Podcast appearances and mentions of Tony Trischka

This week we feature Michael Daves and talk with him about his growing up in bluegrass music, performing with Chris Thile, working with Tony Trischka and his new album with Jacob Jollif that plays tribute to Jim and Jesse.  We also talk to Michael about his ArtistWorks vocals course.   

Specializing in tradition-based instrumental Ceilidh music

This week we feature bluegrass banjo legend Tony Trischka and talk with him about his two Earl Jam projects and tour.  Tony tells us the story about how the two Earl Jam projects came together and we will talk about his love and respect for Earl's banjo playing and his relationship with Earl Scruggs over the years.  We'll also talk about his teaching banjo on ArtistWorks. 

This week, world renown bluegrass and old-time music virtuosos and educators Tony Trischka & Bruce Molsky recorded live at the Ozark Folk Center State Park's annual Arkansas Old-time Fiddle & Banjo Championships. Also, performances from the 2025 contest champions, fiddler Gwyneth Davis of Petit Jean Mountain, AR and banjoist Erik Brashers of Eureka Springs, AR. Each year, the Ozark Folk Center State Park hosts the Arkansas Old-time Fiddle & Banjo Championships. Competitors ranging in age from eight to eighty come from all over to test their skills and possibly be crowned a champion. World class musicians are brought in judge these contests and also perform on the Folk Center's evening concert. At the 2025 contest we were honored to have as our judges and performers, Tony Trischka & Bruce Molsky. Tony Trischka was born in Syracuse, NY and raised in a home filled with music. There were broadway scores and a sweeping range of classical music, from Stravinsky to Beethoven. The wide-open American vistas of Aaron Copland had an especially potent spiritual and visceral impact on him, as did the folk music his left-leaning father held dear. The Almanac Singers, the solo work of its founding members Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly's children's lp were in constant rotation. Trischka fell in love with the banjo by way of the Kingston Trio's 1959 recording of “M.T.A.,” and was able to experience the New York-centered folk revival by trekking to the Newport Folk Festival in the early to mid-'60s. He moved to the city in the early '70s and hit the ground running, settling in among a peer group of extraordinary musicians who saw American roots music as a thriving, living language that could be expanded and combined with other influences and sensibilities. - https://www.tonytrischka.com/bio Grammy-nominated, described as “an absolute master” (No Depression), Bruce Molsky transports audiences to another time and place, with his authentic and personal interpretations of rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe. Best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce's banjo, guitar and his distinctive, powerful vocals also resonate with listeners. His combination of technical virtuosity and relaxed conversational wit makes a concert hall feel like an intimate front porch gathering.  Bruce's take on tradition has landed him in collaborations with some of the world's most highly respected players from roots to rock. https://brucemolsky.com/bio In this week's “From the Vault” segment, OHR producer Jeff Glover offers a 1985 archival recording of a notable contest fiddler from the past, Alison Krauss, performing the traditional tune “Gardenia Waltz,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives. In his segment “Back in the Hills,” writer, professor and historian Dr. Brooks Blevins discusses the etymology of the name Ozark.

In early April I got the chance to go and hang out at SoreFingers, the UK bluegrass and old time camp, for a night. I'd recently interviewed John Wirtz about Sore Fingers' 30 year history for the podcast (link below) and he invited me along to meet the staff and tutors, hang out and watch some music.While I was there I got to interview Michael Daves and Tony Trischka (links to their episodes also below), but I also took the opportunity to wander round, mic in hand like a roving reporter, and just chat to people.In this episode you'll hear from John Wirtz about Sore Fingers' recent venue move and how they're settling into their new home, as well as from other members of the team, including some of the people who facilitate the camp's wonderful scratch band programme.I also talked to some of the tutors, including Tony Trischka, who's taught at Sore Fingers a couple of times before, and Michael Daves and Stephen Mougin, who were both first timers.I couldn't miss the opportunity to chat to some students too, including Sore Fingers veterans and first timers.For more info on Sore Fingers, check out www.sorefingers.co.ukHere's my earlier interview with John WirtzHere are the interviews I did at Sore Fingers with Michael Daves and Tony TrischkaThis is the Stephen Mougin episode on band coachingYou can find out more about Paul Armer via his Instagram 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 and Token premium guitar picks- 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:InstagramFacebook- Review us on Apple Podcasts

Tony Trischka returns to Bluegrass Jam Along to talk about his new record Earl Jam 2, the follow up to the first volume of a fascinating project that began when Tony was sent a thumb drive of recordings of Earl Scruggs and John Hartford jamming together at home.Volume 2 also has a great line up of special guests, including Billy Strings, Bruce Molsky, Molly Tuttle, Del McCoury, Sierra Ferrell and Sister Sadie.Tony tells the fascinating story of how Farayi Malek ended up adding vocals to one tune, after Alison Krauss had done the scratch vocal but wasn't well and couldn't record the final vocal.As with volume 1 it's a great record, full of variety and superb performances.You can hear more in my conversation with Tony about Earl Jam Volume 1 For more info on Tony and to buy both records, visit www.tonytrischka.comThanks to Sore Fingers bluegrass and old time camp for inviting me down to record this interview while Tony was there teaching banjo! 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 and Token premium guitar picks- 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:InstagramFacebook- Review us on Apple Podcasts

Tony Trischka in conversation with Rita Ryan of LocalMotion 4.29.26

My guest this week is Michael Daves and we're chatting about the superb new record he has out with Jacob Jolliff, We Like Jim & Jesse!The record, released on Michael's own label Wild Geranium Records, celebrates the music of first generation bluegrass legends, brothers Jim and Jesse McReynolds.Michael talks about meeting Jesse in 2019 - he was 90 or 91 at the time and still writing new tunes every day - and how that sparked the idea for the record. We also chat about Jesse's unique contribution to the history of bluegrass mandolin, how one of their biggest hits was written on the spot in response to an argument and why Jim and Jesse's vocal blend is every bit as important to their sound as Jesse's mandolin playing.We also talk about Fables, Michael's recent release that pays tribute to a very different act...R.E.M.This interview was recorded at Sore Fingers, the wonderful UK bluegrass camp that runs every Easter (and has for the past 30 years). Later this week I'll be bringing you an interview with Tony Trischka, also recorded at the camp, plus a special episode celebrating Sore Fingers.You'll find Michael and Jacob's record on Bandcamp, where you'll also find Michael's R.E.M. tribute Fables 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 and Token premium guitar picks- 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:InstagramFacebook- Review us on Apple Podcasts

Specializing in tradition-based instrumental Ceilidh music

My guest this week is Bill Nowlin, co-founder of Rounder Records.Bill joins me to talk about Rounder's extraordinary 50 year legacy as one of the most important, influential and best loved independent labels in American roots music.We chat about how Rounder started, after Bill was randomly assigned  Ken Irwin as his college roommate, and how, along with Marian Leighton Levy, they grew Rounder from a small enterprise releasing a couple of records a year into a successful label, responsible for the career of one of the most awarded artists in the history of the Grammys. Bill shares how they discovered Alison Krauss, via a demo tape she wasn't even the lead vocalist on, and subsequently signed her when she was just a teenager. We talk about how Alison's success, along with that of other artists like George Thorogood, helped Rounder establish themselves and how Rounder managed to position themselves at the forefront of industry developments, including releasing the first ever bluegrass CD.We also chat about some of the iconic records Rounder put out over the years, from artists like JD Crowe, Norman Blake, Tony Rice, Tony Trischka and Alison Krauss, and how the founders eventually decided to sell Rounder. That led to a new label, Down the Road Records which, in a lovely full circle moment, put out Alison Krauss and Union Station's return to bluegrass 'Arcadia' in 2025.This was a fascinating conversation about a fascinating legacy.If you want to hear more about Rounder's history, I can highly recommend Bill's book Vinyl Ventures: My Fifty Years at Rounder Records and David Menconi's Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music 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:InstagramFacebook- Review us on Apple Podcasts

Tony Trischka for over 50 years has been considered one of the best and most influential roots music banjo players. His playing has inspired generations of bluegrass and acoustic musicians.  He's a 3x Grammy nominee and he's released seventeen solo albums. His latest is a tribute to Earl Scruggs, featuring Billy Strings and Vince Gill, which was nominated for a Grammy. He's recorded and performed with Earl Scruggs, Pete Seeger, Steve Martin, John Denver, The Allman Brothers and Miley Cyrus to name just a few, and he's played many times at the Grand Ole Opry as well as at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Madison Square Garden. My featured song is “The Cut Of The Knife”, my recent single. Spotify link. —----------------------------------------------------------- The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for All Episodes  Click here for Guest List  Click here for Guest Groupings  Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here to Subscribe  Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH TONY:www.tonytrischka.com ----------------------------------------- ROBERT'S NEWEST RELEASE:“MI CACHIMBER ALL STARS” is the new, expanded version of Robert's single, “Mi Cachimber”, which he wrote for his father. Featuring Camila Cortina on Rhodes and Xito Lovell on trombone in addition to Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhorn, and Project Grand Slam's rhythm section. CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- ROBERT'S RECENT RELEASE: “MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert's recent release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars. CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINK CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —--------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films   Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast: Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com   Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music: Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com    

My guest this week is John Wirtz.John, along with his partner Moira, runs Sore Fingers, a UK bluegrass and old time music camp that celebrates it's 30th anniversary this year.John joins me to chat about how the camp started up and how it's grown over the years to play a major role in the UK and European bluegrass scenes. We talk about some of the extraordinary tutors who have travelled across the Atlantic to teach at Sore Fingers over the years and how they've helped thousands of people develop their musical skills, whilst helping to shape a community in the process.2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the first event and this year's courses feature some wonderful tutors, including Tony Trischka, Michael Daves, Jacob Jolliff, Mike Compton, Stephen Mougin and Becky Buller.For more info, visit the Sore Fingers site at www.sorefingers.co.uk 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

Tim is a prolific songwriter, with over 300 songs recorded. He co-wrote IBMA's 2008 Song of the Year, "Through the Window of a Train," and was named IBMA's Songwriter of the Year in 2014, 2017 and 2023. In addition, he is a sought-after studio musician, having recorded with over 75 artists in addition to Blue Highway, including Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Jorma Kaukonen, Jesse McReynolds, Benny Sims, Marty Raybon, Joe Isaacs, Ronnie Bowman, Charles Sawtelle, Tony Trischka, Larry Sparks, Jim Mills and many others. Tim was named SPBGMA Guitar Performer of the Year in 2001 and 2015. He has produced many award-winning records for various artists, including Kenny Chesney, The Infamous Stringdusters (IBMA 2007 co-album of the Year) , and Knee Deep in Bluegrass, the Acutab Sessions (IBMA 2001 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year). Tim performed many times with Hazel Dickens, including the Lincoln Center in New York (2006), Sundance Film Festival, Park City, UT (2005), Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, San Francisco, CA (2010), and Wintergrass, Tacoma WA (2003). He has taught at nearly all the bluegrass-oriented camps, including Rockygrass Academy, Camp Bluegrass (South Plains College, TX), Augusta Heritage, Wintergrass Academy, Sore Fingers (UK), Bluegrass at the Beach, Nashcamp, Kaufman's Flatpicking Camp, California Bluegrass Association Camp at Grass Valley, St. Louis Flatpick, Resosummit, Summergrass Academy, Grand Targhee, Great Lakes Music Camp, Bluegrass Masters Weekend, Monroe Mandolin Camp, Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp, ETSU Summer Camp, Ashokan Bluegrass Camp, MBOTMA Fall Jam Songwriting workshop intensive and Nashville Flatpick and Songwriting Camp.Tim worked on a PhD in History at Miami University in the mid 1980s. He has taught American History, Western Civ, Appalachian Studies, Mass Communications and Popular Culture, Personal instruction in guitar and banjo, American Roots Music, Songwriting and Bluegrass-related courses at several colleges and Universities, including Miami, East Tennessee State, and Appalachian State University. In 2010, he and Caroline Wright co-authored Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story, the critically-acclaimed authorized biography of bluegrass Hall of Fame member and living legend Tony Rice. Tim gave the keynote address at the 1994 IBMA World of Bluegrass in Owensboro, KY and has been on the IBMA Board of Directors four different times, serving as Vice Chair from 1995 to 1998. He is a former Board member of the Foundation for Bluegrass Music and currently sits on the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. On May 8, 2015, Tim was named a Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts by the East Tennessee State University National Alumni Society. From 2023-25, he was the Artist in Residence in the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Studies Program at ETSU.Tim released his first solo record, Endless Line in 2004 on FGM Records to critical acclaim. It was nominated for IBMA's Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2005. His second, Just to Hear the Whistle Blow, was released in July 2014; his third, Acoustic Guitar, in September 2017. His fourth solo record, Tunes and Ballads, was released in 2020 and his fifth, Guitar Melodies in 2023. Other projects include five duet records--one with the late Steve Gulley, Dogwood Winter, in 2010 and What We Leave Behind:  A Songwriters' Collection, with Bobby Starnes in 2018, as well as the final Gulley/Stafford duet record on Mountain Home Records released in March 2021, Still Here. Tim and Thomm Jutz collaborated on Lost Voices, a duet record on Mountain Fever released in February 2023, as well as Wall Dogs (2024). 

My guest this week is Tony Trischka, who returns to chat about the New York bluegrass scene in the early 1970s.New York and the surrounding area played a huge role in the development of bluegrass and in the genesis of what would become known as New Acoustic music. Tony talks about the early days of his career, including the bands Country Cooking and Breakfast Special and the overlap between that scene and the birth of Rounder Records. We also chat about some of the musicians who came out of the New York scene in the 1960s and 70s, including David Grisman, Andy Statman, Stacy Phillips, Russ Barenberg and Bela Fleck, and how those players began to collaborate with the musicians emerging from the San Francisco Bay Area and Nashville scenes.Tony also talks about his early solo albums, including Banjoland, Hill Country and (a personal favourite of mine) A Robot Plane Flies over Arkansas.It was, as always, a treat chatting with Tony. I hope you enjoy this one.If you missed the David Grisman Quintet episodes we mention, you'll find them here:Part 1 (Darol & Mike) - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrating-50-years-of-the-david-grisman-quintet-part/id1556697198?i=1000711133817Part 2 (Todd) - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrating-50-years-of-the-david-grisman-quintet-part/id1556697198?i=1000712407689Part 3 (David) - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrating-50-years-of-the-david-grisman-quintet-part/id1556697198?i=1000713402530 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

 What an amazing conversation we had with Cole Quest of Cole Quest and the City Pickers.  We talked about their latest album “Home Grown,” how Cole serves as the band leader and band member, and their performance on the famous Mountain Stage!  Rooted in tradition yet driven by a restless New York energy, Cole Quest and The City Pickers are carrying bluegrass forward with wit, warmth, and originality. Led by dobro player, songwriter, and vocalist Cole Quest — grandson of folk icon Woody Guthrie —the band has carved out a singular place in today's roots music landscape.    Their latest album, Homegrown (Jalopy Records, 2025), produced by Grammy Award–winning engineer Steve Rosenthal, brings the band's journey into full focus. The record weaves four new originals with reimagined takes on songs by John Hartford, Peter Rowan, and Woody Guthriehimself, linking Cole's own creative voice with his grandfather's enduring legacy. No Depression hailed it as “an album that deftly moves the legacy of Woody Guthrie along in all the right ways.” Critics like Songlines (UK), Glide Magazine, and the Berkshire Eagle have noted how the bandhonors its lineage while commanding its own path. Their broad recognition includes a Bluegrass Standard cover (August 2025) and a feature in Bluegrass Unlimited.   Formed by friends with a shared love of bluegrass, Quest first pulled the Pickers together in 2017 to record their debut self-titled project at the legendary Magic Shop studio. They went on to release their acclaimed EP Self [En]Titled on Omnivore Records in 2021. Over the years, they've won the Podunk Bluegrass Festival band competition, toured Germany multiple times, and shared stages with artists like Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Tony Trischka.  Be sure to check Cole and the city pickers out here:   Website: colequest.com  Band Camp: Cole Quest and the City Pickers  FB: Cole Quest and the City Pickers  IG: citypickers  YouTube: Citypickers  

Welcome to the 500th episode of Bluegrass Jam Along!My guest this week is Trey Hensley, who joins me to celebrate the very first record he bought - Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall.This historic album was a pivotal moment for bluegrass and also served as a personal intro to the music for many fans.We chat about why Flatt & Scruggs' performance at Carnegie Hall, on December, 1962 was groundbreaking, the initial skepticism from the press, the audience's enthusiastic reception and some of the famous (and soon to be famous) face in the crowd on the night.We also talk about the pivotal role Lousie Scruggs had, not just in getting this performance recorded, but in putting Flatt and Scruggs (and bluegrass music) in front of a new, younger audience.This one was a real treat!For more info on Trey check out www.treyhensley.com===If you're a Flatt and Scruggs fan and missed the Earl Scruggs 100th birthday episodes I put together last year (including Trey as a guest!) you'll find them here:Earl Scruggs 100th Birthday Tribute:Part 1 - Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan MundePart 2 - Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'BrienPart 3 - Trey Hensley, Kyle Tuttle (Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway) & Willow OsborneJim Mills on Earl Scruggs and pre-War Gibson banjosJerry Douglas celebrates Earl Scruggs' 100th Birthday 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 Bitesize episode celebrates one of the most important dates in bluegrass music - December 8th. The main reason this date is so important is that it marks the first time Earl Scruggs joined Bill Monroe at The Opry, on December 8th 1945, leading many people to describe it as 'the birth of bluegrass'. That makes 2025 the 80th anniversary of bluegrass!Fast forward to December 8th 1962 and we have another Flatt and Scruggs milestone - their performance at New York's Carnegie Hall, which was released the year after as Flatt and Scruggs Live at Carnegie Hall, a record that went on to become a firm favourite of bluegrass fans the world over.To celebrate that record, I'll be joined by Trey Hensley in the next episode of the podcast...which is also Bluegrass Jam Along's 500th episode! If you missed the Earl Scruggs 100th birthday episodes I put together last year, you'll find them here:Jerry Douglas celebrates Earl Scruggs' 100th BirthdayEarl Scruggs 100th Birthday Tribute:Part 1 - Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan MundePart 2 - Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'BrienJim Mills on Earl Scruggs and pre-War Gibson banjos 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

The fountain of youth could very well be located in a mandolin, or a fiddle. At least for Sam Bush, playing the mandolin, along with the occasional fiddle, seems to give him an energy level that many people several decades his junior would envy. There is a lot to be said for playing music, whatever the instrument, and its benefits for well being. Cognitively and psychologically, there is a lot of data that affirms we can benefit greatly from playing music, even from simply actively listening to music. A lot of this boils down to a fundamental truth that learning is the catalyst for positive change and growth, and we can all continue learning and picking up new skills throughout our lives. Sam Bush, like so many career music artists, embodies that spirit, and serves as a great example of the heights we can achieve when we devote our lives to reaching towards our full capabilities. Musically, Sam Bush draws from a wide spectrum of styles, ranging from bluegrass to newgrass (which he helped establish and define as a sub-genre with his former group New Grass Revival), to rock and blues with his former project Duck Butter, to having been in both Leon Russell and Emmylou Harris' bands, among many other projects. His stories are just as lively. From recounting his times with Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe to his observations about young stars like Sierra Hull and Billy Strings, to his many performances at Green Acres Music Hall, Sam Bush has many a tale to tell. We get to all of that, and get a glimpse at what he has in store in the near future as well, in a spirited conversation from backstage at the 2025 Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Of course, there is much music to highlight in this episode too, including excerpts from Sam's solo catalog, as well as the festival's namesake. Sam Bush performs at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, August 29, 2025 (photo: Eli Johnson) Songs heard in this episode:“Stingray” by Sam Bush, from Glamour & Grits“Brown's Ferry Blues” by Tony Trischka, from Earl Jam, excerpt“Big Mon” by Sam Bush, from Late As Usual, excerpt“Foggy Mountain Special” by Flatt & Scruggs, excerpt“Circles Around Me” by Sam Bush, from Circles Around MeWe are glad you are here! Could you can help spread awareness of what we are doing? It is as easy as telling a friend and following this podcast on your platform of choice. You can find us on Apple here, Spotify here and YouTube here — hundreds more episodes await, filled with artists you may know by name, or musicians and bands that are ready to become your next favorites.You can follow us on social media: @southstories on Instagram, at Southern Songs and Stories on Facebook, and now on Substack here, where you can read the scripts of these podcasts, and get updates on what we are doing and planning in our quest to explore and celebrate the unfolding history and culture of music rooted in the American South, and going beyond to the styles and artists that it inspired and informed. - Joe Kendrick

GRAMMY nominated fiddler and vocalist Laura Orshaw has toured throughout North America and Europe with Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, and The Po' Ramblin' Boys. With her first solo recording receiving significant attention and airplay, Orshaw's highly anticipated sophomore album with Dark Shadow Recording is expected to be release in early 2026.  In 2020 Laura won in two categories at the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards Show, and in 2019, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) named Laura the Fiddle Performer of the Year, making her the first woman to win the award.  Laura has performed with Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, John Scofield, Mike Compton, Sarah Jarosz, Tony Trischka, Becky Buller, and Darol Anger among others. Her music has been featured on SiriusXM's Bluegrass Junction, and in Bluegrass Today, No Depression, Sing Out!, and Dirty Linen. According to Bluegrass Unlimited, “Laura Orshaw has firmly established herself as a significant emerging artist in the arena of traditional American music... [she is] an extremely talented musician with unlimited potential.” Laura is also a highly sought-after instructor who has taught numerous camps, workshops and kids' academies, and started teaching weekly lessons to adults when she was just 12 years old.

Brad opens the show with Grill-em-up Gabby, and Bun Length Ben, who have been driving the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile across the country, and made a recent stop in Vermont.Then, Duncan MacDougall with Waterbury LEAP and Dave Roberts with Drive Electric Vermont, getting ready for the Waterbury LEAP Electric Vehicle Fest Tuesday, August 5th at 5:30 p.m. at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury.Orleans Country Senator Sam Douglas joins to talk about what the Vermont Senate is doing this summer.and Brad and producer Lee Kittell talk about the music and life of Tony Trischka, legendary banjo player who is performing in Waterbury Friday night at Zenbarn.

This is the time of the year for family vacations, so we'll feature some traveling music from Tim O'Brien, Tony Trischka, Kate Campbell, Rory Block and Steve Goodman. Destinations and modes of transportation blend together … this week on The Sing Out Radio Magazine. Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian FolkwaysMerle Travis / “Cannonball Stomp” / Walkin' the Strings / RavenTim O'Brien / “Forty Nine Keep on Talkin'” / Traveler / Sugar HillSarah Alden / “Come Take a Trip on my Airship”/ Sarah Alden / Self-producedTony Trischka / “Promontary Point” / Great Big World / RounderScott Ainslie / “Terraplane Blues” / Terraplane / CattailSteve Goodman / “City of New Orleans” / Steve Goodman / BuddahKate Campbell / “See Rock City” / The Portable Kate Campbell / CampadreThe Byrds / “Gunga Din” / The Ballad of Easy Rider / CBSVassar Clements / “Westport Drive” / Grass Routes / RounderMerle Travis / “On a Bicycle Built for Two” / Walkin' the Strings / RavenRory Block / “New Frisco Train” / Keepin' Out of Trouble / Stony PlainDan Hicks & his Hot Licks / “Coast to Coast” / Where's the Money? / MCAOrdinary Elephant / “Railroad Man” / Before I Go / Self-releasedDillard & Clark / “Train Leaves Here this Morning” / The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark / A+MBlue Velvet Band / “Hitch Hiker” / Sweet Moments with the Blue Velvet Band / Warner BrothersArlen Roth w/ Johnny Winter / “Rocket 88” / Slide Guitar Summit / AquinnahPete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian Folkways

Jay recently discovered a summer program offered by McDaniel College called Common Ground on the Hill. Created in 1994 by Walt Michael, the program provides the opportunity to teach and study various musical instruments and art forms across various ethnic and cultural traditions. This year features world renowned banjo player Tony Trischka, a particular favorite of Jay's. We also dive into Tom Bukovac's latest episode of Homeskoolin' featuring Gordon Mote (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X45QbOdKwII).Song: Momoko Gill - “Rewind / Remind”Get ready for it, it's News with Nick! New Pornographers depart from their drummer, Zak Starkey stays on as The Who's drummer, Keanu Reeves as a Weezer villain, and Alice Cooper is back.Song: Mac Demarco - “20191009 I Like Her”Greg caught the latest Meshuggah show at The Forum in LA (now the Kia Forum), shares a classic Apex Twin song and plays a recently released 1966 McCoy Tyler & Joe Henderson album. It's Three for Thursday!Songs: Meshuggah - “Obzen”Aphex Twin - “Start as You Mean to Go On”McCoy Tyner/Joe Henderson - “In 'N Out (Live)”

This week on the Magazine we celebrate the arrival of winter. Here in Eastern Pennsylvania it's as cold and snowy as an old-fashioned winter. Our theme music is Cold Frosty Morning and we'll share two renditions of that old-time tune. Expect tunes and songs from Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert, Tony Trischka, Atwater Donnelly, Kenny Jackson and more. Enjoy Cold Frosty Mornings .… this week on the Sing Out! Radio Magazine.Pete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian Folkways Katie LaRay Waldren / “Cold Frosty Morning” / Cold Frosty Morning / Native GroundKieran Kane & Rayna Gellert / “Cold Air” / Ledges / Dead ReckoningGordon Lightfoot / “Song for a Winter's Night” / The Way I Feel / United ArtistsPierce Pettis / “In the Bleak Midwinter” / Winter Solstice III / Windham HillThe Early Mays / “Narrows of the Year” / Chase the Sun / Bird on the WingHonor Finnegan / “Snow Day” / Just One Angel v2.0 / Yellow TailSocial Band / “When the Snows of Winter Fall” / Deep Midwinter / Self-releasedFred Gosbee / “The Night the Whiskey Froze” / The Night the Whiskey Froze / CastlebayTony Trischka / “Sleigh Ride” / Glory Shone Around / RounderAtwater Donnelly / “Cold Frosty Morning-Growling Old Man Growling Old Woman” / When Winter Calls / Rabbit IslandHerdman-Hills-Mangsen / “More Wood” / Voices of Winter / GadflyHerdman-Hills-Mangsen / “Solstice Round” / At the Turning of the Year / Hand & HeartKenny Jackson / “The Shortest Day-Set the Log Alight” / The Shortest Day / Crow HillJohn Reischman & the Jaybirds / “While Roving on a Winter's Night” / On a Winter's Night / CorvusSilent Winters / “Winter Wonderland” / Christmas Morning / Fallen TreeReid Jamieson / The Coldest Night of the Year” / Songs for a Winter's Night / Self ProducedPete Seeger / “If I Had A Hammer”(excerpt) / Songs of Hope and Struggle / Smithsonian Folkways 

I was honored to chat with Bruce Molsky on the Fiddle Studio Podcast this month. Bruce has a new album out with Darol Anger called Lockdown Breakdown. We talk about getting into Old-Time and sticking with it over the years, trying to sound like your heroes, picking up new tunes, the Berklee American Roots music department, and what he listens for in old recordings. Bruce breaks down singing and fiddling at the same time and how to develop that slippery skill. We hear a track from the new album, Can I Change My Mind.Bruce Molsky has been playing and studying Old-Time music for 50 years, and for much of that time teaching as well. He famously learned fiddle and banjo from folks down in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina in the 70s, including Tommy Jarrell among others. He's been performing and collaborating ever since, has over dozen great albums to check out, and he teaches Old-Time music at the Berklee School of Music and online at Peghead Nation.You can see Bruce on the BBC TV “Transatlantic Sessions” with Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, and on “David Holt's State of Music” on PBS. He stays active touring and recording with longtime collaborators Darol Anger, Tony Trischka and Mountain Drifters' Allison de Groot. Bruce Molsky: http://brucemolsky.com On Facebook: http://facebook.com/brucemolskyPeghead Nation CourseLockdown Breakdown on BandcampYoutube: http://youtube.com/brucemolskymusic Email:  bruce@brucemolsky.comLet me know what you think!Support the showEmail me at meganbeller@fiddlestudio.com.Listen and subscribe on Apple Music, Spotify, or Buzzsprout. Find me on YouTube and Bandcamp. Here are my Fiddle Studio books and my website Fiddle Studio where you can find my courses and mailing list and sign up for my Top 10 Fiddle Tunes!

Banjo legend Tony Trischka joins me on the show this week. I first saw Tony playing with his band Psychograss back in the 90's at a bluegrass festival in Vancouver, and have been following Tony's music ever since. Tony is from Syracuse, and has spent most of his career in the New York area. His early bands included The Down City Ramblers, Country Cooking and Breakfast Special. He also started making really cool solo records in the early 70's that are pretty out-there in the context of what was going on in those days in bluegrass. Those albums definitely nod to traditional bluegrass, but they are also very progressive and experimental. He did alot of touring and recording with his various projects and collaborations over the years, while continuing to teach and compose (he taught a young upstart named Bela Fleck a thing or two in some lessons). After working to progress the banjo and its role in music through his entire career, Tony suddenly has dropped this amazing new project on us that is as traditional as it gets, and has allowed him to mine the depths of the greatness of Earl Scruggs. The new record is called Earl Jam, and was made after he was given hours and hours of tapes of Earl and John Hartford jamming. Unheard stuff that is like a portal into the brain of the greatest banjo innovator of all time. Tony transcribed a hours of that playing, and those transcriptions are what you hear, along with guests like Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings. So let's dive into all this history and hear about the new record - you can get all the latest info on Tony and his upcoming gigs at tonytrischka.com - Enjoy my conversation with Tony Trischka!This season is brought to you by our sponsors Larivée Guitars and Fishman AmplificationYou can join our Patreon here to get all episodes ad-free, as well as access to all early episodesThe show's website can be found at www.makersandshakerspodcast.com Get ad-free episodes and access to all early episodes by subscribing to Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Season 5 of The American Songster Radio continues, Dom Flemons sits down with influential banjoist Tony Trischka, who has recently released an album on Down The Road Records in tribute to the great Earl Scruggs, called Earl Jam. For more about Willi: https://www.tonytrischka.com/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/

Tony Trischka will be honoring Earl, pioneer of a unique three-finder banjo style, and one of the two most important figures in bluegrass…the other being Bill Monroe. He will do so at Tony Trischka's Earljam - A Tribute to Earl Scruggs at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington, MA on Saturday, June 29th at 8PM.

This episode of Today's Bluegrass showcases all new music. Just some of the new tunes featured are from - Laurie Lewis, High Road, Tony Trischka, Sideline, Compton and Newberry, Wood Box Heroes & more. The show can be heard on Southern Branch Bluegrass & Gospel Music Radio five times each week. Monday at 9 AM, Tuesday at 12 AM, Thursday and Friday at 11 PM and Saturday at 3 AM - all times Eastern. Southern Branch Bluegrass & Gospel Music Radio can be tuned in locally at 91.7 FM Community Radio and streaming world wide at www.sbbradio.org and www.sbbradio.net We are WSBB - Digital Broadcasting Radio.

My guest this week is Tony Trischka, who returns to Bluegrass Jam Along to chat about his superb new record Earl Jam.We talk about  Tony receiving a thumb drive containing 200 unheard recordings of Earl Scruggs jamming with John Hartford, and his amazement at not just how many tunes were on there that he'd never heard Earl play, but also hearing Earl play in different styles and tunings too.Tony started transcribing the breaks and that was the start of the project that became Earl Jam, which features performances from Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Del McCoury and Sierra Ferrell, alongside many more incredible musicians.It's a wonderful record and, as always, it was a joy chatting to Tony.For more info on the album, to buy or stream Earl Jam and to check Tony's tour dates, visit tonytrischka.comHappy picking,Matt Support the Show.===- 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

Bluegrass banjo legend Tony Trischka joins us this week to discuss the making of his new album, 'Earl Jam.' He also gives us a mini-masterclass into the world of Earl Scruggs. The story behind 'Earl Jam' is truly remarkable: Upon receiving a USB drive full of never-before-released Earl Scruggs home recordings from the '80s and '90s, Trischka decided to transcribe his favorite moments and solos, note-for-note. His playing of these transcriptions became the foundation for the album, which also features guest spots by Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Brittany Haas, Stuart Duncan and others. It's like hearing a completely new Earl Scruggs record in 2024. Just as memorable as the album are some Trischka's stories about Scruggs and his influence. Somehow, King Curtis Ravi Shankar, Petticoat Junction, Steve Martin, and KFC all get mentioned...and a lot more!   https://www.tonytrischka.com/earl-jam A First Timer's Guide to the Fretboard Summit: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/a-first-timers-guide-to-the-fretboard-summit/ Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Tony Trischka tells us all about how his new tribute album to Earl Scruggs came about. We also discuss his show at The Cock N Bull to celebrate the release of the album - on what would have been Earl's 100th birthday! June 6th - don't miss out!

Rick has a very eye-opening conversation with Tony Trischka!

Bonus episode! News of the mildly delayed season six, as well as some upcoming live shows, including:5/11 Joyce Carol Oates + Ali Sethi with special guests Tony Trischka and Dr. Allison Applebaum at LeFrak Concert Hall in Queens, NY6/13 Susan Orlean + Diana Gameros with special guest Laura Simone Lewis at KQED in San Francisco7/10 W. Kamau Bell + Las Cafeteras with special guest Shira Gabriel at KQED in San FranciscoAlso a peek at what the good folks who have premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts have been enjoying - an excerpt of an interview with Jakob Ewald of Slaughter Beach, Dog conducted by Ruby Arthur.

It is natural that a second generation bluegrass banjo player would have soaked up as much of Earl Scruggs' style on the five string as possible when starting out; it is just as natural that they would push outside of those boundaries of the territory staked out by their pioneering forebears. In Tony Trischka's case, part of this instinct to turn bluegrass on its head early on in his career involved doing things like adding saxophone to an instrumental version of “Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms”, which began with a cacophonous drum solo. Now, we find the habitual trailblazer discovering and reinterpreting never before heard jams from none other than Earl Scruggs himself. It is a bit of a full circle moment, although that is not to say that Tony Trischka ever left the traditional bluegrass fold, either. He is and always was a banjo renaissance man, respected by fans of the roots music avant-garde and the three finger roll alike. In the past couple of years in his now nearly sixty year career, Tony Trischka has been excitedly traveling down an even deeper Earl Scruggs rabbit hole than even he could ever have imagined. Already at work on another book of re-transcriptions of Earl Scruggs' music, which had previously been transcribed by guitar players, a friend named Bob Piekel sent Tony over 200 home recordings of Earl made by John Hartford, which included other greats like Tony Rice, Mac Wiseman and Del McCoury playing for fun over many years in the 1980s and 1990s. These tapes revealed a side of Earl's playing, both in style and repertoire, that no one outside of those small circles of musicians ever heard, including multiple versions of songs like "Gentle on My Mind" and "Here Comes the Bride"; Earl playing blues licks on “Cripple Creek”; syncopations that he used only in those private settings. Brimming with inspiration, Tony Trischka crafted an album based on the John Hartford tapes, bringing in players like Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle, Michael Cleveland, Billy Strings and Mark Schatz, to record his new collection titled Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs. Tony Trischka plays banjo alongside Darol Anger on fiddle Just after Earl Scruggs' 100th birth anniversary, and just ahead of his own 75th trip around the sun, I sat with Tony Trischka at the Earl Scruggs Center following his performance at the Remembering Earl concert, which included the Travelin' McCourys and Jerry Douglas. This episode contains the bulk of that conversation, which was also partially excerpted in our earlier episode titled “An Update, and Two Quick Takes With Tony Trischka and Travis Book”, which includes a portion of Tony's interview that does not appear here. Songs heard in this episode:“John Henry Medley: John Henry/Bonaparte's Retreat/Twists and Turns” by Tony Trischka, from Territory“Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms” by Tony Trischka, from Heartlands, excerpt“Quite Early Morning” by Pete Seeger, from Pete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection, excerpt“Dooley” by Tony Trischka, featuring Molly Tuttle and Sam Bush”, from Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs Thank you so much for visiting! We are grateful that you took time to listen, and hope you can help us by spreading awareness of what we are doing. It is as easy as telling a friend and following this podcast on your platform of choice. From there it takes just a moment to give us a top rating and a review. It makes a great difference because the more top reviews and ratings we get, the more visible we become to everyone on those platforms, which means that more people just like you find musical kinship with artists like Tony Trishcka, and legends like Earl Scruggs and Pete Seeger. I would love to hear your comments about that sort of thing and all things Southern Songs and Stories -- you can drop me a line at southernsongsandstories@gmail.com, and I will be glad to reply. Speaking of Earl Scruggs, check out our episode titled The Humble Genius of Earl Scruggs, which is chock full of interviews with bluegrass artists sharing their memories of Earl and how he impacted their lives. This series is a part of the lineup of both public radio WNCW and Osiris Media, with all of the Osiris shows available here. You can also hear new episodes on Bluegrass Planet Radio here. Thanks to Mary Beth Martin and Zach Dressel at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina for all their help in setting up my interview with Tony Trischka, and to Corrie Askew for producing the radio adaptations of this series on public radio WNCW, where we worked with Joshua Meng, who wrote and performed our theme songs. This is Southern Songs and Stories: the music of the South and the artists who make it. - Joe Kendrick

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 Festival lineupMike Marshall and Caterina  Lichtenberg's mandolin retreatReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlistScroll on BuddyThe Last Repair ShopOther 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.MattSupport the show===- 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 final episode in the series celebrating Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. My guest for this one is Jim Mills. Jim is a fantastic banjo player, who spent over a decade playing with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. He's also an expert on pre-War Gibson banjos, so is the perfect person to talk about how the banjos Earl played influenced the sound and, as a result, the type of banjo people look for to this day.If you want to find out more about Jim, including infohon his business buying and selling vintage banjos, check out his website prewargibsonbanjos.comIf you haven't checked out parts 1- 3 ( featuring Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson, Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown. Tim O'Brien, Trey Hensley, Kyle Tuttle, Alan Munde and Willow Osborne), go and listen to those too!Happy picking.Matt Support the show===- 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 part 3 of the celebration of Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. In this episode we're talking about Earl's influence on the younger generation of players and also celebrating his wonderful guitar playing.You'll hear from:Trey Hensley, on Earl being his main influence on the guitar, as well as getting to meet and play with EarlKyle Tuttle, on why no banjo record is complete without a tip of the hat to Earl Scruggs and why Earl is perhaps one of the most imitated musicians in historyWillow Osborne, on Earl's influence on her as a very young picker and how that influence is still there in the young players she sees todayIf you haven't checked out Part 1 (Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan Munde) or Part 2 (Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'Brien), go and listen to those too!Happy picking.MattSupport the show===- 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

Guy Donis grew up in Belgium, where he had fallen in love with the banjo and proceeded to dedicate his life to it. In this episode, he describes how he taught himself 5 string banjo, learned about Bluegrass, and expanded his musical horizons by collaborating with jazz and classical musicians. He immigrated to Canada many years ago, and is well-known in the Montreal music scene. He has toured Canada extensively with Notre Dame de Grass and other bands, and in this episode he talks about his newest project, the Montreal Bluegrass League, and a track from their latest album is included in this podcast. Some tracks from his two trio albums are also included earlier in this episode, in which you can hear Guy's progressive jazz-influenced  original music.  Can you buy me a coffee to support this series? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks so much! Like all my episodes, the YouTube video, Transcript, and show notes are linked on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/guy-donis Guy Donis website: https://www.guydonisbanjo.com/ Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming episodes: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Follow the podcast on my socials: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:03) Guy's discovery of the banjo in Belgium (04:35) Tchestou Guy Donis Trio from Paroles d'arbre (04:40) banjo demo, evolution of bluegrass style (21:12) Béla Fleck (25:05) Paroles d'arbre album  (29:16) title track from Paroles d'arbre Guy Donis Trio (33:51) Roots, Risks and Rêveries album Guy Donis Trio (35:33) Grenouillages Guy Donis Trio (36:36) Guy's youth in Belgium, learning banjo (45:47) could you buy me a coffee to support this series? (46:26) the challenge of continuing to improve  (47:29) Sam Bush (49:39) how Guy learned banjo and found his style (54:04) decision to leave Belgium (59:49) Tony Trischka, Béla Fleck, networking challenges, focus in playing (01:06:36) the Montreal Bluegrass League (01:14:59) career choices (01:19:46) teaching banjo (01:23:59) Guy's banjo Nechville Phantom (01:29:49) the Montreal Bluegrass League album, intro to One Way Track (01:31:51) One Way Track with the Montreal Bluegrass League  (01:34:05) love for winter in Quebec as an immigrant from Belgium (01:36:04) distractions of the internet (01:38:05) learning music therapeutic photo of Guy Donis: David Roseman --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

This is part 2 of the celebration of Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. Earl's influence on bluegrass is huge, as you'll hear from my guests this week.You'll hear from:Jerry Douglas, on Earl being one of the first sounds he hear and why starting The Earls of Leicester felt like a callingAlison Brown on why the timing of Earl's arrival on the bluegrass scene (and the wider music scene) had such an impact on the music, and on Earl's careerTim O'Brien on Earl's role in the development of bluegrass and the part Louise Scruggs, Earl's wife, played in his careerAll of these are brand new interviews carried out for these episodes. They've been an absolute joy to put together and there's still more to come. In the meantime, don't forget to check out part 1, featuring Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan Munde.Happy picking (and happy birthday, Earl)!Support the show===- 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

Tony Trischka pays homage to Earl Scruggs on the 100th anniversary of his birth with Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs; Travis Book steps out from his mainstay gig in Infamous Stringdusters to release a solo record, Love and Other Strange Emotions.

January 6th would have been Earl Scruggs' 100th birthday. To celebrate Earl and his extraordinary influence, I've been speaking to people who knew, played with and have been inspired by him.This is part 1, featuring three amazing banjo players:Tony TrischkaKristin Scott BensonAlan MundeThey all share their thoughts on Earl and his contribution to music and the banjo, as well as why Earl's music is so special to them. All of these are brand new interviews carried out for these episodes. They've been an absolute joy to put together and there's plenty more to come. Happy picking (and happy birthday, Earl)! Support the show===- 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

Jared talks about playing music with Tony Trischka as well as playing his own music in New York City. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-carlton/message

It's the Season Finale of Season 1!  A special live episode taped onstage at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY.   At the inaugural Banjo Weekend Nov 15-17th where we were teaching a great community of banjoists. This is a highlight for the banjo chat pod, and there are many pearls of wisdom throughout this chat! Listen to Joe Newberry, Cedric Watson, Tony Trischka, Scott Hopkins talk about first banjos, and their beginnings.  Highlights of their performing experiences, New things they are excited about, upcoming projects. Earl Scruggs, Transatlantic Sessions, life in Louisiana.  How to be confident on stage, how to stay inspired and motivated, and what life is life outside of music.  Advice for anyone who is learning something new. The Ashokan Center  https://ashokancenter.org/ Joe Newberry https://www.joenewberry.biz/ Cedric Watson https://www.bijoucreole.com/ Tony Trischka https://www.tonytrischka.com/ Scott Hopkins https://scotthopkinsbanjo.com/ Hilary Hawke https://hilaryhawkemusic.com/  

This episode was recorded on August 27th, 2023 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, WV. The lineup includes Tony Trischka's EarlJam, Jerry Douglas, Jason Carter and Friends, The Watson Twins, and Davisson Brothers Band. https://bit.ly/46Zn3l2

I've dug deep into my LP shelves to come up with music from Seldom Scene (1979), the Bluegrass Alliance (1970), and Tony Trischka (1980). Of course, there's some more contemporary bluegrass as well, from the Spinney Brothers, the late Roland White, Sierra Hull, Mike Scott and the Kathy Kallick Band. A song from the HCBB, a tune from Kenny Baker – some great music here.

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast   Today's episode looks at the "behind-the-scenes" journey of making the best banjo book in existence: The Masters of the 5-String Banjo! Published nearly 40 years ago and written by banjo legends Tony Trischka & Pete Wernick, the book featured everything a true banjo nerd could want to know: in-depth interviews with the top players of the day, tablature of signature tunes, detailed photos, and a comprehensive table with details on nearly 50 additional professional banjo players.    Sponsored by Peghead Nation, Elderly Instruments, and Sullivan Banjos.   Tony on the web: www.tonytrischka.com Pete on the web: www.drbanjo.com   Contact the show: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com  

Is mandolinist Ethan Setiawan 100 years old?! The Indiana-born Setiawan's expert playing will fool you into thinking he's four times his actual age. Thanks to a supportive family and mennonite community, Ethan came to the mandolin and folk music at an early age. His impressive proficiency and technical prowess landed him a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he was exposed to all different types of music and developed that natural rhythm and groove that only comes with being in musical community.His new instrumental album Gambit was produced by his mentor, the legendary fiddler Darol Anger, best known for being in the original lineup for The David Grisman Quintet. Through Darol, Ethan was able to work on a tradition of his own through music built from a foundation of Bluegrass. He talks about that AND he explains what the bluegrass vocabulary is on the mandolin for dumb-dumbs like me, who do not play music and are not folk scholars. Setiawan is an in-demand side man and band member, and can be seen playing with his band Corner House, Darol Anger, and Tony Trischka among others. Enjoy Ethan and get to know his new record!!Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknewsHelp produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

This is a really quick bonus episode I wanted to share with you all. I'm putting together a Doc Watson 100th birthday episode, which is due out in March. I've interviewed lots of amazing guests for that and one of them was the wonderful Tony Trischka. At the end of our chat Tony told me a story about meeting Bill Monroe - it doesn't fit in the Doc episode but it's really cool and I wanted to share it. So here it is!That's it,  just a quick anecdote to listen to in a quiet five minutes!Happy picking.Matt===- 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

www.patreon.com/banjopodcast   This episode features Max Wareham, a fantastic banjo player who studied with Tony Trischka and Bill Keith. He currently performs with bluegrass legend Peter Rowan's bluegrass band. Max recently published a wonderful book titled "Rudy Lyle: the Unsung Hero of the Five-String Banjo" which thoroughly examines the life and playing style of one of Bill Monroe's early banjoists.   Sponsored by Peghead Nation, GHS Strings, and Elderly Instruments   Max on the web: www.maxwareham.com   Contact the show: pickyfingersbanjopodcast@gmail.com  

We live in the age of information. Today you can go online, search for how to play banjos in the style of the Northwest or in North Carolina, and learn it. Traditionally, you had to physically find the people playing and spend some time with them to learn, but not anymore. However, with so much information, it's easy to lose sight of the artists. So make sure you find the people who are actually playing and ensure whatever self-education you're doing is supplemented with actual relationships. There is so much that can be transmitted through the relationship that cannot be transmitted in any other way. In this episode, Max Wareham, a banjo player, shares his journey in music and the lessons he has learned in his mastery process. Your dream in music, banjo, or guitar mastery is valuable, and it's worth spending the time to make it happen.“It's easy to lose sight, but it all comes back to the people and relationships.”Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:[02:34] Max shares how he got started and where he is today. How Max shifted his career to become a professional musician.[05:25] Two greatest skillsets that have helped Max navigate his journey.[08:23] How Max incorporated archeology with what he was doing in music.[12:15] Max's most memorable performance/project that he has worked on. [15:46] Things that Max has been doing to engage his fan base.[17:47] How Max navigates the business side of his career.[20:12] Max's definition of working from his happy place. [23:25] Practices that Max does to continue with his learning journey. [25:38] Max's advice to someone who wants to master banjo or guitar.About Max Wareham - Wareham, who studied with banjo masters Tony Trischka and Bill Keith, was introduced as a significant voice on the instrument with the release of Peter Rowan's latest album, Calling You From My Mountain, on which he plays banjo and sings harmony.Prior to joining the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Wareham taught music extensively, played bass with the psych-pop outfit Sun Parade, and wrote songs and produced several albums under various aliases. Much of his work in bluegrass and education is focused on early bluegrass banjo styles and how they can offer alternative paths to expression within the bluegrass idiom.Resources Mentioned -Rudy Lyle: The Unsung Hero of the Five-String Banjo: https://www.maxwareham.com/product-page/rudy-lyle-the-unsung-hero-of-the-five-string-banjoHow to connect with Max Wareham:Websites: https://www.maxwareham.com/ https://maxwareham.bandcamp.com/Listen to Max's music at: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/max-wareham/1290349278 / https://open.spotify.com/artist/30LXom98tWrl14BKI1xNUIAbout the Host -Belinda Ellsworth is a Speaker, Trainer, Best-Selling Author, and PodcasterShe has been a professional speaker, mover, and shaker for more than 25 years. Having built three successful companies, she has helped thousands of entrepreneurs make better decisions, create successful systems, and build business strategies using her "Four Pillars of Success" system.Belinda has always had a passion and zest for life with the skill for turning dreams into reality. Over the last 20 years, she has been expertly building her speaking and consulting business, Step Into Success. How to Connect with Belinda:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stepintosuccessLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaellsworthInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/stepintosuccess/Website - www.workfromyourhappyplace.com