes, lives and communities.Having grown up in Asheville, one of the areas hit hardest by the hurricane, Bryan knows just how important community is at times like this. The relief effort will take months or, in some cases, over a year, so every penny donated will be incredibly important to the ongoing efforts.All the proceeds from this episode will go to the IBMA Trust Fund so please do donate what you can via the GoFundMe campaign.If you can't donate, or have already donated to other fundraisers, please do share this episode with anyone you think would enjoy it and help spread the word.Thanks to the team at IBMA for all their help putting this together and getting the word out and thanks to the team at ArtistWorks for an incredibly generous donation to get things moving. Thank you to everyone who submitted a question and everyone who's donated already (and thanks in advance to those of you who donate after hearing this!)Here's the link again - https://www.gofundme.com/f/bluegrass-jam-along-helene-fundraiserAnd thanks, of course, to Bryan for taking part in this very special episode of Bluegrass Jam Along.Enjoy the interview and happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Donate to the Bluegrass Jam Along/Bryan Sutton fundraiser to help people and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.Biscuits and BanjosEuropean Bluegrass SummitRestring AppalachiaReleases (The Grass is New)Chris Eaton & Flint County - Pheasant PieThe Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyNew Acoustic Facebook groupOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guest this week is Daniel Patrick, host of the excellent Mandolins and Beer podcast.Daniel has interviewed dozens of great mandolin players for his podcast, but today we're going to talk about his new record Around the Clock, which features him playing with eleven of his heroes, including Tim O'Brien, Ronnie McCoury and Sam Bush, as well as some of the top players on the scene today, including Jarrod Walker, Jacob Jolliff and Harry Clark.We chat about how the record came together and how it was recorded, as well as how Daniel chose the musicians he wanted to include. We also, of course, talk about Mandolins and Beer, the rise of podcasting in general and so much more, including our shared love for CD liner notes!You can buy Around the Clock on Bandcamp and listen on SpotifyCheck out mandolinsandbeer.com for info on the podcast and more.Happy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episodeNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Donate to the Bluegrass Jam Along/Bryan Sutton fundraiser to help people and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.Celtic Connections 2025Blue Ridge Guitar Camp 2025Michael Daves' Clarence White Muleskinner zoom classNew Acoustic Facebook groupReleases (The Grass is New)I'm With Her - EspressoCharlotte Carrivick - Red Riding HoodThe Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week's episode is about a very special fundraiser I'm putting together.I'm working with Bryan Sutton to raise funds to help people suffering the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. Bryan is from Asheville, NC, one of the cities hit hardest by the hurricane, so this cause is very close to his heart.We're putting together a one off episode of Bluegrass Jam Along where you, the podcast's listeners, get to interview Bryan! Here's how it works...When you donate, you get to send me a question to ask Bryan in the episode, then I'll put as many questions as I can to Bryan over the course of the interview. What do you want to ask him?(Don't worry, you don't have to have a question, you can just donate too!). All proceeds will go to the IBMA Trust Fund to help those in need. All donations, big or small, are very welcome. This is the link to donate (and ask your question). Please do share this with as many people as you can.https://www.gofundme.com/f/bluegrass-jam-along-helene-fundraiserThanks in advance!Matt and BryanSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Donate to the Bluegrass Jam Along/Bryan Sutton fundraiser to help people and communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.Appalachian Allies benefit concertEnergy Curfew Music HourYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

My guests on the podcast this week are Lillian Werbin and Kristina Gaddy. I caught up with them at IBMA to chat about Roots Revival : A Black Stringband Symposium, a collaboration between IBMA and The Banjo Gathering.Hosted at IBMA's World of Bluegrass, the symposium celebrated and explored Black contributions to Bluegrass and other traditional music, both historic and continuing, featuring contemporary conversations about diversity and inclusion in traditional music and the ways in which Black musicians, builders, and researchers navigate bluegrass and traditional music spaces.We talk about how the event came together, some of the themes it explores and how discussions and events like this can become part of the continuing conversation about traditional music.For more information on The Banjo Gathering, and to sign up for the 2024 event, which is happening this month, head to The Banjo Gathering website.If you missed it, check out my interview with Kristina about her fabulous book Well of Souls : Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History. You can buy Well of Souls at Elderly Instruments (which Lillian is also CEO and co-owner of!).I really enjoyed this conversation and it helped me think about some of the issues we touched on with fresh insight and understanding. I hope you enjoy it.Happy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to this week's Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what's going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episodeNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Donate to help those devastated by hurricane HeleneJohn Hartford tune marathonReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong' for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts

This week's episode is a selection of interviews I carried out at IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina last week.It was the last IBMA in Raleigh before the event moves to Chattanooga in 2025, and was an amazing week, full of great conversations, events, music, instruments, picking and people. I had a fantastic time and can't tell you how much it means to me to feel so welcomed by the bluegrass and string band community.But it was also a devastating week for the people of western North Carolina and East Tennessee, as hurricane Helene devastated the area. In Raleigh we were lucky to escape with some rain and minor delays to the street festival - others were nowhere near so lucky. There's a desperate need for help and resources in the area so, if you'd like to donate something (however small), there's a list here of places you can go to do that. OK, on with the interviews. In this episode you'll hear from:IBMA executive director Ken White, on IBMA WOB's move to Chattanooga next yearChristopher Howard-Williams from IBMA, EBMA and Bluegrass in La Roche, on the international bluegrass scene and some of the challenges it facesPatricia Butler, co-founder of ArtistWorks, on receiving a Distinguished Achievement AwardSteve Nall (Nully) of Collings Guitars, on why their new Hill Country series is a radical departure for Collings and why bringing them to IBMA is so valuable in terms of feedbackBrenna MacMillan, on her brand new record Dear Life, and finding community amongst her fellow musiciansChris Eaton, UK dobro player, on coming to IBMA for the very first timeThanks to everyone I met out in Raleigh. Back next week with another IBMA interview - in the meantime have a great week and happy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts