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
Bluegrass Today Profiles
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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,
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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
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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
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California Report: Fiddler Miles Quale of Crying Uncle
Miles Quale, backed by an extremely nurturing family and California bluegrass community, continues to amaze those who have followed his short career, while joining his mandolin-playing brother Teo in the Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band and the acoustic groove band Jubilee. The
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Sofia Talvik shares a multi-national mix
It's hardly surprising that artists of international origin tend to mix their fascination for archival American sounds with those of their native culture. Sofia Talvik is no exception. While she stays true to her Nordic roots, this Swedish singer/songwriter remains clearly
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Ronnie McCoury talks tradition, and what it means to make music as a family
Ronnie McCoury at Old Settler’s Music Festival (April 2017) – photo by Tom Dunning True to their name, it would seem the Travelin' McCourys never stand still. So too, given their rich legacy, as bequeathed by their legendary forebear, Del McCoury,
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On This Day #69: Doc Watson at the Boone Fiddlers Convention
On this day…. On July 4, 1941, 18-year-old Arthel Lane 'Doc' Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) played at the Boone Fiddlers Convention at the Appalachian State Teacher's College (now known as Appalachian State University), in Boone, North Carolina.
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Bayla Davis – experienced banjo picker at 15
If you read our recent coverage of the second annual Abingdon Fiddlers' Convention last month, you will have seen the name Davis pop up all over the youth category winners lists. In fact, Newfound Gap, an old time band made
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Estación 39 brings bluegrass to Buenos Aires
"We met in 2019, in an old time jam. After a few months, Matt, the founder of Estación 39, started talking with me, Juma (I play the banjo) and Dani Boy (he plays mandolin) about joining his band, which, at