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Daryl Mosely Flies Solo
Photos by Shelley Swanger Despite his lengthy career in music, veteran bluegrass artist Daryl Mosley had his doubts that people would recognize his individual talents. “Even though I’ve been in bluegrass music professionally for 30 years, you never really know who knows who you are,” Mosley said. “I’ve always been part of a band. I…
The Violin Shop
Photos By Shelley Swanger Providing a combination of sales, repairs, rentals, workshops, performances, and musical fellowship, The Violin Shop has been the choice of Nashville’s finest fiddlers for over 30 years. Meeting the needs of four- (and even five-) string devotees from bluegrass to classical, Celtic to old-time, The Violin Shop (at 2504 8th Avenue…
Family Traditions: Festival of the Bluegrass
Nearly half a century ago the late Bob (1929-2019) and Jean (1929-2015) Cornett started Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington, Kentucky. It has become one of Kentucky’s most heralded bluegrass gatherings and it is championed around the world. Over the years it has become as much of a bluegrass tradition as the genre itself. Some…
Old Time Fiddle Tune Favorites
By Tristan Scroggins In the introduction to his instructional book for mandolin, Old Time Fiddle Tune Favorites, Tristan Scroggins discusses an issue that many bluegrass players face when they attend a jam session and someone calls out an old-time fiddle tune. Tristan writes, “I grew up playing bluegrass music so I was always intimidated when…
The MilBillies
After spending the last two years honing their craft, the Milwaukee-based quintet The MilBillies don’t disappoint with their self-titled debut effort (out Nov. 6, 2020) that straddles the line between the traditional and progressive schools of bluegrass along with hints of blues, punk and country. Comprised of Matt Brey (mandolin), Eben Flood (guitar), Dan Shaw…
Dreams from the Overlook
Jody Stetcher For many years I’ve scanned the albums of Jody Stecher and partner Kate Brislin for overlooked gems of early bluegrass and folk music. There was always a clarity and power in the renditions that brought out the beauty of the tune. The new album Dreams from the Overlook, I’m happy to say, follows…