Articles

MGM22401 This is an all-Gospel project developed in support of the Outer Banks Dare Challenge organization in North Carolina which is dedicated to proving help to individuals with life problems such as addictions and other controlling issues. Co-produced by Ken Mann and Bill Rea, they gathered together such musicians as Jack Cahoon (bass), Sue Waters…

Photos by Haley Gjertsen Mandolin whiz Ashby Frank who lays down the groove for progressive bluegrass group Mountain Heart has spent a quarter of a century recording and touring for other people. But in all that time he hasn’t used his abundance of talent as a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist to showcase his own music until now. His…

Besides being one of the most gifted banjo players on the scene, as well as a polished composer, Alan Munde is also someone who apparently knows how to have a good time and share his upbeat vibes with others. Munde has said that “playing music is the most fun of all.” The genesis of his…

By Ivan M. Tribe and John W. Morris Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine January 1980, Volume 14, Number 7 Between 1958 and 1968, Bill Napier established himself as one of the top musicians in bluegrass. Beginning as a sideman with the Stanley Brothers and then as half of the Moore and Napier team, Bill displayed…

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine August 1983, Volume 18, Number 2 In the short history of bluegrass music many individuals have passed through the few major bands. During the late ’40s and early’50s, bands sporting a contract with a major recording company or privileged with major radio and later TV exposure could be counted on…

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine March 1972, Volume 6, Number 9 In the early years of bluegrass the mandolin was frequently overshadowed by both fiddle and banjo. Bill Monroe is by no means the only one who took up the mandolin because it was the only instrument not already spoken for by his musician friends….