Lifetime California musician Paul Shelasky has literally done it all, and trying to stuff all of his championships, bands, travels, etc into a short bio is like trying to squelch his infamous stage humor, so I won't even try. I
Bluegrass Today Profiles
Jerry Douglas talks Earl Scruggs and the Earls of Leicester
The late James Brown aside, Jerry Douglas could be considered the hardest working man in show business. Considered the foremost practitioner of dobro and lap steel guitar, he’s a producer, constant sideman and collaborator (working with everyone from Paul Simon,
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Stereo Naked grasses it up in Cologne
The somewhat unlikely handle aside, Stereo Naked excel at scaled-down bluegrass from a European perspective. The band is based in Cologne, Germany, but one of the two core members, Pierce Black (vocals and upright bass), is an emigre from New
Darrell Scott talks bluegrass and Old Cane Back Rocker
Throughout his career, Darrell Scott has always owed an allegiance to past precepts. But it comes naturally, as his father, Wayne Scott, was an avowed traditional troubadour before him. Not surprisingly then, Scott's new album, Old Cane Back Rocker, hews to
On This Day #70: Remembering Jan Jerrold
On this day … On August 18, 1993, American-born British bluegrass activist Jan Jerrold passed away, aged 52. His importance in the popularity of bluegrass music in the UK could scarcely be overstated. Jan Jay Jerrold was born in Washington DC, on
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Radim Zenkel and Ondra Kozak go East
It always seems somewhat surprising when folks of different descent find such irresistible appeal in music that’s so closely associated with inherent Americana. And yet, on their new album, Eastern Grass, Radim Zenkel and Ondra Kozák found a common connection
A chat with Tim O’Brien… about life, learning, music, and marriage
Given his extensive backstory and defining role in the advent of modern bluegrass, it would be hard to confine Tim O'Brien to any particular niche. His early efforts alongside his older sister, Mollie O'Brien, and essential role as a member
The beat goes on: George Gruhn talks bluegrass, and his new guitar line
George Gruhn at Gruhn Guitars - photo © Alan Goforth This set of reflections on bluegrass from George Gruhn is a contribution from Alan Goforth, a professional journalist, author, and aspiring screenwriter in suburban Kansas City. He writes about music regularly,
Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Larry & Joe offer cross-cultural, Pan American connection
Larry & Joe tout their sound as a mash-up of "Venezuelan + Appalachian folk music, a unique blend of languages, cultures, and musical sounds." They come by that description naturally. Larry Bellorín, a multi-instrumentalist and expatriate from Venezuela, was once a
David Harvey – Gibson luthier and historian
David Harvey is Master Luthier at Gibson (head of the Gibson mandolin department), a musician/singer/songwriter, and a historian with a vast knowledge of the early history of Gibson instruments. The musical maestro continues to give educational, interactive, visual presentations. "It was born