October, 2006

And ready to play at Maldon

The count-down is on for the Corn Huskers' debut at this weekend's Maldon Folk Festival in Victoria's gold fields district.

We had a run through the set list on Sunday afternoon at Mr Spiller's. Jess made some fantastic lunch for us all and kept the little ones a safe distance from the banjo.

The string band sound is coming together really well, thanks to Yardup's ear for arrangements. We'll polish it up one more time on Wednesday and then hit our straps as the opening act at the main venue in town, the Maldon Hotel.  read more »

Big Band Swing on a hillbilly budget

One chilly Saturday May morning last year at Hobart's Salamanca Market, I picked up a 2-CD set called Hank Penny – The King of Hill Billy Bebop. Just got around to having a decent listen to it and it is thigh-slappingly brilliant!

Hank Penny is not as well known as he might’ve or should've been. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1918, his career began around 1935. He had many bands and in-between stints as a radio DJ. His band line-up at various stages included the likes of Merle Travis, Roy Clark, and legendary steel player Speedy West.  read more »

Howdy Y'all,

Well, that lazy, laid-back Queensland state of mind is starting to sink in! It's only been five days and already I'm a shadow of my former enthusiasm!  From the outset I've been totally frustrated at the pace of everything up here (first gear all the way), but five days in and I'm starting to get into the groove! Don't do anything that's not totally necessary, leave everything thing as long as possible, put in the least amount of effort on any given task!  read more »

United States Navy premier country-bluegrass group!

Hey Y'all, Found these young chaps on the internet this morning while looking for something else......sensational! LOVE the anchor!   Cheers, Yardup!

"Country Current," the premier country-bluegrass group of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., showcases a five-member acoustic ensemble performing traditional, contemporary and original bluegrass compositions. Former Country Current director, Master Chief Musician Bill Emerson, established the ensemble in 1989.  read more »

The passing of Uncle Josh Graves

Sad to hear today of the passing of Uncle Josh Graves, the father of Bluegrass Dobro.

Josh Graves first heard the dobro played by the Carlisle Brothers singing Jimmy Rodgers songs when he was nine years old. He loved the sound and it became his musical passion.

After seeing him play on the Grand Ol Oprey, Flatt & Scruggs engaged him as a bass player. Within a couple of weeks, Graves had adapted the banjo picking rolls of Earl Scruggs to the Dobro, which was quite handy in maintaining the popular sound of Bluegrass up against fierce competition from early rock 'n roll. He could play like a demon and kick back into a bluesy cruise.  read more »

I came across these two in the markets here in Airlie Beach on Saturday morning.  They were dug into a foxhole at the end of the huge line of bikes that were on display and when I bumped into 'em they were rippin' into a version of the Devil Went Down To Georgia! 

 The young fella then tore open a bag standards including a version of Like a Rollin' Stone amoungst others. 

Men (and women) in leather vests were almost falling over themselves to stuff cash into their hat!  And.......they're saving for Tamworth!  Gold!