Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Who Is Reading This Blog

Summery of last 500 visitors

Num Perc. Country Name


466 93.20% United States

6 1.20% Canada

5 1.00% United Kingdom

5 1.00% Slovakia

4 0.80% France

3 0.60% Sweden

2 0.40% Italy

2 0.40% Cote D'ivoire

2 0.40% Norway

1 0.20% Mexico

1 0.20% Argentina

1 0.20% Korea, Republic Of

1 0.20% Brazil

1 0.20% Taiwan



What use can the Country Stats have

More Sen. Byrd Videos

More Sen. Byrd videos can be found at http://youtube.com/  Search Robert Byrd Mountain Fiddler

Traditional Ties, 07/04/10, Playlist

Contact info for new add:
Crowe-Lawson-Williams -  http://crossroadsmusic.com/


Air Time
Artist Name
Song Title
Album Name
Label
Duration

10:00 PM
Kenny Baker
Jerusalem Ridge (Theme)
Plays Bill Monroe
County
2:00

10:02 PM
Jett's Creek


Denver
Guilty
Jett's Creek
3:24

10:05 PM
Infamous Stringdusters
17 Cents
Things That Fly
Sugar Hill
2:40

10:08 PM
Bobby & Mark Atkins and the Countrymen
I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Bluegrass Our Way
Thunderbolt
3:24

10:11 PM
Jim & Jesse
God Bless the U S A Again
American Pride
Pinecastle
2:48

10:17 PM
Lonesome Standard Time
Mother Queen of My Heart
Lonesome As It Gets
Sugar Hill
3:46

10:21 PM
Claire Lynch
Barbed Wire Boys
Wharcha You Gonna Do
Rounder
3:26

10:25 PM
Nu-Blu
Red Haired Boy
Nights
Nu-Blu
3:06

10:28 PM
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
I Thought I'd Seen It All
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Mountain Home
2:31

10:32 PM
Crowe-Lawson-Williams
The Little White Church
Old Freinds Get Together
Mountain Home
2:59

10:36 PM
Crowe-Lawson-Williams
Stormy Waters
Old Friends Get Together
Mountain Home
3:28

10:40 PM
Crowe-Lawson-Williams
When the Savior Reached Down for Me
Old Friends Get Together
Mountain Home
2:59

10:47 PM
Crowe-Lawson-Williams
Lord I'm Coming Home
Old Freinds Get Together
Mountain Home
3:28

10:47 PM
Nothin' Fancy
Peace in the Valley
Lord Bless This House
Pinecastle
3:43

10:51 PM
Statement
What a Beautiful Day
Around the Corner
Mountain Fever
3:13

10:53 PM
Sweet Potato Pie
Walking and Praying
Journey Called Life
Mountain Fever
2:33

10:56 PM
Crowe-Lawson-Williams
Give Me Your Hand
Old Friends Get Together
Mountain Home
2:51

11:00 PM
True Bluegrass
With Care from Someone (Theme)
True Bluegrass 1979
True Bluegrass
2:31

11:04 PM
Jody King
Hit Parade of Love
Another Day
After 5
2:17

11:06 PM
Jim & Jesse
Under the Double Eagle
American Pride
Pinecastle
2:09

11:08 PM
Dierks Bentley
Fiddlin' Around
Up on the Ridge
Capitol Nashville
3:08

11:11 PM
Randy Kohrs
More About John Henry
Quicksand
Rural Rhythm
3:36

11:16 PM
Hagar's Mountain Boys
Poet With Wings
Forever Yours
Mountain Fever
3:01

11:19 PM
Cherryholmes
Live It
Common Threads
Skaggs
3:43

11:22 PM
Lonesome River Band
Them Blues
No turning Back
Rural Rhythm
3:06

11:24 PM
Snyder Family
Steel Guitar Rag
Comin' on Strong
Mountain Roads
3:21

11:30 PM
David Parmley
Three Silver Dollars
Three Silver Dollars
Pinecastle
2:52

11:33 PM
Brand New Strings
Merry Go Round
No Strings Attached
Rural Rhythm
2:00

11:35 PM
Chapmans
Jenny Dear
Grown Up
Compass
4:30

11:39 PM
Border Ride
Further in the Hole
Hangin' Around
Border Ride
3:21

11:44 PM
The Cumberlands
Battle hymn of the Republic
Civil War Tribute
Rural Rhyrhm
2:22

11:49 PM
Cana Ramblers
Things Things Things
No Expectations
Cana Ramblers
3:08

11:49 PM
Joe Mullins
Farmer's Blue
Rambler's Call
Rebel
3:41

11:53 PM
Grass Cats
Love Me As Much As You Hurt Me
A Good way to Get the Blues
New Time
3:58

11:57 PM
Chris Warner
Lickity split
Goin' to the Dance
Patuxent
2:33

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com

'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/
 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio
1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

'TRADITIONAL TIES' - 25 YEARS IN 2010

Link to Traditional Ties web pages:
http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Monday, June 28, 2010

More From Tim Custer at IBMM

As a follow up side story to IBMM... while visiting the museum, I noticed a life sized 'mock' display of the side of a motorhome. There were statues of pickers under an extend awning portraing a jam session. On the walls surrounding the display, were life sized photographs of actual jams at various festivals from around the country. I was plaesantly surprised to see Western Pennsylvania well represented with the attached photos. Those I recognized in the photo are Francine Michaels, Shirley & Ray Niehenke, Claudia Phillips and possibly Mark Reid (?) Again sorry for the poor quality from my cell phone camera. I think it's wonderful that we've got several local folks in the IBMM.






Tim

Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers at ROMP - Photos

(Mac Martin & The Dixie Travelers were honored to be part of The Legends concert at the River of Music Party (ROMP,) last weekend. Mac is considered by the IBMA and IBMM, as a first generation artist, to be one of the founders of Bluegrass Music. Curly Sechler had requested to sing with Mac.)

A note and photos from Tim Custer:

Here's a photo of Mac & the DT's at ROMP.


Also one of me and Curly Sechler.

Norm's wife took photos with her camera of us on stage with Curly but I don't have them yet.

It was a great time.

Mac was well received and properly honored.

It was also a huge honor to play with Curly.

For a few moments when he & Mac were singing, I felt a little like Earl Scruggs! Ha-ha!
They also have a nice display of pioneers which includes Mac, hanging on the wall in the International Bluegrass Museum.

He's right there between J.D.Crowe, The Boys From Indiana, The Lilly Bros. and others.

Sorry that photo is of poorer quality... it's from my cell phone

Thought you'd enjoy.

Tim









Thank you Tim.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Del McCoury, the Dillards + More Celebrate IBMA's 25th Birthday


It was standing room only at Loveless Barn in Nashville Wednesday night, as the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) celebrated its 25th anniversary with music from the full spectrum of bluegrass artists. Reaching back into its historic past with Jesse McReynolds and Rodney Dillard, and forward to its future in the likes of Sierra Hull and Rockin' Acoustic Circus, IBMA presented a showcase of talent that demonstrates why bluegrass is one of the most interesting genres of music today.
Alison Brown, who opened the show, says diversity is a good thing when it comes to the music. "It is exciting to see all the talent here tonight and to hear the various forms our music is taking," she told the audience. Allison brought out the first surprise guest for the evening, Del McCoury.
"My band is scattered all over the United States right now, so I'm on my own," Del shared. "I think I'll do a little 'High on the Mountain' for you."
The Farewell Drifters, who hail from Nashville, represented one of the younger sets of musicians, as did Sierra Hull and Rockin' Acoustic Circus. Sierra is currently attending Berklee School of Music in Boston, but took time to come and be part of the IBMA celebration. Rockin' Acoustic Circus, who hail from Oklahoma, is a six-piece from Oklahoma that features fiddle, mandolin, bass, banjo, guitar and cello. The unique configuration allows them to present some interesting new music for today's bluegrass sound.
G2 is a group of young men, all sons of famous bluegrass musicians in Holland. Yes, Holland. The crowd showed their appreciation not only for the distance they traveled to be part of the show, but for their excellent skills as pickers. "We are so excited to be a part of this celebration," said Christoffer Olsson, lead singer and songwriter for the band, which will tour the US for four months. "We have found everyone to be so welcoming and friendly here." Read on.

Friday, June 25, 2010

New Biography of Legendary Guitarist Doc Watson Reaches #1 on Amazon.com

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Doc Watson’s invention by Ralph Rinzler, Blooming Twig Books has just released “Blind But Now I See,” (http://www.docwatsonbook.com/) a no-holds barred biography of the famous guitarist’s life and career.

24-June-2010 – Dr. Kent Gustavson, Author of “Blind But Now I See” Reveals Never Before Released Details about Doc Watson, Seven-Time Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist; Author Currently Available for Interviews, Feature Stories and Speaking Engagements.



NEW YORK, N.Y. – Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Doc Watson’s invention by Ralph Rinzler, Blooming Twig Books has just released “Blind But Now I See,” (www.docwatsonbook.com) a no-holds barred biography of the legendary guitarist’s life and career. Written by Dr. Kent Gustavson, this controversial, first-ever biography of the folk and bluegrass icon has quickly become an Amazon Bestseller, reaching #1 in the Country & Folk category. The book was researched over six years, and provides the first ever comprehensive look into the folk music icon’s life. “Blind But Now I See” also features dozens of never-before-seen photographs, as well as artist renderings from throughout Doc Watson’s childhood and career.
The book reveals never before released details about Doc Watson’s life including:
• The inside story of Doc Watson’s discovery and rise to greatness, researched from the private notes of his late discoverer Ralph Rinzler, detailing Doc’s rise from sideman to superstar and from local stages to Carnegie Hall.

• A full history of Doc’s family, his time at the Raleigh School for the Blind, his family’s deep roots in North Carolina, and his treasured first string instrument, a banjo crafted by his father from the hide of his granny’s old cat.

• The true story of Doc’s son, slide guitarist Merle Watson’s rise to the top, his tragic tractor accident, and his friends who gathered around his grave at the funeral to sing “Midnight Rider.”
“Blind But Now I See” includes never before released details about Doc Watson’s life and music career and is already one of the most talked about books of the year. Chock-full of new and compelling interviews, the story is told through the experiences of more than 70 notable musicians and experts on Doc Watson’s life, including: Abigail Washburn, Alan O’Bryant, Alice Gerrard, Annie Bird, B. Townes, Bela Fleck, Ben Harper, Beppe Gambetta, Clint Howard, Darol Anger, David Grisman, David Moultrup, Don Rigsby, Donna Hill, Ed Pearl, Edgar Meyer, Ellen Harper-Verdries, George McCeney, Greg Brown, Guy Clark, Guy Davis, Jack Lawrence, James Reams, Jean Ritchie, Jerry Douglas, Joe Crookston, John Cohen, John Pushkin, Jonathan Byrd, Ketch Secor, Larry Long, Maria Muldaur, Mark Moss, Marty Stuart, Michelle Shocked, Mike Marshall, Mike Seeger, Norman Blake, Paddy Moloney, Pat Donohue, Paul Asbell, Paul Chasman, Peggy Seeger, Peter Rowan, Peter Siegel, Rebecca Lovell, Ricky Skaggs, Roland White, Sam Bush, Sarah Bryan, Si Kahn, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, Tom Chapin, Tom Moore, Tom Paxton, Tommy Emmanuel, Tommy Sands, Tony Cartledge, Tony Rice, Tony Trischka, Warren Haynes and Wayne Henderson.
“Doc Watson is not only a great-great-grandfather himself; he is the patriarch of a long line of flatpicking guitarists like Clarence White and Tony Rice, and the father of the acoustic genre, intimately influencing everyone from Bob Dylan to the Grateful Dead, and from Gillian Welch to Pete Seeger. Doc Watson is a bridge between old and new music, electric and acoustic, New York and Nashville. He is a living, breathing, Americana museum, and he’s still out on the road touring today at age 87.”
Dr. Gustavson, professor, musician, classical composer and author of “Blind But Now I See” is currently available for interviews, feature stories and speaking engagements on Doc Watson and his impact on the American music industry and the evolution of country, folk and bluegrass music.


About Dr. Kent Gustavson

Dr. Kent Gustavson earned his Ph.D. from Stony Brook University in New York, where he now teaches music, leadership, and language. He speaks around the world on both music and publishing, and has interviewed hundreds of award-winning musicians and authors for his radio show “Sound Authors.” Dr. Gustavson has released more than a dozen audio recordings on his small independent record label Ninety and Nine Records. He lives and works in Sound Beach, New York. Visit www.kentgustavson.com for more information.

Del McCoury Awarded NEA Fellowship‏

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman, Rocco Landesman, announced this year's NEA National Heritage Fellowships, and we are proud to announce that Del McCoury is one of nine
recipients this year.


This award is the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts and each of the nine recipients will receive a one-time award of $25,000. The NEA National Heritage Fellowships public programs are made possible through the support of the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation and Darden's family of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 52 restaurants.

Representing eight states, the nine recipients were chosen for their artistic excellence and their efforts to conserve America 's cultures for future generations. They come from a cross-section of ethnic cultures including Ghanaian, Irish, and Indian, and practice such diverse traditional art forms as Afro-Cuban drum building and Texas-style fiddling, as well as two art forms never before honored through the National Heritage Fellowships: lauhala (palm leaf) weaving and Bharatanatyam Indian dancing.

The award to Mr. McCoury reflects more than 50 years of work performing a truly American music. One of the greatest ambassadors for traditional bluegrass, he has been no less acclaimed for embracing offshoots of the 65 year old genre, embodying both aspects of his career through his annual Delfest music festival, where tradition is both honored and extended by the presentation of a wide array of bluegrass and string musics. Over the past two decades, he and his Del McCoury Band have become the most awarded act in the history of bluegrass, allowing him the opportunity to broaden its audience through appearances on late night television shows like David Letterman's and Conan O'Brien's, and at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to popular festivals like Bonnaroo and the Newport Folk Festival.

When told of the honor, McCoury responded, "I'm truly overwhelmed. All I've ever done is play the music I love, and I feel very fortunate just to have made a career of it. To receive an honor like this for doing something you love seems almost unreal, but I am very thankful."

The other 2010 recipients are Ghanaian drum master Yacub Addy, fiddler Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, Lauhala weaver Gladys Kukana Grace, sweetgrass basketweaver Mary Jackson, Bharatanatyam Indian dancer Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan, Irish flute player Mike Rafferty and Afro-Cuban drummer and drum builder Ezequiel Torres.

In addition, the Bess Lomax Hawes Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and awareness of cultural heritage, was given to Illinois folklorist and editor Judith McCulloh. McCulloh has overseen the publication of a number of books that feature consideration of Del 's work, including Neil V. Rosenberg's and Charles Wolfe's monumental The Music Of Bill Monroe.

The 2010 awardees will come to Washington, D.C. in September for a series of events including an awards presentation and banquet at the Library of Congress, as well as a concert scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland .

The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest annual national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.

For more information on the NEA, please visit  http://www.arts.gov/. For more information on the Del McCoury Band, visit http://http://www.delmccouryband.com/



Greg Cahill Upclose

Greg Cahill (of Special Consensus): UpClose

1. Do you come from a musical family?
Yes, but not a bluegrass music family. I learned to play the harmonica from my grandfather when I was about 5 years old. My mother played honky-tonk piano (her mother played piano for the silent movies and taught piano), which prompted me to take accordian lessons for about 8 years (beginning when I was 7 years old). My sisters played piano and accordian respectively and my father was an Irish tenor singer in the church choir.

2. What’s on your iPod?
Loads of bluegrass and swing music, from Bill Monroe to Benny Goodman.

3. What are 5 CDs you’d want with you on a desert island?
J.D. Crowe &; The New South (Rounder 0044), Charlie Christian (compilation), Claire Lynch (Silver and Gold), Alison Brown (The Company You Keep), Bela Fleck (Tales from the Acoustic Planet).

4. What would you be doing if you weren’t in playing music?
I have a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree and enjoyed working with young people and their families as well as being director of a youth services consortium for about a year before deciding to play music full time (in 1974). I would most likely go back into some form of social work.

5. Musical hero you’d most like to meet?
Charlie Christian.

6. Favorite venue as a performer?
Probably the Ryman Auditorium, but there are many on my list.

7. Favorite concert/performance as an audience member?
J.D. Crowe & The New South with Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Bobby Sloan and Jerry Douglas in a relatively small room at the University of Chicago in 1974, just before the Rounder 0044 recording was released. It was the first time I ever saw J.D. live and I sat in the front row.

8. What sound do you love?
The timber of acoustic instruments when playing together along with voices singing in harmony.

9. What sound do you hate?
Any music played at obnoxiously loud levels.

10. Favorite movie(s)?
The Natural

11. Last good book you read?
How The Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill

12. Favorite clothing store?
Any place that sells Levis jeans.

13. Favorite comfort food?
Chocolate milk shake

14. Role Model?
My parents.

15. What trait do you most value in your friends?
Honesty

16. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having plenty of time to spend with my family with plenty of time left over to play the banjo.

17. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Good question.

18. What is your most treasured possession?
My dad’s pocket knife.

19. Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be a great singer ala Keith Whitley.

20. What is your Motto?
If I were to create one it would be something like "just keep on rolling along (pun intended) and enjoy life."

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Bluegrass By The Dozen (Grascals and Cherryholmes)‏

At the GAC TV booth during CMA Music Fest it was all bluegrass, all the time on Sunday morning. The Grascals and Cherryholmes, who are friends AND two of the TOP Bluegrass acts around, found themselves sharing time at the booth signing for 100s of fans for an hour




FROM L to R are
B. J. Cherryholmes, Cia Cherryholmes, Danny Roberts (Grascals), Kristin Scott Benson (Grascals), Skip Cherryholmes, Jere Cherryholmes, Terry Smith (Grascals), Terry Eldredge (Grascals)
Sandy Cherryholmes, Jeremy Abshire (Grascals), Molly Cherryholmes and Jamie Johnson(Grascals)


PHOTO CREDIT: photo by Mechalle Myers courtesy of GAC

Traditional Ties, 06/27/10, Playlist

Contact info for new adds:
Jett's Creek-  http://www.jetts-creek.com/
Infamous Stringdusters -  http://www.sugarhillrecords.com/http://www.thestringdusters.com/
Bobby & Mark Adkins and the Countrymen - (335) 274-3301




Air Time
Artist Name
Song Title
Album Name
Label
Duration

10:00 PM
Kenny Baker
Jerusalem Ridge (Theme)
Plays Bill Monroe
County
2:00

10:02 PM
Jett's Creek
Denver
Guilty
Jett's Creek
3;24

10:07 PM
Infamous Stringdusters
I'll Be Alright
Things That Fly
Sugar Hill
3:21

10:11 PM
Bobby & Mark Atkina and the Countrymen
Love and Wealth
Bluegrass Our Way
Thunderbolt
2:49

10:15 PM
Kathy Kallick
Cindy
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
3:20

10:19 PM
Nu-Blu
In and Out of Love
Nights
Nu-Blu
3:38

10:23 PM
Junior Sisk
Humble Man
Heartaches and Dreams
Rebel
3:15

10:26 PM
Carolina Road
Carolina Blue
Carolina Hurricane
Rural Rhyrhm
2:55

10:28 PM
Steep Canyon Rangers
Mourning Dove
Deep in the Shade
Rebel
2:32

10:33 PM
Jett's Creek
Through it All
Guilty
Jett's Creek
3:50

10:36 PM
Paul Williams
There's Still Time
Just a Little Closer Home
Rebel
3:01

10:39 PM
Del McCoury
I'm Justified
Family Circle
McCoury Music
3:32

10:44 PM
Don Rigsby
The Lord Will Provide
Voice of God
Rebel
4:16

10:47 PM
Doyle Lawson
He Will Remember Me
Light on My Feet, Ready to Fly
Horizon
4:15

10:51 PM
Donna Ulisse
Caney Creek to Canaan Land
Holy Waters
Hadley
2:58

10:54 PM
Sweet Potato Pie
Shout Hallelujah
Journey Called Life
Mountain Fever
3:08

10:57 PM
Statement
Live Right, Leave Right
Around the Corner
Mountain Fever
2:39

11:00 PM
True Bluegrass
With Care from Someone (Theme)
True Bluegrass 1979
True Bluegrass
2:00

11:02 PM
Jett's Creek
Georgia Girl
Guilty
Jett's Creek
3:14

11:06 PM
Jett's Creek
The Arms of Tennessee
Guilty
Jett's Creek
4;04

11:10 PM
Jett's Creek
Suzane
Guilty
Jett's Creek
2:31

11:11 PM
Infamous Stringdusters
The Deputy
Things that Fly
Sugar Hill
4:09

11:12 PM
Jett's Creek
This Old Hammer
Guilty
Jett's Creek
2:56

11:20 PM
Bobby & Mark Atkins and the Countrymen
Snowbird
Bluegrass Our Way
Thunderbolt
2:24

11:22 PM
Gulley-Stafford
Along for the Ride
CD Single
Rural Rhyrhm
2:36

11:25 PM
Cullen Galyean
Midnight Ramble
Born into Bluegrass
Mountain Roads
1:50

11:29 PM
Infamous Stringdusters
17 Cents
Things that Fly
Sugar Hill
2:40

11:32 PM
Bobby & Mark Atkins and the Countrymen
There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
Bluegrass Our Way
Thunderbolt
2:27

11:34 PM
Wildfire
Roadside Tavern
CD Single
Lonesome Day
2:45

11:37 PM
Audie Blaylock
All I Do Is Pretend
Cryin' Heart Blues
Rural Rhythm
3:48

11:42 PM
Darren Beachley
The Ride
Take Off
Patuxent
3:01

11:45 PM
Bobby & Mark Atkins and the Countrymen
The Best Mistake
Bluegrass Our Way
Thunderbolt
3;15

11:48 PM
Claire Lynch
Great Day in the Morning
Whatcha You Gonna Do
Rounder
2;50

11:51 PM
Larry Stephenson
Mule Skinner Blues
20th Anniversary
Whysper Dream
4:04

11:55 PM
Grascals
Blue Rock Slide
The Famous Lefty Flynn's
Rounder
4:18

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA. tties91@hotmail.com/
'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/  10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio
1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

'TRADITIONAL TIES' - 25 YEARS IN 2010

Link to Traditional Ties web pages:
http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

MARTIN GUITAR INTRODUCES THE CFM IV 1955 D-18


FIFTY-FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING – JUST LIKE ITS NAMESAKE


Like the recent CFM IV 1955 D-28, the CFM IV 1955 D-18 commemorates the 55th birthday and ongoing contribution of Christian Frederick "Chris" Martin IV to the company that bears his name.
But this is not just the mahogany version of the CFM IV D-28.
Since its introduction in 1935, the D-18 has been one of the major stalwarts of the Martin line, and for many years outsold the more costly D-28. In 1955, the year of Chris Martin's birth, Martin sold 1,103 D-18s versus 806 D-28s.
Prized for its bright treble, crisp midrange and clear bass, the D-18 is a favorite of many bluegrass, folk and country musicians. Its strong, loud voice is meant to be heard and hold its own over banjoes, mandolins, steel guitars – and, yes, raucous rock n' roll. It's also excellent recording guitar offering exceptional balance and distinct articulation.
Elvis Presley played a 1942 D-18 during his early career (it can be heard in on all of his Sun recordings, including the classic "That's Alright Mama"). Hank Williams also played a D-18 that he rotated with his D-28 (Hank's 1947 D-18 is now owned by the Martin company and is on permanent display in the Martin Museum). Oh, and you remember that great rockin' guitar intro on Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues"? That's a D-18, too.
In creating the CFM IV 1955 D-18, we carefully replicated D-18 specs in place during 1955. This includes Sitka top with non-scalloped top braces, small maple bridgeplate, elegant old style 18 rosette and tortoise body binding & pickguard, cedar ribbons, cloth reinforcement strips, ebony bridge (with long bone saddle) and fingerboard, bone saddle, rounded headstock (from template wear) with old style C. F Martin & Co. scroll decal and other authentic 1955-specific details.
So choosing the D-18 as the other half of the CFM IV 1955 celebration set was a natural.
But we've also added some very special features including back and sides of rare – and very beautiful – Quilted Mahogany (dark stain), adjustable 14-fret neck (with two-way truss rod), old style "waffleback" tuners, figured Madagascar rosewood back strip and head plate veneer (similar in look to the original Brazilian rosewood headplate), and a small paper label specially designed by Dick Boak and signed by C.F. Martin IV in numbered sequence. The guitar is finished in premium high-gloss polished lacquer.
Only 55 of these superb instruments will be offered, delivered in our highest grade Cabernet plush, 5-ply, hard shell case. And if you already own the CFM IV 1955 D-28, the CFM IV 1955 D-18 will make a perfect matched set.

The CFM IV 1955 D-18. Another extraordinary Martin collectable – 55 years in the making.

The Mandolin Case


The Mandolin Case is a medical legal mystery solved by the local bluegrass community. It shows the truth but tells no facts. The author searched for indelible human truths that are unchanged over generations. He rejected temporary fads that will fade once out of style. The truth was found in the arts, and not science. It was found by ordinary people and not the rich and famous. It is a story for people weary of exploitation of the humble by the powerful, and a roadmap to thwart the efforts of the greedy. Enjoy.
“The ‘The Mandolin Case’ provides more twists and curls than the grain in a piece of birds-eye maple. Like a master fiddler weaving notes through the melody of a song, Bibey holds forth simplicity as the most complex asset when prejudice and greed place honor and integrity on trial.” – Dan Hays,
International Bluegrass Music Association

“Tommy Bibey keeps his feet and his heart in three different worlds: bluegrass music, family medicine, and golf. In ‘The Mandolin Case’ he conflates these three worlds into an arresting story that sheds humane light and his gentle humor on his world and the folks who inhabit it.” – Ted Lehmann,
Bluegrass Photojournalist

“Dr. Bibey honors the truth and simplicity of rural southern life and traditional music. Finally, an author resists the hackneyed stereotype to accurately .portray the integrity of bluegrass music and the people that love it.” –
Kristin Scott Benson, member of Grascals,
IBMA Banjo Player of Year 2008 and 2009

Available at Anazon

Monday, June 21, 2010

Mac Martin and the Dixie Travelers at ROMP

ROMP

(River of Music Party)

Mac Martin And The Dixie Travelers will be the featured bandat the Bluegrass Legends concert  Thursday June 24.

Joining the band for this show will be Bluegrass legend Curly Sechler.Curly and Mac sang together last year and Curly asked to sing with Mac again this year.

Mac is on the International Bluegrass Music Museum's list of Bluegrass Pioneers.

The ROMP Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by the International Bluegrass Music Museum and is a major fund raiser for the Museum.

The mission of the International Bluegrass Music Museum is to develop and maintain an environment in which people of all ages can discover the richness of bluegrass music.Owensboro, KY
The International Bluegrass Music Museum is located in the RiverPark Complex at the foot of "the blue bridge" in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. As you draw near, you'll hear the sounds of bluegrass music emanating from the museum's radio station, RBI, with audio speakers taking the music to the streets. Only a few hundred feet from the museum's entrance, the sound of music drifts downstream via the mighty Ohio River, the subject of more than a few memorable bluegrass songs.
Bluegrass is the official State Music of Kentucky, and Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" shares with Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" the honorable distinction of being the official Kentucky State Songs. The infectiously energetic style of dance that grew up around bluegrass and old time music is clogging, the official Kentucky State Dance. This museum, established to preserve the history of the music Mr. Monroe created, is located 30 minutes from the little town of Rosine, Kentucky, and Jerusalem Ridge, the homeplace where he was born and grew to manhood, and where he and members of his family now rest in peace.
 
Source WPBGC

25th Anniversary Recognition


Rep. Petrarca              John
(Photo by Savanna Gray)

Jeff

At the Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival a very special event took place that was not on the published program.
I was honored by friends and fans by the Celebration of my 25th anniversary as host of "Traditional Ties" on
Pittsburgh's WYEP.
I was presented with a Pennsylvania State House of Representatives Legislative Citation by Representative Joe Petrarca, who I was surprised to find out is a "Traditional Ties" listener.
The festival sponsor presented a commemorative plate to mark the occasion, and the mandatory cake was there for all who wished to partake. Note: Festival co-emcee and I suspect was the chief instigator of the recognition, was quick to point out that payment is being withheld on the cake because the radio is not tuned to 91.3.

Thanks to All.

Workshops at Laurel Highlands

Poverty Hollow

Greg Cahill



Top notch workshops have always been a part of The Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival, This year was no exception.
Greg Cahill conducted the banjo workshop. Greg has fronted Special Consensus for 35 years, and he has always been a champion of bluegrass education. A major part of Special Cs tours has always been their appearances at schools playing and teaching bluegrass.
Before becoming IBMA board president, Greg chaired the bluegrass in the schools committee.
A master of the banjo Greg has released four instructional DVDs.

A own region's Poverty Hollow has a shorter resume than Greg, but their emphasis on high quality harmonies has quickly become their trademark, and made them an obvious choice for the vocal harmonies workshop.

Stellar Live Performances‏


On June 4, 2010, some of bluegrass music’s favorite artists took part in Rural Rhythm Records 55th Anniversary Celebration at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music in Syria, Virginia. The day-long event was emceed by Sirius-XM Radio Host, Kyle Cantrell who said, “I don't know when I've had a better time or heard better music! In this picturesque, out-of-the-way place in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the top stars in bluegrass shared songs with adoring crowds that had come from all over, and on that stage you could feel the love of both musician and fan. It was truly a great experience that you had to hear to believe.”
This historic live event was recorded for a special album titled, “GRAVES MOUNTAIN JAM – RECORDED LIVE (Rural Rhythm’s 55 Year Celebration)”scheduled for release on October 26, 2010. Sirius-XM will broadcast highlights of the show on Labor Day holiday weekend 2010.
The tremendous task of sound engineering was handled by Gene Daniell who has over 30 years experience in the Audio Arts specializing in Bluegrass and Acoustic performances. Gene Daniell and Mark Newton will begin the mixing and mastering process in a few weeks at Gene’s Studio in Marietta, Georgia.
Sam Passamano, Jr., President of Rural Rhythm Records said, “The Graves Mountain Festival of Music is a wonderful place to enjoy Bluegrass Music and the Graves Family are the finest people you will ever meet. We are so grateful to the Graves Family who totally embraced our Rural Rhythm 55 Year Celebration event along with thousands of bluegrass fans. I would especially like to thank Kyle Cantrell, Mark Newton, Carl Jackson, Gene Daniells and all our Rural Rhythm artists who made this a very special historic event.”
The show was produced by bluegrass artist, Mark Newton and Rural Rhythm Record's President, Sam Passamano, Jr. "This live recording done at such a wonderful venue and established festival like Graves' Mountain Festival of Music will be a Landmark project and one for the history books that fans will enjoy for years to come. It doesn't get any better then the talent on stage like The Crowe Brothers, Carrie Hassler, Brand New Strings, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Lou Reid & Carolina, The Lonesome River Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. You add Carl Jackson and myself along with the talent above on the original song that Carl wrote ‘Graves Mountain Memories,’ and it makes for a memorable special gathering that will stand the test of time and represents this music at its best" said Newton.
The song, “Graves Mountain Memories," was performed by: Lou Reid (Vocal), Russell Moore (Vocal), Audie Blaylock (Vocal), Carrie Hassler (Vocal), Carl Jackson (Vocal & Guitar), Mark Newton (Vocal & Guitar) with Sammy Shelor (Banjo); Mike Hartgrove (Fiddle); Wayne Benson (Mandolin), and Mike Anglin (Bass). Other magical and once of a lifetime special performances included:
"When I Stop Dreaming", "More Pretty Girls Than One" – The Crowe Brothers with special guests: Russell Moore, Sammy Shelor and Mike Hartgrove

"Grandma's Boardside Cabin" – The Crowe Brothers (New song written by Josh Crowe)

"Head Over Heels" – Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings and special guest Brandon Rickman

“When You Say Nothing At All", "Crazy", "I Surrender All" – Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings

"High On A Hilltop", "Sunny Side Of The Mountain" – Audie Blaylock and Redline

"Old Dangerfield" – Audie Blaylock and Redline with special guest Wayne Benson

"Once More" – Audie Blaylock and Redline with special guests Russell Moore and Lou Reid

"Get In Line Brother" – Audie Blaylock and Redline with special guests: Russell Moore and Carrie Hassler

"Lonesome River" – Lou Reid & Carolina with special guest Russell Moore

"Oh, Lord Have Mercy On My Soul" – Lou Reid & Carolina (a capella)

"Time", "When It Rains", "Amanda Lynn" (Hits) – Lou Reid & Carolina

"Hold What'cha Got" – Lonesome River Band with special guest Audie Blaylock

"Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms", "Cabin Home On The Hill" – Lonesome River Band with special guest The Crowe Brothers

"Carolyn The Teenage Queen", "Long Gone", "Them Blues" (Hits) – Lonesome River Band

"Wade In The Water" – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (a capella)

"John & Mary", "Erase The Miles", "Grandpa's Mandolin", "Hard Rock Mountain Prison" (Hits) – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

"I've Waited As Long As I Can" – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out with special guest: Mike Hartgrove

"Ground Speed", "Home Sweet Home" - ALL-STAR JAM featuring Carl Jackson and Sammy Shelor - Twin Banjos

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Saturday at Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival

The Saturday show at LHBF was when measured by the many positive comments received. It was a less than perfect weather with a hot oppressively humid afternoon followed by a very heavy evening shower.

Less than ideal conditions, but the bands were all true pros and did great shows that evoked an enthusiastic response from the audience. The sound provided by Soaring Eagle Productions from Bedford was excellent.

Band pictures follow:





Special Consensus




Hard Ryde

Buck and Company


Lonesome Highway


Poverty Hollow


Mon River Ramblers


Additional Posts of LHBF coming soon.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival Draws to a Close

The 8th annual LHBF is a wrap for another year, and it was another successful event. I will have several posts with pictures in the next few days.but right now I am very tired and the connection is slow so I will be posting starting Sunday.

Great Night of Bluegrass

Jeannette Williams Band

Blue Shades


Lonesome Highway

Friday night at The Laurel Highlands Bluegrass festival was outstanding, all three bands were at the top of there game.


The show continues at noon Saturday, with Lonesome Highway, Mon River Ramblers, Poverty Hollow, Hard Ryde, Special Consensus and Buck and Company.

Complete festival details at http://laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com/

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Dinner Music at Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival

Things  got started tonight with some pickin' during dinner at The Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival.
Complete festival details click.  http://www.laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com/

The music was provided by:



Mountain View


Stationary Ramblers


Mountain Laurel Bluegrass

The Grascals Invite Country Radio To Hop Aboard "Last Train To Clarksville"

Group Gives MONKEES 1966 Hit A Country/Bluegrass Twist




Nashville, TN (June 17, 2010) -- Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals (www.grascals.com), invite country radio to jump on board their latest release, "Last Train To Clarksville." Delivered to programmers via CDX Vol. 501, the single is a proven winner; the driving up-tempo song was a smash for The Monkees in 1966. On the new version, three-part harmonies (Eldredge, Johnson, Smith) run throughout the track - setting this outing apart- and creating a literal "wall of sound." The Grascals juice things up with Kristin Scott Benson's ripping banjo and Jeremy Abshire's amazing fiddle work. Terry Eldredge keeps the track moving with lightning-fast guitar work, while Terry Smith (bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin) round out the group's signature sound. "We all were familiar with this song, and it was a blast to record," says Johnson. "We put a little grass and a little bit of country in it.” "Last Train To Clarksville" is from their newest disc, the critically-acclaimed THE FAMOUS LEFT FLYNN'S (Rounder).

Pre-production is underway for a video to accompany the new release, and filming on the project begins later this month. The single is already attracting a legion of devoted bluegrass fans, debuting at #20 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Chart, while THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S enters at #4.

"Last Train To Clarksville" is only the third single that the group has released to country radio. The hugely-popular "Viva Las Vegas" (with special guest Dolly Parton) debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top Country Singles Sales Chart in 2004 and spent over a year in the Top 10.



RADIO: "Last Train To Clarksville" can also be downloaded directly from www.airplaydirect.com/thegrascals

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

"UPPER MANAGEMENT MUSIC" - NEW LABEL FOR BLUEGRASS QUEEN RHONDA VINCENT

Nashville, TN - International Bluegrass star, and seven-time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Female Vocalist, Rhonda Vincent announced today her move to Upper Management Music, a new recording division of her in-house company, Upper Management. Founded in 2006 by Vincent's long time manager, Herb Sandker, Upper Management houses both Vincent's tour booking and management companies, along with facilitating her annual Bluegrass Cruise, in addition to the new label division. Upper Management has released three previous projects including the critically acclaimed "WoW Baby" from award winning fiddle player, Hunter Berry.

"I'm thrilled and a bit overwhelmed," Vincent states. "This is a big responsibility, but I know we can do it. We have an incredible team working on this project, in and out of the studio! Super songwriters, marvelous musicians, an exceptional engineer, and a powerhouse press agent."

Vincent is currently in her Adventure Studios recording with eight-time Grammy Award winner, Bil VornDick. Vincent created her last four Grammy nominated projects at Adventure Studios and feels right at home in this setting. "Bil is the king at capturing great tones," Vincent shares. "The new sounds are very real and authentic. With my band The Rage as the core band of the album, we'll be able to duplicate the music in our live performances. We are joined by several guest musicians and vocalists, along with a few surprises."

The announcement of the new label is in tandem with the announcement of Rhonda's first bluegrass single, an early sneak peak at what's to come for Bluegrass Radio in Vincent's debut project on her new label. The single is appropriately scheduled to be released on the First Day of Summer (6/21/2010) and aptly titled "Sweet Summertime".

DJs can expect to receive a personal message with complete instructions on how to receive the new music from Upper Management Music in the next few days.

Album details coming soon.

Traditional Ties, 06/20/10, Playlist

Contact info for new adds:
Kathy Kallick Band - http://kathykallick.com/
Nu-Blu -  http://www.nu-blu.com/


Air Time
Artist Name
Song Title
Album Name
Label
Duration

10:00 PM
Kenny Baker
Jerusalem Ridge (Theme)
Plays Bill Monroe
County
2:00

10:02 PM
Kathy Kallick
Where Is My Little Cabin Home
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
3:02

10:06 PM
Nu-Blu
Spin On the Red Brick Floor
Nights
Nu-Blu
2:29

10:09 PM
Barry Scott
Living Daddy's Dream
In God's Time
Rebel
5:00

10:10 PM
Karhy Kallick
Lonesome Night
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
4:21

10:14 PM
Dierks Bentley
Fiddlin' Around
Up on the Ridge
Capitol Nashvillle
3:08

10:15 PM
Kathy Kallick
The Snow
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
3:13

10:18 PM
Big Country Bluegrass
Boys in Hats and Ties
CD Single
Rebel
2:25

10:21 PM
Grascals
The Famous Lefty Flynn's
The Famous Lefty Fynn'a
Rounder
2:52

10:23 PM
Lou Reid
Daddy Tried
My Own Set of Rules
Rural Rhyrhm
3:24

10:27 PM
Nu-Blu
Red Haired Boy
Nights
Nu-Blu
3:06

10:31 PM
Kathy Kallick
Ther'e a Higher Power
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
3:07

10:34 PM
Adam Steffey
Trusting in Jesus
One More for the Road
Sugar Hill
2:49

10:37 PM
Lonesome River Band
Darkness Wept
No Turning Back
Rural Rhyrhm
3:27

10:41 PM
Sawmill Road
Heaven's Key
Fire on the Kettle
SMR
2:58

10:45 PM
Statement
Come and Dine
Around the Corner
Mountain Fever
3:42

10:49 PM
Larry Sparks
A King for Me
I Just Want to Thank You Lord
Rural Rhythm
3:52

10:53 PM
Lynn Beckman
Meeting in the Air
Grassland to Gloryland
Anchor Cross
3:01

10:56 PM
Gary Waldrep
We Welcome the Bride
Road Leading Home
Blue Circle
3;03

11:00 PM
True Bluegrass
With Care from Someone (Theme)
True Bluegrass 1979
True Bluegrass
2:00

11:02 PM
Kathy Kallick
My House
Between the Hollow and the High Rise
Live Oak
3:03

11:06 PM
Kathy Kallick
Panhandle Rag
Between the Hollow and the Highrise
Live Oak
3:24

11:19 PM
Nu-Blu
In and Out of Love
Nights
Nu-Blu
3:38

11:22 PM
Jim Lloyd
You Can't Plant an Onion Up Side Down
Songs from My Attic
Mountain Roads
2:56

11:25 PM
Hagar's Mountain Boys
Sweet Summer Dreams
Foever Yours
Mountain Fever
3:25

11:28 PM
Kristin Scott Benson
No Steering, No Breaks
Second Season
Pinecastle
2:37

11:32 PM
Audie Blaylock
Cryin' Heart Blues
Cryin' Heart Blues
Rural Rhythm
2:13

11:34 PM
Nu-Blu
My Sweet Caroliyn
Nights
Nu-Blu
2:47

11:37 PM
Dailey & Vincent
Elizabeth
Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers
Cracker Barrel
3:46

11:41 PM
Del McCoury
Delma Blue
Family Circle
McCoury Music
3:39

11:44 PM
NU-Blu
Nights
Nights
Nu-Blu
3:35

11:48 PM
Junior Sisk
Train Without a Track
Heartaches and Dreams
Rebel
2:41

11:51 PM
Grass Cats
Saturday Night Company
A Good way to Get the Blues
New Time
3:31

11:54 PM
Cana Ramblers
Heartaches and Teardrops
No Expectations
Cana Ramblers
3:30

11:57 PM
Darren Beachley
Quicksand
Take Off
Patuxent
2:42

JOHN TROUT, WYEP FM, PITTSBURGH, PA  tties91@hotmail.com
'TRADITIONAL TIES'- NEW RELEASE BLUEGRASS WITH FEATURES. 91.3 WYEP, http://www.wyep.org/  10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.) Sundays. Streaming Audio
1608 JEFFERSON ST, LATROBE PA, 15650 -2940

'TRADITIONAL TIES' - 25 YEARS IN 2010

Link to Traditional Ties web pages:
 http://wyep.org/traditionalties

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Hot Rize Sell Out Station Inn, Prepare New Album


By: Eamon McLoughlin

About a mile from the razzmatazz of CMA Music Festival on Thursday night (June 10), deep in the deepest darkest gulch of Nashville, the legendary Station Inn hosted the legendary bluegrass band, Hot Rize. Featuring Tim O'Brien, Nick Forster, Pete Wernick and newest member Bryan Sutton (the band came out of a 10-year retirement in 2002), the band turned in a silky smooth show to a packed house.

You cannot dislike a band that features O'Brien's vocals (in my very biased opinion), but Hot Rize has always had a very unique musical chemistry. Everything seems to slot into place exactly how it should when these guys play together. It's that unexplainable magical spark which makes people go on the road together for years, throwing caution and security to the wind. Forster has a vocal blend with O'Brien that has a sibling quality -- think Everly Brothers. Wernick has a rhythmic style of playing that seems to keep everyone grounded and Sutton adds a gleam in the guitar department that surely leaves original member Charles Sawtelle in stitches if he happens to be looking down upon us ...

All this was clear to the sold-out crowd at the Station Inn that night as the band paced its way through a set that included "Colleen Malone," "Nellie Kane," "Trimmed and Burning" and many more hits from their catalog. Despite O'Brien claiming to have a sore throat, their singing was still fantastic and the quality of songwriting has always been second to none with these guys. The biggest cheer of the night came when Forster announced they are going into the studio this summer to record a new album. Sutton's exquisite guitar playing might just be acting as the catalyst to get these guys back in the mind frame of a hot 'current' band rather than a reformed band with a collection of hits. More here.

Note- Nothing in writing yet but rumors persist that Hot Rize will be appearing in Wheeling WV, later this year.

Ralph Stanley brings his band to Long's Park

By RORY HESLIN, Staff Writer



The grass at Long's Park got a little bluer Sunday night when Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys rolled in to the amphitheater.

Stanley and his five-piece bluegrass band came out to a standing ovation from a crowd of more than 6,000.

Famous for winning a Grammy for his contribution to the "O Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, Stanley didn't disappoint by opening the show with "Man of Constant Sorrow."

The band brought a cool breeze in with them and managed to stave off rain clouds that stayed to the north.

Joined on stage by his grandson, Nathan, the rugged 83-year-old Stanley crooned his version of "Amazing Grace" with help from the audience.

"Dr. Stanley is a legend, and we really felt we should have him here," said Stella Sexton, director of the Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation's summer music series.

"He was coming through the area, and his whole band is awesome to work with," she said. "We're lucky to have him."

Read more:

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Bluegrass At Ligonier Country Market

Some good friends from various bands gathered to jam at The Ligonier Country Market this morning, to promote the upcoming Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival, June 18 &; 19.

Complete festival info can be found here.


Pam                            Jeff


Ray                    Brad





John                       Bob                          Dave


Thrre were some very interested listeners.