Articles

March 3rd, 2023 would have been Doc Watson’s 100th birthday.  His influence on bluegrass and old-time music is undeniable. For guitar players, learning to flatpick Doc’s version of “Blackberry Blossom” and fingerpick “Deep River Blues” was almost considered a rite of passage.  Countless players spent countless hours slowing Doc’s records down so they could steal…

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Doc Watson’s birth, FLi Records/Budde Music have released an impressive tribute CD that both honors the indelible legacy of the guitarist and singer from Deep Gap, North Carolina, while involving musicians and styles far from Doc’s country roots.       I Am A Pilgrim features tracks from bluegrass stars…

Queries  I just borrowed a copy of a release on John’s Gospel Records, RI-1635, 12” vinyl 33 1/3 RPM.  Side A appears to be the Stanley Brothers with the same song list as Wango 103, while Side B is Clyde Moody, the Tate Brothers & the Gospel Trio, along with recitations by Ray Davis.  There…

Jason Barie, aka the Ramblin’ Fiddler, returns for his second appearance as the comic persona for the album Radioactive. In the latest episode—fully illustrated by Barie’s brother Eric in the CD book—the Ramblin’ Fiddler battles Shock Jock, who is warping the minds of teens with the devil’s music. The Ramblin’ Fiddler comes to save the…

Bluegrass newcomer Casey Penn mentions on Mountain Fever Records’ page that her solo debut album, One Step Away, is dedicated to the memory of her father, who she says lived a life of faith “one step away from heaven.” It’s a sweet notion about a sweet project featuring original songwriting, clean vocals, and solid picking….

Italian Beppe Gambetta is very well-known to guitar players in the flatpicking guitar world.  He is an extremely talented guitarist, educator and entertainer who effortlessly provides great joy to his audience through his effervescent passion and commitment to, and enthusiasm for, his craft. In this new book, Beppe’s passion and love for both music and…