The Sound
I’ll Take Love
Louisa Branscomb and Dale Ann Bradley A song can create an out-of-body experience, not only for listeners upon hearing it but also for songwriters as they write. This according to renowned songwriter, psychologist, and performing artist Louisa Branscomb, PhD, who had such an experience while strolling the hills of her famous (and now former) Woodsong Farm….
Keith Yoder
The Camp Guy If you have attended any of the popular bluegrass music camps that occur around the country every year, you have probably met Keith Yoder. Keith has been an instructor at Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Camp, Colorado Roots Music Camp, Merlefest Jam Camp, NimbleFingers, Strawberry Jam Camp, Acoustic Music Camp, Acoustic Alaska Guitar Camp,…
The Barber’s Fiddle
Becky Buller and Lynda Dawson Based on true events, “The Barber’s Fiddle,” written by Becky Buller and Lynda Dawson, has become a signature story song for Buller and the Becky Buller Band. Indeed, since its release in 2020 (Distance & Time, Dark Shadow Recording), it has become a celebrated event thanks to a heart-warming response…
Tears Of Regret
Jim & Jesse McReynolds and Lucille Hutton The late Jesse McReynolds (1929-2023) was well known for his unique style of mandolin playing and the beautiful vocals he brought to Jim & Jesse and The Virginia Boys. He was also a prolific songwriter – a fact that’s under-recognized by many bluegrass listeners. This from Chris Jones…
TinkerTar
The Best Way to Get Young Kids Started on Stringed Instruments There are many equivalences that one can make between learning a musical instrument and learning a language. In fact, studies have shown that if a person learns to play a musical instrument when they are young, their brain processes it like a language, using its…
A Wonder From Down Under
Photo by Bud Osborne Over the last four decades, Australia’s Paul Duff has earned mention in mandolin and bluegrass circles as one of the premier mandolin-family builders. His instruments, which range from an A4-style mandolin to outrageous feats of luthiery like recreating one of Orville Gibson’s early, highly ornate archtop guitars in exacting detail, reflect…