One of the first countries to ever reflect the extent of America's musical influence was the Soviet Union. Even at the height of the Cold War, visiting musicians from the US managed to find an immediate connection with their Russian
Bluegrass Beyond Borders
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Paul Trenwith plays grass in New Zealand
If there’s one individual in particular who has been the most ardent promoter of bluegrass in his native New Zealand —and one who has done so with a determination and dexterity that reflects his true devotion to the cause —
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Buster Sledge brings Appalachian roots to Norway
It may seem like an unlikely connection at first, but the ties that bind Scandinavia to the birth of bluegrass are more common than most would think. Many of the settlers that originally arrived in Appalachia came from those nordic
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Johnny & the Yooahoos play Bavarian Bluegrass
Johnny & The Yooahoos - photo by Ron Ronson Bavaria may be known to much of the world for its majestic mountains, its celebration of Oktoberfest, its rich cuisine, and a host of oompah bands. So credit Johnny & the Yooahoos
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Bat Kinane & the Whole Hog Band
Finding a common connection that bridges a cultural divide can often present a challenge. However, when it comes to building bridges, music makes the challenge seem a lot less formidable. Ireland’s Bat Kinane & the Whole Hog Band has asserted
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Caludo creates a sublime Swiss mix
If Switzerland has anything at all in common with Appalachia, it’s due to the mountains and a penchant for celebrating in upper elevations. That gave the Swiss band that calls itself Caludo cause to create a new brand of bluegrass,
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Abalone finds a common connection in Czech Republic
It’s a credit to bluegrass’ international popularity, that Abalone, a band from the Czech Republic would come to embrace the style as its own. Founded in 2010 as an offshoot of a previous band, P.O. Ruby, its original three members
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Japan’s Blueside of Lonesome
The Japanese have always been fascinated by western culture, whether it’s American films, clothing or, of course, music. Masuo Sasabe, singer and guitarist for the Japanese bluegrass band, The Blueside of Lonesome, can attest to that. A frequent visitor to
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Dirk Brinker bends the boundaries
Dirk Brinker on banjo with Backporch Bluegrass While many musicians suggest that they found their way to bluegrass music quite naturally from an early age, there are some who discover it only by happenstance later in life. That’s often the case
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Bluegrass Beyond Borders: Bluegrass comes alive with The Dead South
They may call themselves The Dead South, but in truth, they hail from the great white north — Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to be precise. That may be what makes the Dead South’s charm seem all the more universal. The idea of