Bluegrass Jam Along

• Bluegrass Briefing - December 2025

  Welcome to this month’s Bluegrass Briefing, a monthly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and announcements - church street news European Bluegrass Summit registrationAlison Krauss & Union Station - Live - vinyl reissueBela Fleck Jingle All the Way tour dates and vinyl reissueIBMA WebinarThursday, December 4, from 12-1PM ESTFrom the Table to the DSPs and Back Again: How To Make Money Without Selling RecordingsZoom link to joinReleases (The Grass is New)Hildaland (Bandcamp)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlist (Spotify)Scroll on BuddyBéla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart & Punch Brothers - Holiday Medley (live)WatchOther bitsThe Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy 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 - Review us on Apple Podcasts

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• David Grier on The White Brothers Live in Sweden and Artistry in Music

  My guest this week is David Grier, who joins me to celebrate the classic album 'The White Brothers - Live in Sweden' (recently remastered and reissued in an expanded form as 'The New Kentucky Colonels - Live in Sweden').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.comDon't forget to check out www.davidgrier.com for more info on David and to buy his CDs. 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 - Review us on Apple Podcasts

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• Musicality For Modern Humans with Craig Havighurst

  In an age where pop culture dominates the airwaves, understanding the rich variety of music beyond the mainstream becomes increasingly important. In this week's episode, journalist and broadcaster Craig Havighurst joins me to talk about his new book "Musicality for Modern Humans," his journey of exploring musical literacy and the importance of 'listening for' something in music. 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 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 - Review us on Apple Podcasts

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• Eddie Barbash - The Art of Fiddle Tunes on Saxophone

  My guest this week is Eddie Barbash.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 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 - Review us on Apple Podcasts

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• Bluegrass Briefing - November 2025

  Welcome to this month’s Bluegrass Briefing, a monthly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and announcements - church street news Old & In the Way Live vinyl releaseCraig Havighurst bookBlue Ridge Guitar CampReleases (The Grass is New)Buy the records mentionedAlison 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 BuddySierra Hull Gibson signature mandolinChris Thile interview with Rick BeatoOther bitsThe Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy 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 - Review us on Apple Podcasts

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