Tablet is an online magazine for Jewish readers that covers a wide range of issues, with arts reporting found side-by-side with articles on religion and politics. The online magazine also sponsors a podcast side, Vox Tablet, with audio coverage of these same topics.
This week’s podcast takes a look at Andy Statman, known for his triple passions for bluegrass, klezmer and jazz, and his collaboration with inveterate grasser Ricky Skaggs on his latest album, Old Brooklyn. In particular, the podcast examines the two working together for the recording of The Lord Will Provide, with Statman an observant Jew and Skaggs an evangelical Christian.
It’s a fascinating discussion, and independent producer Stephanie Coleman with Twangbox put together a teaser for Bluegrass Today readers:
[http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/bnc_Statman_Teaser.mp3]
You can hear the entire ten and a half minute podcast online.
Coleman is an old-time fiddler of some note herself, working since 2009 with Uncle Earl. On the radio side, she and her production partner Bradley Klein have done a number of features on bluegrass, including a Bill Monroe centennial piece for All Things Considered on NPR .
They also created a half hour audio documentary about Monroe that aired on The Story in September 2011. It focuses on the songs Bill wrote – his “true songs” – which includes archival audio of Monroe interviews as well as comments by some of his contemporaries.
Stephanie tells us that they have a mission to keep stories about bluegrass and old time music in the media, and in the ears of public radio listeners. By all means!
Follow all of Klein and Coleman’s work online at twangbox.com.
