Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Podcast news

• Brad Kolodner interview
• Bill Nowlin interview

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Del McCoury Band with Peter Rowan & David Grisman 
• Michael Daves & Jacob Jolliff
• Tony Trischka Earl Jam 2
• Blue Highway - Live at ETSU! A 30-Year Retrospective (preorder)
• Jesse Apppelman

Other bits

• Thomm Jutz/Martin Simpson interview
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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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

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Brad is a fantastic clawhammer banjo player. As well as his solo records - 'Chimney Swifts' and the recent album of solo gourd banjo tunes 'Old Growth' - Brad also plays with the band Charm City Junction, as a duet with fiddler George Jackson and with his father, Ken, as part of Ken & Brad Kolodner.

He's also an award-winning radio broadcaster for Folk Alley and Bluegrass Country Radio, jam leader, festival organiser, community builder and ambassador for old-time and bluegrass music, as well as serving on the board of the IBMA.

We chat about Brad's route into old-time music - which took longer than you might think, given his upbringing - as well as his love of gourd banjos, the different projects he's involved with and why community and connection is so important as a musician.

Check out bradkolodner.com for more info.

The tracks played in the show are:

• Chimney Swifts - Brad Kolodner (Chimney Swifts)
• Shakin' Down The Acorns - Ken & Brad Kolodner (Stony Run)
• Red Prarie Dawn - Brad Kolodner (Old Growth)
• Grigsby's Hornpipe - George Jackson & Brad Kolodner (Shady Lane)

Check out Brad's website or Bandcamp page to buy his releases

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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

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

• Ted Olson interview
• Doc Watson 100th Birthday Celebration - part 1 - part 2

News and announcements - church street news 

• Punch Brothers tour dates

Scroll on Buddy

• Atkin Guitars pallet guitar
• Jude Rogers - The Sound of Being Human
• Brittany Haas w/ Paul Kowert & Mike Gaisbacher - Impromptu Sessions

Other bits

• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Ted joins me to celebrate the Rich-R-Tone record label and it's offshoot Folk Star. Rich-R-Tone was founded in 1946 by James Hobart Stanton who, in Ted's words, "was probably single-handedly the most important documentarian of Appalachian music."

Ted has extensively researched Stanton and the Rich_R-Tone label for a project he co-produced for Bear Family Records - The Rich-R-Tone/Folk Star Story: Appalachia On Record, 1946-1954. Featuring 317 expertly remastered recordings spread over 12 CDs and including a 144-page hardcover book, this set, produced by Ted Olson, Matteo Ringressi, and Richard Weize, features newly researched liner notes and a complete discography. Many of these recordings are incredibly rare and are taken from 78 rpm discs held in private collections.

We talk about Stanton's background in jukebox repair and distribution and how that helped shape his vision for the label; why both place and time are so vital in this particular story; the importance of Rich-R-Tone being a label based in Appalachia, rather than being a major label coming to the region just to record local talent and how Stanton played an important role in The Stanley Brothers' career. It's a fascinating story and one I knew very little about before my conversation with Ted, who was a pleasure to chat with as always.

During the conversation we play excerpts of three tracks from the box set. You'll hear (in order):

• The Stanley Brothers - Molly and Tenbrooks
• Wilma Lee Cooper - The Tramp on the Street
• The Caudill Family - Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down

For more info on the box set visit Bear Family Records

To hear my previous interviews with Ted, check out the two episodes below:

• The Bristol Sessions and Beyond
• Doc Watson's 100th Birthday Celebration (featuring Happy Traum, John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Lindsay Craven of MerleFest and Ted Olson)

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Sara talks about the process behind writing the record, which began to take shape shortly after the pandemic, why collaboration was so important and the central themes that emerged during the process. We also talk about community and connection in music and how the line between audience and stage is a little thinner in folk music than for some other formats.

This comes from a longer conversation we had in 2025. You'll find the full interview with Sara here.

Sara also mentions an interview I did with her bandmate Sarah Jarosz, about her album 'Blue Heron Suite'.

For more info on I’m With Her, including upcoming tour dates and to buy I’m With Her vinyl, CDs and merch, visit imwithherband.com

For regular updates follow Sara on Instagram and Facebook

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and announcements - church street news 

• Chris Thile’s Acousticamp
• Tony Trischka’s New York Banjo Night
• Bruce and Darol’s Great Big Fiddle Hang
• Sore Fingers
• Rockygrass

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Bryan Sutton/Billy Strings video
• Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
• Tony Trischka Earl Jam 2 (preorder)
• Della Mae

Scroll on Buddy

• Willie Nelson (preorder)

Other bits

• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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We've talked about that record a lot on the podcast, but this is less about the story behind the album and more about how it influenced Dave and informed the way he approaches recording. In his words 'it changed my life.'

We chat about his subsequent work with members of the DGQ, including Grisman himself, and recording Tony Rice for a project with Alison Brown. We also discuss how that first DGQ record set the standard for what acoustic instruments could and should sound like, the contributions Bill Wolf and Bob Shumaker made to recording acoustic music and how Dave approaches miking instruments, based on what he learned from the first DGQ album, including on Chris Thile's latest Bach album, an extraordinary and challenging project to work on.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

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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=1000711133817

Part 2 (Todd) - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrating-50-years-of-the-david-grisman-quintet-part/id1556697198?i=1000712407689

Part 3 (David) - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrating-50-years-of-the-david-grisman-quintet-part/id1556697198?i=1000713402530

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The book picks up on the research Kristina did for her previous book Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History (you can hear our conversation about that here). Crucially though, this volume doesn't just present a series of tunes as research pieces, it includes both banjo transcriptions and standard music notation, so people can play the music and give it a place in the current repertoire.

We talk about why so little music was collected from black people in the Americas (fewer than 10 songs before 1861 were collected in the United States that we definitely know are from Black musicians); why these tunes were collected and how; how the way they were collected (and who did the collecting) shaped what was gathered and much more.

As always, it was fascinating talking to Kristina.

You can find out more about Go Back and Fetch It (and buy the book) via the University of North Carolina Press.

For more on Kristina and updates on her research, follow her on Instagram and Substack

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod news

• Highlights from the first 500 episodes
• Inspiration for Musicians episode

News and announcements - church street news 

• Dawg at 80 on Nugs
• Billy Strings Tiny Desk Concert
• NPR Tiny Desk Contest
• Old Settler’s Music Festival

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Sam Grisman Project
• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas
• Michael Daves EP

Scroll on Buddy

• Is Bluegrass Too Fast?

Other bits

• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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To celebrate I thought I'd put together an episode with a few of my highlights and favourite moments from those first 500.

You'll hear from:

• Alison Krauss, on two different car journeys with Tony Rice
• Wyatt Rice, on recording Church Street Blues
• Bryan Sutton, on the journey all musicians go on
• Gabe Witcher, on leaving Punch Brothers
• Brittny Haas, on joining Punch Brothers
• Chris Eldridge, on Bela Fleck's Drive album
• Bryan Sutton (again), on Doc Watson and his influence
• Sarah Jarosz, on her album Blue Heron Suite
• Sara Watkins, on I'm With Her's Wild and Clear and Blue
•  and Mike Marshall, on playing with Tony Rice and what he learned from other musicians

This journey has been a lot of fun and I can't wait to get stuck into the interviews I already have lined up for the next set of episodes.

Thanks to all my guests and to all of you who've listened over the past four and a half years.

If you want to hear a bit more about my journey with the podcast, check out this interview I did with Daniel Patrick from the Mandolins and Beer podcast.

Finally, if you know anyone who you think would like this episode, please share it with them!

Matt

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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 Munde
• Part 2 - Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'Brien
• Part 3 - Trey Hensley, Kyle Tuttle (Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway) & Willow Osborne
• Jim Mills on Earl Scruggs and pre-War Gibson banjos
• Jerry Douglas celebrates Earl Scruggs' 100th Birthday

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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 Birthday

Earl Scruggs 100th Birthday Tribute:

Part 1 - Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan Munde

Part 2 - Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'Brien

Jim Mills on Earl Scruggs and pre-War Gibson banjos

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and announcements - church street news 

• European Bluegrass Summit registration
• Alison Krauss & Union Station - Live - vinyl reissue
• Bela Fleck Jingle All the Way tour dates and vinyl reissue
• IBMA Webinar
• -- Thursday, December 4, from 12-1PM EST
• -- From the Table to the DSPs and Back Again: How To Make Money Without Selling Recordings
• -- Zoom link to join

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Hildaland (Bandcamp)
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist (Spotify)

Scroll on Buddy

• Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart & Punch Brothers - Holiday Medley (live)
• Watch

Other bits

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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We talk about what makes this recording special, including the fact it was recorded live and never intended for release, and why Clarence and Roland had such a unique approach to music, particularly when it comes to their joint sense of timing.

David also shares his thoughts about why bluegrass picking should be about more than just playing licks over chords and why true artistry often gets lost, as well as calling out some of the current players he loves.

This was a fascinating conversation that started as a celebration of a classic album but widened out to being about what making music is really all about.

If you want to hear my previous interview with David, which came from a two episode special to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Clarence White's death, you'll find it here.

To buy the reissued CD, and for lots more info on Clarence and Roland, visit rolandwhite.com

Don't forget to check out www.davidgrier.com for more info on David and to buy his CDs.

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Craig began his journey into music journalism in his late teens, driven in part by a curiosity about why Americans listen to some kinds of music more than others and why certain genres, such as bluegrass, jazz and classical, seem to have become marginalised. 

A pivotal theme in his book is the idea of musical literacy. Craig explains why understanding music isn't just about formal education or knowing historical context; it’s about engaging with music on a personal level. 

We also chat about why bluegrass is such a successful model for nurturing musical appreciation; how the bluegrass community fosters a culture of amateur musicianship, where fans feel connected to the music-making process, and why this relationship between artists and audiences creates a unique environment that encourages exploration and appreciation of the music.

"Musicality for Modern Humans" remind us of the importance of musical literacy and the value of diverse musical experiences but, more than anything, of the fact that listening deeply to music brings huge rewards.

For more info on Craig and to buy the book visit www.craighavighurst.com

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We chat about his unique journey as a saxophonist who has embraced the world of fiddle tunes. He shares insights into the challenges and joys of transitioning from jazz to fiddle music, the intricacies of improvisation, and the importance of social music-making. 

Eddie also talks about his three year journey playing with Sierra Hull and the recording process for his new album 'Larkspur', including why he chose to use film as a starting point for the tracks, his reasons for choosing to record solo versions, rather than collaborate, and the role of the natural environment in which it was recorded. 

This was a fascinating conversation on many levels, which not only gave me an insight into how other instrumentalists think, but also helped me see bluegrass and string band music from a new perspective.

You can watch the videos on Eddie's YouTube channel 

For more info on Eddie and his musical projects, visit www.eddiebarbash.com

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and announcements - church street news 

• Old & In the Way Live vinyl release
• Craig Havighurst book
• Blue Ridge Guitar Camp

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Buy the records mentioned

• Alison Brown & Steve Martin album (Compass Records)
• Wes Corbett - Drift (Bandcamp)
• I’m With Her/Iron & Wine (Bandcamp)
• Caitlin Canty (Bandcamp)
• Ben Garnett (Bandcamp)
• Darol Anger (Bandcamp)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist (Spotify)

Scroll on Buddy

• Sierra Hull Gibson signature mandolin
• Chris Thile interview with Rick Beato

Other bits

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Chris talks about Tony's ability to combine big musical gestures with intricate detail, how other musicians played better when they played with Tony and why you should listen to Church Street Blues on vinyl, if you can find a copy (but why that's not necessarily true of other albums).

This extract comes from a two part special I put together celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release ofChurch Street Blues in 1983, including in-depth interviews with Wyatt Rice, Alison Krauss, Tim Stafford, Bryan Sutton and many more. I've included links below to those.

- part 1 (Tim Stafford, Wyatt Rice, Mike Marshall, Alison Krauss, Bryan Sutton, Chris Eldridge & Caroline Wright)

- part 2 (Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses, Marcel Ardans, Scott Nygaard, Jason Keiser & tony_units)

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We chat about the original 'Diary of a Fiddler', released in 1999, and how the second volume celebrates and deepened Darol's connection to the fiddle community, in particular the players he's taught, mentored and collaborated with since the first record came out.

Darol explains why this project felt like a purposeful completion of a long process, which began with that first record. We also talk about how the landscape of fiddling has been transformed by fiddle camps and music schools like Berklee, where Darol taught and first met several of the players on this record.

We also discuss the development of rhythmic accompaniment on the fiddle, which was still relatively new in the 1990s, how the pandemic inspired a joyful collaborative project that kicked this new record off, how Darol's move to Nashville connected him to a wider community of fiddlers and why 'Diary of a Fiddler 2' feels like the clearest expression of any musical legacy he might leave.

Any opportunity to talk to Darol is a treat and this one was no exception. I always come away from a conversation with Darol feeling like I've learned something and with a smile on my face. I hope you enjoy it too.

You can buy 'Diary of a Fiddler 2' (and Darol's other releases) via his Bandcamp page

Darol also has a great fiddle course on ArtistWorks

Matt

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First up is Becky Buller. Becky came onto the podcast in August of 2024 to chat about her record Jubilee. This time we're talking about her album of covers Songs That Sing Me and the role music has played in her life. I also chat with each of my guests in this episode about the importance of IBMA's World of Bluegrass to them as an artist or industry figure.

Second is Ben Wright from Henhouse Prowlers, chatting about the band's 21 years together and their 10th record Unravel, as well as their non-profit work with The Bluegrass Ambassadors and why cultural diplomacy is more important now than ever.

Up next is singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and luthier Rick Faris. Rick was IBMA's Songwriter of the Year in 2024 and we talk about writing, including his long standing collaboration with Rick Lang, who co-wrote several track's on Rick's new record Life's Parade, plus the guitar building community and his work at Kentucky Guitar Works.

Finally I chat to Jana Mougin, who runs Dark Shadow Recording alongside her partner Stephen Mougin, IBMA's Recording Engineer of the Year for 2025. We talk about running a recording company, how Dark Shadow works with their artists as a family and the opportunities IBMA provides for networking and connecting with people.

These were fun to do - I hope you enjoy them.

For more info, visit https://darkshadowrecording.com  and check out their online store to buy any of the albums we talk about in the episode.

You'll find more info on the individual artists here:

Becky Buller - website / Instagram / Facebook

Henhouse Prowlers - website / Instagram / Facebook / Bluegrass Ambassadors

Rick Faris - website / Facebook / Kentucky Guitar Works

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod News

• Sara Watkins interview

News and announcements - church street news 

• List of IBMA Award winners

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Alison Brown & Steve Martin album pre-order
• Pre-order Wes Corbett - Drift
• Vinyl reissues
• Alison Krauss - Live
• Tony Rice - Backwaters
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Billy Strings IBMA Keynote (from 47:31 in)

Other bits

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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I caught up with Maddie at IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, the day after she was named IBMA's Fiddle Player of the Year!

We chat about East Nash Grass and their wonderful new record 'All God's Children' and about musical communities, collaboration (both within the band and with other people) and why Maddie sees music very much as a team sport.

I really enjoyed this one (and it's always a treat to get to have a conversation face to face for a change!)

For more info visit eastnashgrass.com and maddiedentonmusic.com and follow Maddie on Instagram

Happy picking,

Matt

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The album features a core band of Ben, Brittany Haas and Ethan Jodziewicz, with guest appearances from Darol Anger, Paul Kowert and Chris Eldridge, who also produced the record. 

We talk about Ben's background, initially in electric guitar, and the influence his cousin Andy Timmons had on him as a mentor, before Ben started exploring acoustic guitar and how that led to him moving to Nashville, with Chris Eldridge becoming his second big mentor.

We also talk about how the album came about and Ben's world building approach to making a guitar record.

'Kite's Keep' is a fascinating record and I loved this conversation.

You can pre-order and pre-save the album on various platforms.

For more info on Ben, including upcoming tour dates, check out bengarnett.net

Matt

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Alison was the first woman to win an IBMA award in an instrumental category, winning Banjo Player of the Year in 1991. She's also a sought after producer, with credits including Dale Ann Bradley, Peter Rowan, Missy Raines and Bobby Osborne and she spent three years as a member of Alison Krauss's band Union Station.

She joins me to talk about another long standing project, Compass records, the label she co-founded in the '90s with her husband Garry West.

We talk about Alison's background and how Compass grew from a sketch on the back of a napkin to being one of the most celebrated independent labels in roots music. We also discuss how the music industry has changed over the three decades Compass has been around and what that means, for the label and for artists.

We also pick out a few of Alison's favourite releases (and mine!) and chat about what's next for her, including presenting the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards with Steve Martin, who she has a new record with, due out in October.

Over the course of the episode there are excerpts from some of the albums we discuss. You'll hear (in order of appearance):

- 'Paint it Shut' - Phillps, Grier and Flinner

- 'Weetabix' - New Grange

- 'Longhair Bluegrass' - Robbie Fulks

- '5 Days Out 2 Days Back' - Alison Brown and Steve Martin, feat. Tim O'Brien

For more info and to buy Compass releases, visit the Compass Records website

Here's the episode of the podcast celebrating Phillips, Grier & Flinner

Happy picking,

Matt

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Ethan's new album Enyclopedia Mandolinnica is a collection of duets and trios featuring some of Ethan's mandolin heroes and contemporaries, including Mike Marshall, Caternia Lichtenberg, Jacof Jolliff, Matt Flinner and more.

Recorded over the space of a year, the album showcases a wide range of styles and dynamics and sits comfortably alongside classic duet records like Into the Cauldron, Diary of a Fiddler and Not Too Far From the Tree.

We chat about how the project came about, what the recording process was like and how Ethan approaches the writing process. It's a fascinating record and we had an equally interesting conversation!

For more info and to buy the record, visit Ethan's website and BandCamp page

Happy picking.

Matt

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There's some really exciting content coming your way but the format will be changing a little (I explain why in the episode).

That's all, folks.

Happy picking,

Matt

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

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and announcements - church street news 

• Fretboard Summit
• Alison Brown Banjo Basecamp
• Bela Fleck banjo raffle

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Infamous Stringdusters website
• Michael Daves’ Bandcamp
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Donate to the Mandolin Cafe

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Gabe talks about first meeting Chris Thile at a festival when they were kids; playing football together before they even got round to jamming; how they found the rest of the band that became Punch Brothers; their first shows together in New York City and how the emotion of playing the tunes they worked on back then hit him in those final Telluride shows.

Here's the full 2023 interview with Gabe if you want to hear the whole conversation.

Happy picking.

Matt

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This is a segment of a longer interview from 2022. In this section Jarrod talks about getting the gig with Billy, how it was both the most progressive and the most traditional gig he'd had, learning to play plugged in and experimenting with pedals.

The full interview (link below if you're interested) covers much more, including what Chris Thile taught him about learning fiddle tunes, how he almost ended up selling instruments for a living rather than playing them and going from landscaping one day during the pandemic to playing a live streamed gig at Red Rocks the next.

To connect with Jarrod and find out where you can catch a show, check out the links below:

Jarrod's Facebook

Jarrod's Instagram

Billy Strings' website

Here's the full interview with Jarrod.

Happy picking.

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and announcements - church street news 

• Joe Brent Adhyâropa Records interview
• JD Crowe and the New South reissue
• Tim Stafford JD Crowe interview episode
• Earl Scruggs Music Festival
• Sierra Hull Tiny Desk Concert

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton Live at the Legion
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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So many of the guests I've had on the podcast have released their albums through Adhyâropa and I was fascinated to find out more about the label.

We talk about why Joe set up the label in the first place, the reasons why it's almost impossible for musicians to make a living today, how Adhyâropa is trying to change that and why, in the end, it's just about helping people put out good music.

There's so much to learn in this one, whether you're a musician trying to navigate building a career or, like me, you're a fan who wants to understand how musicians get paid and what we can do to support our favourite artists.

There's something in this episode for everyone.

For more info on Adhyâropa, to submit your project or just to contact Joe, visit  www.adhyaroparecords.com

To buy music, visit Adhyâropa's Bandcamp store

I loved this conversation - I hope you enjoy it too.

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Alison Krauss vinyl reissue from Craft Recordings 
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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The album was produced by Chris Eldridge (of Punch Brothers and Mighty Poplar) and features a fantastic band, including Paul Kowert, Brittany Haas, Sarah Jarosz, Noam Pikelny and Andrew Marlin.

In this excerpt Caitlin talks about the delay between experiencing something and writing about it and how she needs to see patterns emerge before she starts to write. We also talk about a couple of the tracks on Quiet Flame and what they mean to her.

This was such a fun conversation and one I've gone back and listened to more than once in the couple of years since it was recorded.

If you want to hear the full interview, you'll find links on bluegrassjamalong.com

For more info on Caitlin and to buy the album, visit caitlincanty.com

There are some great videos, featuring the band from the album, on Caitlin’s YouTube channel (you should watch them, they’re fantastic).

For updates, follow Caitlin on Facebook and Instagram

Happy picking!

Matt

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This week's briefing is slightly different - I'm running you through some of the nominees for this year's IBMA Music Awards.

I'd love to hear what you think - who you think will win, who you think should win, who's missing from the lists and any other thoughts.

Come and join the conversation via Instagram, Facebook or Threads and let me know!

Matt

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We talk about the album’s first writing sessions in 2021, just as the world was starting to reconnect post-pandemic and how that theme of connection eventually grew to run through the whole record. 

We also talk about collaboration and how essential that is to I’m With Her; the joy of cover versions and getting to know someone through music; how that shared love provided the seed for the album’s title track and why playing these songs with Aoife and Sarah at this point feels so special.

I also ask Sara about her own journey as a songwriter, stepping out of the shadows of her bandmates in Nickel Creek and we discuss the idea that albums are like puppies (you’ll just need to listen!)

This was one of my absolute favourite interviews to record. I hope you enjoy it.

For more info on I’m With Her, including tour dates and to buy I’m With Her vinyl, CDs and merch, visit imwithherband.com

For regular updates follow Sara on Instagram and Facebook

Happy picking,

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Tiny Desk Concert
• IBMA Nominee Announcement details

Releases (The Grass is New)

•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• IBMA Grammy’s Zoom webinar info

In My Ears

• Martin Simpson & Thomm Jutz interview

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Lots of you will know Shelby from her time with Della Mae and, more recently, from her time as the bass player in Molly Tuttle's band Golden Highway, who she won a Grammy with. She now has a new solo record out called Shelby Means.

We talk about making the record, including the people she assembled to play on it; the songs, which were written over a long period of time; co-writing and the joy of songs you know so well they feel like vintage clothes.

We also chat about her time with Molly Tuttle and the extraordinary journey the band went on over 4 years.

This was a fun conversation about a great record.

You can buy a copy at www.shelbyleemeans.com, where you'll also find info and tour dates. 

Follow Shelby on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.

Happy picking,

Matt

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Joe plays mandolin with several projects, including Mr Sun (featuring Darol Anger, Grant Gordy and Aidan O’Donnell); the Mike Block Trio; a duo with Matt Flinner and a trio with Ella Jordan and Jed Wilson. 

He joins me this week to chat about his most recent solo record “Trust and Love” and also his previous record ”If Not Now, Who?”

Both records have a quiet, conversational feel and feature some wonderful musicians. Joe describes his approach to "Trust and Love":

"It's a collection of instrumental love songs of a sort, an understated record for an over-stimulating time. I think of it as gently making the case for a "less is more" approach to the string band sound."

We chat about that philosophy; why the record started with the people, rather than the songs; how Joe's quietest record to date ended up with drums on it and what conversation means in music.

It was a fascinating conversation about what it means to make music and be true to yourself as a musician. I hope you enjoy it.

For more info on Joe visit https://joekwalsh.com

You can buy "Trust and Love" at Joe's Bandcamp page

Also check out Joe's Peghead Nation course

Happy picking!

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• IBMA Picking For the Prize
• Noam Pikelny tour dates
• Jake Workman safari
• Ned Luberecki safari

Releases (The Grass is New)

•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

In My Ears

• I’m With Her - Ancient Light live at Sunset Sound

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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First I'll be talking to former IBMA Executive Director, and current board member, Paul Schiminger about the history of World of Bluegrass, how it started, the various cities it's been hosted in over the years and why it's moving this year.

After that I chat to Jill Snider, former Convention Services / Member Services Director at IBMA who's been very involved with every step of the process of moving the event to Chattanooga this year. We talk about the work it takes to put on an event of this size and scope, what's needed from a partner city and what people can expect from this year's event, as there will be a few changes.

World of Bluegrass is an amazing event - in reality it's really several events in one - so it was fascinating to get to get a behind the scenes insight into what goes into putting it on. It was also fun to get to celebrate what has become a real highlight of the bluegrass year and the role it's played in so many bluegrass stories over the past four decades.

To find out more about World of Bluegrass, and to get tickets fort this year's event, visit - https://worldofbluegrass.org

For more info on IBMA go to - https://ibma.org

Happy picking!

Matt

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I chat to David about how the Quintet came together and developed over those early years, how it built on the work he'd already done with The Great American Music Band, how Tony Rice joined the band and what he brought and how, through continuous rehearsal, the Quintet learned to craft and build the arrangements that are such a key part of their sound.

This was a fascinating conversation with one of the true legends of modern string band music.

For more on David Grisman, and to buy copies of the Quintet's music (including the wonderful David Grisman Quintet - First Recordings Live in Dawg’s Living Room) visit acousticdisc.com

Don't forget to check out parts 1 and 2 of the series too, featuring Darol Anger, Mike Marshall and Todd Phillips.

Happy picking,

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Tony Rice Backwaters re-release
• Del McCoury Pickin’ Party
• Bluegrass at the Ryman

Releases (The Grass is New)

•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Gabe Witcher Interview
• Apple
• Spotify
• YouTube

In My Ears

• Bill C Malone Book

• Ted Olson interview
• Apple
• Spotify
• YouTube

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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We chat about how he got to know David Grisman and how, through taking mandolin lessons from him, they started developing a duet that eventually grew into the Quintet. We also talk about his transition from the mandolin role to playing bass in that band, and subsequently with Tony Rice, both in The Tony Rice Unit and The Bluegrass Album Band (not to mention his own fantastic projects, including Phillips, Grier and Flinner).

For more on Todd and his incredible career visit toddphillipsmusic.com

For more on David Grisman, and to buy copies of the Quintet's music (including the wonderful David Grisman Quintet - First Recordings Live in Dawg’s Living Room) visit acousticdisc.com

Don't forget to check out part 1 of the series too, featuring Darol Anger and Mike Marshall. Next week I'll be bringing you a special conversation with David Grisman.

Happy picking,

Matt

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The DGQ played a huge part in the careers of some incredible musicians, including Tony Rice, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and Todd Phillips, as well as including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli. Their first record, The David Grisman Quintet, remains one of the most important records in string band history.

To celebrate the early years of the quintet, and the amazing music they created, I’ve been speaking to some of the people who were right at the heart of it.

First up is a wonderful conversation I had with Mike Marshall and Darol Anger. We talk about how they both came to be in that band, how the sound developed, what working with David taught them and what Tony Rice brought to the group.

Next week I'll be sharing an interview with Todd Phillips, followed by an interview with the man himself, David Grisman.

For more on David, and to buy copies of his music (including the wonderful David Grisman Quintet - First Recordings Live in Dawg’s Living Room) visit acousticdisc.com

Happy picking!

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• IBMA Bluegrass Live - lineup and tickets

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Acoustic Disc Frank Wakefield album
•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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We chat about Bob first hearing this record and why he loves it so much; its place in the flatpicking repertoire; the gear Norman used (including guitars, picks and even string gauges!) and we go through the record track by track.

Not only that, Bob phoned Norman before we did the interview specifically to ask him about the songs and tunes he picked for the record and where he first heard them.

Whether you're new to this record or you know it inside out, I hope you'll learn something from our conversation. I certainly did!

Bob mentions a video he made with Bryan Sutton, Chris Eldridge and Kenny Smith, about the D18 that appears on the album cover - you'll find it on the Fretboard Journal's YouTube channel

Also, check out Bob's wonderful tribute album to Norman, 'From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn'.

It's always a joy chatting to Bob. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Romp Festival lineup and tickets
• Bluegrass Hall of Fame gigs
• Green Mountain Lineup
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
• Carolina Chocolate Drops documentary

Releases (The Grass is New)

• George Jackson Patreon
• Tristan Scroggins Patreon
• Caterina Lichtenberg Mike Marshall & Friends - Bandcamp
•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Wayne joins me to talk about half a century of writing about old-time and bluegrass music, including his latest book Southern Mountain Music: The Collected Writings of Wayne Erbsen.

Over the past 50 years Wayne has interviewed many legendary figures in Appalachian music, as well as many lesser known names (including the guitarist who acted as AP Carter's 'human tape recorder'), often being the first and only person to collect their stories. These articles come together to create a fascinating history of bluegrass and old-time music in Appalachia.

The book profiles many pioneers of old-time and bluegrass music, alongside chapters on brother duets from the 1930s, legendary banjo pickers and fiddle players and tales of 19th-century songwriters whose songs still populate bluegrass music. 

Wayne also shares some great stories, including the time Charlie Cline's powerful snoring led to the Bluegrass Boys spending a night out in the cold and the gig where Clarence White borrowed his guitar.

You can buy Wayne's book at the MacFarland Books website. 

Check out Wayne's YouTube channel too

Happy picking!

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Bluegrass on Hudson lineup and tickets
• IBMA WOB tickets
• IBMA International Stage applications
• Note - the deadline is being extended to the end of May
• Phillips, Grier and Flinner tour dates

Releases (The Grass is New)

•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Jason recently ended his 33 year run with the Del McCoury Band and we talk about that extraordinary journey, from the fascinating story about how he got the job in the first place, to the decision to move on and what comes next. We also talk about the huge changes bluegrass has gone through in those 33 years, how Del's career grew alongside that, recording The Mountain with Steve Earle and Jason's recent solo album, plus his project with Michael Cleveland.

This was a wonderful conversation - I hope you enjoy it.

For more info, head to jasoncarterfiddle.com and follow Jason on his Instagram 

You'll find the videos Jason mentions on his YouTube page

Enjoy!

Matt

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Wyatt talks about his experience of playing on the sessions aged just 17, hanging out with Tony, the first time he saw an Ovation guitar at Tony's house and the track from 'Church Street Blues' he ended up playing backup on, even though he'd never played it before the tape started running.

It was a really special interview to get to be a part of - I hoe you enjoy it.

Here are the links to the full Church Street Blues episodes:

- Part 1  - (inc. Tim Stafford, Wyatt, Alison Krauss, Bryan Sutton and Chris Eldridge

- Part 2 - (inc. Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses and Scott Nygaard)

- Wyatt (extended interview)

Happy picking,

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Tony Rice Memorial Day Music Fest
• Banjo in Sicily with Tony Trischka

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Daniel Kimbro album - buy/stream
•  The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Alison Krauss vinyl reissue
• Soul Folk book

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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We discuss how the project came about, following the discovery of dozens of John Hartford's notebooks, kept between 1983 and 2001, full of as many as 4,000 original fiddle tunes he'd composed. That led to the book - 'John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes', followed by two albums, the second of which we're exploring today.

Co-produced by Katie, with Sharon Gilchrist and Megan Lynch Chowning, 'Julia Belle' features a selection of John's original fiddle tunes, as well as some favourite songs, performed by some of the most beloved female artists in the Hartford-inspired bluegrass scene, including Rachel Baiman, Phoebe Hunt, Ginger Boatwright, Brittany and Natalie Haas, Deanie Richardson, Allison de Groot, Della Mae, The Price Sisters, Uncle Earl, Alison Brown, Missy Raines and Sierra Hull. 

It's a wonderful record and made for a fascinating conversation. Check out the links below to buy the album and discover the many amazing resources available to celebrate John's music.

Happy picking,

Matt

More info...

Buy on CD from johnhartford.com

Download on Bandcamp

Listen - Matt Coombs plays John Hartford's Mammoth Collection of Fiddle Tunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Darol Anger’s Big Book of Tunes vol 3

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Steve Earle’s Fifty Years of Songs and Stories tour dates

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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I re-listened to the episode (and the album) recently and this section really stood out. We chat about storytelling in music; the power of infusing a song with emotion; the importance of connection and conversation and how music can foster community.

I really enjoyed this and found it thought provoking to listen back to. I hope you find something interesting, inspiring or meaningful in it too. Do go and listen to Common Nation of Sorrow as well! Links below for more info on Rachel and to buy her music.

Happy picking!

Matt

Rachel's website – http://www.rachelbaiman.com/

Bandcamp: https://rachelbaimanmerch.bandcamp.com/music

Follow Rachel:

Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/rachelbaiman/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Rachelbaimanmusic/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Earl Scruggs Music Festival
• Rhiannon Giddens and Kristina Gaddy book

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Billy Strings and Sierra Hull - Midnight on the Stormy Deep

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• North Carolina Guitar Celebration

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Darol Anger & Mike Marshall with the WDR Big Band
• Spotify
• CD

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Dawg at 80 - Hartford’s Reel (with Sam Bush, Billy Strings and more)

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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Sierra has been a guest on the podcast twice before and both times we chatted about an ongoing project she's been working on since her last record 25 Trips. That project eventually became her new album, the wonderful A Tiptoe High Wire, which we talk about in this episode.

Recorded over four sets of sessions over a two year period, the album features Sierra's current touring band, as well as including guest appearances from Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Ronnie Bowman, Lindsay Lou, Aoife O’Donovan and Sierra's husband Justin Moses.

We talk about the process of writing the songs, some of which were written with these specific musicians in mind; the themes and inspiration behind the tracks; Sierra's desire to write more optimistic and hopeful songs; her decision to put the record out independently and how the album, co-produced by Sierra's friend Shani Gandhi, feels like one piece, despite being split over several different sessions.

It's a fantastic record and, as always, it was a real treat getting to chat with Sierra.

For info on where you can buy A Tiptoe High Wire and a full list of Sierra's upcoming tour dates, check out sierrahull.com

Happy picking,

Matt

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When David Grisman raised his middle finger to MCA Records, after being dropped for failing to meet arbitrary sales targets, he couldn't have known it would spark a 35-year musical revolution. As one of America's foremost, and best loved, mandolin virtuosos turns 80 this year, he offers a fascinating glimpse into the birth, evolution, and future of Acoustic Disc, the independent label he founded in 1990 that became a vital archive of American string band traditions, as well as home to over three decades of his own music.

Grisman's journey from frustrated artist to label founder came at a pivotal moment in music history, as CDs were eclipsing vinyl and the digital revolution loomed on the horizon. He built his own studio, using gear he bought from the iconic 1750 Arch Studios, and Acoustic Disc was born. The label's early success—including Grammy nominations for its first two releases—established a blueprint combining Grisman's new compositions, collaborations with luminaries like Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice, and carefully chosen historical recordings.

The switch from physical media to digital distribution liberated both Grisman's creative vision and business model.

"It's just too beautiful a concept to make one product and sell an infinite number without manufacturing anything," he explains. 

This shift allows him to release an album every month, including expanded versions of classic recordings with Tony Rice, Jerry Garcia, and others. These "deluxe editions" offer fascinating insights into the creative process behind influential albums like Tone Poems, capturing not just the music but the conversations between master musicians at work.

Whether you're a huge Grisman fan, dedicated bluegrass lover or just a fan of acoustic music at its best, Acoustic Disc's extraordinary catalog offers a gateway into America's rich string band traditions. 

Find out more at acousticdisc.com and, while you're there, sign up for their weekly newsletter to receive a free "Treat of the Week".

For updates, follow David on Instagram and Facebook

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod News

• Bluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and Beer
• Apple
• Spotify
• Bluegrass Standard article on Bluegrass Jam Along!

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• I’m With Her
• Album preorders
• Tour dates

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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But, it's not a previous episode of Bluegrass Jam Along. This week I'm sharing part of an episode on mandolins and Beer, because the guest was....me!

Daniel has been on my podcast a couple of times and was kind enough to invite me onto Mandolins and Beer to chat about how I got into bluegrass, how the podcast started, how t's developed, some of my favourite moments and (of course) what my favourite beer is.

I really enjoyed chatting to Daniel for this. If you want to hear the full interview just head to the Mandolins and Beer website.

You can also listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Happy picking.

Matt

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Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod News

Doc Watson 100th birthday episodes

Part 1

• Apple
• Spotify
• YouTube

Part 2

• Apple
• Spotify
• YouTube

Bluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and Beer

• Apple
• Spotify

Bluegrass Standard article on Bluegrass Jam Along!

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Telluride lineup
• Rockygrass lineup

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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'JD Crowe & The New South' was recorded in January 1975 and released in August the same year. Tim joins me to chat about what makes it such a milestone record in bluegrass, despite it not really being a bluegrass album at all in some ways. 

We chat about the musicians who made it so special, including the rhythmic magic Tony Rice and JD Crowe had; why Ricky Skaggs is potentially the greatest tenor singer in bluegrass; why you it's important not to underestimate Bobby Slone's role in the band and the Jerry Douglas break on this record that was so good all three singers forgot to come back in after it!

Tim also tells me why the session almost didn't happen due to Tony cutting his hand and suffering from a bad cold, plus plenty more fascinating detail about the band and the making of this record.

You can see the video Tim talks about (along with the wonderful hair and shirts!) on YouTube

2025 is also a big anniversary year for Tim's band Blue Highway, who turn 30 this year. Fund out more at bluehighwayband.com

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod News

• Bluegrass Jam Along guests on mandolins and Beer
• Apple
• Spotify

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Rhiannon Giddens’ American Tunes
• DelFest Lineup

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Sierra Hull - Spitfire video
• Sierra Hull - tour dates
• Max Wareham - tour dates
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy/In my ears

• Jake Workman - Northern Shore video
• Atkin Guitars - D37 vs White Rice video

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

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We also talk about Jake's long standing teaching career, including his thoughts on why listening is more important than transcribing and the importance of being yourself as a musician.

To find out more, visit jakeworkman.com and follow Jake on Instagram and YouTube

Jake is also teaching at Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp this year.

Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

Happy picking!

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Grey Fox Festival
• Casey Driessen Fiddle Camp Scholarship

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy/In my ears

• 1925 Fiddle Convention 100th anniversary tribute pre-orders
• ‘Complete’ Tone Poems at Acoustic Disc

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

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I've done well over 100 interviews for the podcast now. That's a lot of conversations! The idea with these episodes is to pick out a highlight from a past conversation and share it again, in case you missed it missed it first time round, or just want to hear some bits again. If you're new to the podcast they'll also give you a great sense of what's there, so you can dive in and discover some of the older episodes.

This first one is a real favourite of mine. Back in 2023 I did a bunch of episodes celebrating Doc Watson on what would have been his 100th birthday. I spoke to people who played with Doc and spent time with him (including Jack Lawrence, Happy Traum and T. Michael Coleman), as well as players who just love Doc's music (including Critter Eldridge, Tim O'Brien, Bryan Sutton and many more).

This comes from the chat I had with Jack Lawrence. He shares a wonderful story about Doc giving him an iconic Martin D18 that needed a little TLC.

I hope you enjoy this. It was great listening back to it!

If you want to hear more from the Doc episodes, you'll find them here:

Doc Watson 100th birthday celebration - Part 1

Doc Watson 100th birthday celebration - Part 2 

Jack Lawrence conversation in full 

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• ETSU Artist in Residence post
• Punch Brothers tour dates
• Green Mountain lineup

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy/In my ears

• Bela Fleck ‘Throw Down Your Heart’ documentary (YouTube)

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom joins me to chat about 40 years of making banjos, including what he's learned along the way and some of the innovations he's brought to the banjo, including his revolutionary Heli-Mount head tightening system. 

We also chat about why he chose to sell his building in Minneapolis and move his entire shop to Sisters, Oregon; returning to his passion for hands-on building of custom instruments on his own with complete control over the outcome; the role bluegrass plays in building and strengthening community and developing the Vintage Eclipse model for and with Billy Failing, who plays banjo with Billy Strings.

For more info on Nechville Banjos visit www.nechville.com

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod news

• Eric Skye - Phillips, Grier & Fliner special 
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Alison Krauss pre-order and tour info
• Billy Strings tour dates
• DelFest lineup and tickets
• Blue Highway 30th anniversary concert

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Released in 1999 on Compass Records, it marks the first collaboration between bassist Todd Phillips, guitarist David Grier, and mandolinist Matt Flinner and features three original tunes from each.

We chat about how Eric first discovered the record and why it means so much to him, plus what's so special about these three musicians and this collection of tunes. We also chat about the album's sound and why listening is such an important part of making (and understanding) music.

This was a fantastic conversation to get to have and it's always a pleasure talking to Eric.

You can buy 'Phillips, Grier and Flinner' on CD or as a digital download in mp3,FLAC or WAV via the Compass Records website

For more info on Eric's music and production services, check out ericskye.com

The Chris Thile and David Grier bootleg we discuss in the episode is available via sugarmegs:

Part 1

Part 2

Setlist

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Pod news

• Daniel Kimbro interview
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Dawg at 80
• Sierra Ferrell tour dates
• Earl Experience Banjo Camp

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Martin Guitars Billy Strings signature models

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This was a fun conversation that touches on story songs, fishing, murder ballads, collaboration and finding a sense of place in music, plus lots of chat about how Carpet in the Kitchen came together and the musicians Daniel chose to accompany him on the record.

Loyston, the first single from the album, is out now. You can listen here.

For more info check out Daniel's website and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Sierra Hull - pre-order/pre-save the new record
• Bluegrass in La Roche info

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Chris Thile’s Acousticamp
• Station Inn book
• Bluegrass Hall of Fame - John Hartford Days

Releases (The Grass is New)

• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The book traces the history of one of America's most recorded folk songs, from it's origins amongst enslaved people on southern plantations, through the Civl War and minstrelsy, to the folk revival and beyond. On its journey Little Liza Jane, and its variants, was performed and recorded by a huge range of artists, including Del McCoury, Nina Simone, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Alison Krauss...and David Bowie.

It's a fascinating subject, which could have filled several episodes!

You'll find more info on Dan and the book (including links to buy a copy) at www.dangutstein.com/#/littlelizajane

There's a great playlist of Liza Jane recordings on Spotify if you want to check out some of the versions we discuss in the episode.

You'll also find info on the ongoing film project Dan talks about at www.lizajanemovie.com

Happy picking!

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Noam Pikelny and Friends tour dates
• Alison Krauss tour dates
• Earl Scruggs Center events
• Bela Fleck’s Blue Ridge Banjo Camp
• European Bluegrass Summit

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Buy Sarah Jarosz's Blue Heron Suite
• Sierra Hull’s Holiday Favorites 7” vinyl
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Tony Rice Manzanita vinyl reissue
• Rounder vinyl bundle (Tony Rice, JD Crowe, Bela Fleck)

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

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Through his work with the David Grisman Quintet, the Turtle Island String Quartet, bands like Psychograss and New Grange and his long standing collaboration with Mike Marshall (not to mention his own wonderful solo records), Darol has been at the forefront of pushing perceptions of what string bands can do for decades.

Today we're chatting about Darol's current band, Mr Sun, and their wonderful record Mr Sun Plays Duke Ellington's Nutcracker, which feels very appropriate as we enter holiday season!

We talk about adapting Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's big band arrangements for string band and some of the challenges that involved, as well as why the humour in this music (and all music) is so important. We also talk about why Darol keeps coming back to the string band as a format, why he loves playing with Mr Sun and much more.

This one was a real treat.

You'll find more info on Mr Sun, including current tour dates for the Nutcracker record, at www.mrsunband.com

For info and updates on Darol and his music visit darolanger.com

Darol also has a great fiddle course on ArtistWorks

Hope you enjoy this one!

Matt

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Charlotte is one of my favourite guitarists, so I'm delighted she's back on the podcast to talk about her new record Sensible or Otherwise.

We chat about why, despite having written tunes for years, it took so long to make an instrumental record; the new guitar she commissioned for this album; why she's not uploading it to Spotify and where some of the names for the tunes on this record came from (there are some fabulous titles on this one!).

We also chat about her experience of being a tutor at Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp last year.

You can hear and buy the record digitally at Charlotte's Bandcamp page

You can also get a CD from charlottecarrivick.co.uk

For news and updates, plus some wonderful flatpick and clawhammer banjo tune videos, follow Charlotte on Instagram

Happy picking!

Matt

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So much music I love has its roots in FreshGrass Commissions, from albums like Becky Buller's Jubilee, Sarah Jarosz's Blue Heron Suite and Aoife O'Donovan's All My Friends, to instrumental works by Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas and Jacob Jolliff. So I was delighted to get the opportunity to chat to Olli about how FreshGrass goes about commissioning these works, why they support the FreshGrass Foundation's mission and what the process is like. 

We also talk about FreshGrass's fantastic work to support and promote roots music and artists, including their festivals, FreshScores film commissions and their involvement in the Steve Martin Banjo prize.

I really enjoyed this conversation - I hope you do too!

Find out more about FreshGrass's mission and what's coming next at https://freshgrassfoundation.org

Happy picking,

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

News and Announcements (Church Street News)

• Blue Ridge Guitar Camp
• Allison de Groot’s ArtistWorks clawhammer banjo course

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Charlotte Carrivick Bandcamp
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist

Scroll on Buddy

• Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn’s Holiday Card list

Other bits

• Sign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/
• The Grass is (mostly) New 2024 playlist
• Full list of interviews
• Peghead Nation
• Use the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any course

Happy picking.

Matt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah joins me to talk about one of my favourite albums, 'Blue Heron Suite', which is getting a physical reissue on November 22nd.

We chat about how the record developed out of a FreshGrass commission, what that process was like, the central themes that underpin the album, the decision to arrange it for a trio rather than including drums and how it fits into Sarah's journey, both personally and as a songwriter.