Greg McGrath

Cripple Creek at Cobbs Hill Estate

21 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Cripple Creek will be playing this Sunday (27th Jan) from 1:00pm-5:00pm. They are playing at the Cobbs Hill Estate winery at 382 Swamp Road, Oakbank SA 5243. They are also on Facebook.

Some of the band members visited the venue a few weeks ago and say it is a truely lovely picnic setting with a lake, lush grass and huge trees for shade as well as an undercover terrace in a heritage setting. The Cobbs Hill Estate was one of the original Cobb and Co staging locations.

As well as tastings, wines can be purchased by the glass and beer is also available too. Of course delicious food is also offered including vegetarian and as the weather is looking perfect so it should be a terrific day.

If you are really in the mood the weekend is part of the Adelaide Hills Crush festival.

Recording King RK80 Banjo.

21 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Here is an RK80 Recording King mahogany banjo. It got rave reviews at last year’s Bluegrass Conference in Maleny, by all who played it.

This is a brand new high quality banjo from the Greg Rich era at Recording King.

It has a new moon bridge, a new tailpiece and has been beautifully set up and is ready to rip.

Retail price was $2700, with additional work valued at some $300, so is great buying at just $2200.

Email below for more details or questions or to arrange a test play in the Brisbane area.

Bluegrass Ramble Applications Now Open.

19 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Here is an opportunity to appear before a host of Bluegrass Music agents, producers, recording companies and other folk providing opportunities to emerging bluegrass artists.

Official showcase performances at the IBMA’s annual Bluegrass Ramble during World of Bluegrass week form the premier platform for introducing talent to the bluegrass community. The Bluegrass Ramble will take place September 24-26, 2019, once again in downtown Raleigh, NC, and all emerging bluegrass bands, as well as established bands with new music or new personnel, are encouraged to apply.

Showcase Package:

Each selected showcase act will perform at least twice during the week—once on a convention center stage and once at a Bluegrass Ramble venue. Convention Center sets will be 25 minutes, and Bluegrass Ramble venue sets will be 45 minutes.

In addition to the two showcase opportunities, the IBMA showcase package includes:

Full conference registration package for performing members of group (value $1000+).
Priority access to “Gig Fair” appointments.
Complimentary booth space during business conference (value $700+).
One organizational membership for group (value $205).
Featured promotion on IBMA channels throughout the summer, ahead of the events.
Featured profile in conference program, WOB app, and printed Bluegrass Ramble schedules.
Inclusion of one mp3 on the 2019 Bluegrass Ramble mixtape via Noisetrade, available for free and promoted to DJs and talent buyers pre-event.
Download the mixtapes from prior years.
Inclusion in the Bluegrass Ramble Spotify playlist, promoted to DJs and talent buyers pre-event.

Eligibility:

All artists playing bluegrass and closely related genres are encouraged to apply. Applicant does NOT have to be an IBMA member.

All non-U.S.-based artists must be legally able to enter the United States and are responsible for acquiring all necessary travel permits including visas when necessary. Learn more.

Official IBMA showcase acts from the 2018 Bluegrass Ramble are NOT eligible for 2019. If the act performed on sponsored showcases during the Bluegrass Ramble or elsewhere during 2018, it IS eligible to apply for an Official IBMA Showcase for 2019.

Application Process:

All applications will be made online, through this page. Up to 30 artists will be invited to participate in the Bluegrass Ramble as Official IBMA Showcase Acts. Artists are chosen through a juried selection process that takes into consideration the applicant’s entertainment value, level of professionalism, potential appeal, quality of work, and potential of act to benefit from the opportunity.

All applicants will receive a response from the IBMA via email by April 15, indicating whether the act has been selected for an official showcase, selected as an alternate, or not selected for an official showcase. Apply Here.

Application Materials:

In addition to general applicant contact information, the following materials will be needed to complete the application:

Name, email, and role (i.e. banjo, fiddle) of each member of the applying act
One studio recorded song (mp3 format only, an optional second recording may be submitted as well)
One Hi-Res artist photo
An artist bio with artist location, names/roles of band members (if known at time of application), description of the artist’s sound, and note of any recently released recordings
A stage plot, indicating locations of instruments, instrument mics, vocal mics, and any other equipment (i.e. amp, pre-amp).
Credit card for application fee.
Application Deadlines & Fees

Online application for IBMA showcases must be submitted by FEBRUARY 28, 2019. All applicants are required to submit a $25 fee to help defray selection process costs. If invited to participate as an official showcase artist, there is an additional fee of $500 to offset costs of services and showcase production.

Deanie Richardson – Love Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard

19 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The wait is over, as critically-acclaimed fiddle extraordinaire Deanie Richardson releases her new album Love Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard. The project includes 12 new recordings, all centred around the world-class musician’s distinctive style. The star-studded collection features collaborations with Patty Loveless, Dale Ann Bradley, Ronnie Bowman, and more. Fans can buy and stream Love Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard here.

I am so excited about the release of this project. A lot of hard work, extraordinary playing and some serious love went into this record. It’s been a year in the making and finally feels like a bird about to be released from her cage. I can’t wait for you all to hear this and to feel the love of all of my friends who came together with me to make this happen. Thank you to you all, and to Pinecastle Records for making this possible – Deanie Richardson.

Deanie is kicking her promotional efforts into high gear, recently premiering the song Jack of Diamonds featuring Patty Loveless on The Boot. “The tune features potently powerful vocals from ’90s country icon Patty Loveless,” says The Boot, while adding “Richardson provides the vintage-sounding fiddle on Jack of Diamonds, inspired by the playing on blues legend Blind Lemon Jefferson’s version of the folksy, traditional tune.” The track was arranged by Loveless’ husband Emory Gordy Jr. The dynamic pair met when Richardson joined the Country legend on tour, playing fiddle. Along the way, the world-class instrumentalist has also toured with countless acts like Vince Gill and Bob Segar, while also performing regularly on the famous Grand Ole Opry.

Fans were treated to the first taste of the new project in 2018, with the lead single Stoney Mae featuring Ronnie Bowman. To date, the song has turned heads in music circles, charting on Bluegrass Today’s Grassicana Weekly Airplay Chart. Other buzz track Chickens in the House, arranged by Richardson, has already begun getting spins on Sirius-XM’s Bluegrass Junction.

Deanie uses Love Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard to showcase all the genres and styles of fiddle she can play – Glide Magazine.

As 2019 rolls on, it’s already been a career-defining year for Richardson, who is currently nominated for a Grammy at the upcoming awards in February with the band Sister Sadie. The all-star female group is nominated in the category for “Best Bluegrass Album” for their latest album Sister Sadie II, which has garnered rave reviews on countless publications like NPR, Rolling Stone, Parade and more. As part of the lead up to the iconic awards, Richardson will appear on Today in Nashville on Wednesday, February 6.

Love Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard Track List:

1. Black and White Rag
2. Meadow Dancing (featuring Mike Snider)
3. Stoney Mae (featuring Ronnie Bowman)
4. Soppin’ the Gravy
5. Jack of Diamonds (featuring Patty Loveless)
6. Chickens in the House

7. Kentucky Waltz
8. Murchadh Tóbha churraig dhuibh (Murdo Tòbha’s black cap)
9. Lost Indian (featuring Clyde Richardson)
10. Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine (featuring Dale Ann Bradley)
11. St Anne’s Reel
12. East Virginia Blues (featuring Amanda McKenney and Brandon Bostic)

South Australia Jam Underway for 2019

16 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Semaphore Jam Session in South Australia is back up and running for 2019. The Jam Session is the First Sunday of the Month at: Semaphore RSL Club, 10 Semaphore Road, Semaphore.

The Next Jam Session is set for Sunday, February 3rd running from around 2:00pm to 4:30pm.

(A gold coin donation to directly support the RSL with returning service men and women is kindly appreciated.)

Got a bluegrass song you want to lead? You are most welcome to sing and lead songs at these sessions. Thank you to those who played, sang and led bluegrass songs at the last session.

To request: A free on-line Bluegrass Sunday Sessions Song Book that contains a number of tunes we play, or to have a friend subscribed to this Adelaide Bluegrass Slow Jam Session Newsletter please email Michael Murphy at admin@anterohr.com.au. or call him on 0427 601 517.

Bluegrass Community Public Service Announcements

Listen: Bluegrass Unlimited, Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, 12-1 Sundays, or online anytime. “Our passport to bluegrass music through legendary presenter Bill Lawson.”

Amanda Cook 2019 Tour Dates

16 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Last month I brought news of a pending tour with Amanda Cook who is performing with Kristy Cox at this year’s Tamworth Festival. We now have the full tour schedule for Amanda’s Australian appearances.

Amanda Cook hails from the Gulf Coast of Florida and came onto the Bluegrass Scene with drive and determination. She brings a mix of traditional and contemporary Bluegrass in every show. Audiences of all ages enjoy her live performances.

Amanda Cook Tour Dates:

22nd Jan – Tamworth Country Music Festival, International Showcase, 7:00pm
24th Jan – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Atrium Stage, 2:30PM
25th Jan – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Bluegrass Comes to Tamworth, 10:00am
25th Jan – Tamworth Country Music Festival. Tamworth Opry, 8:00pm
30th Jan – Tamborine Mountain, House Concert
31st Jan – House Concert Brisbane
1st Feb House Concert, Brisbane
2nd Feb – The Old Gazette Theatre – Dorrigo, 7:00pm

Ronnie Reno To Retire in Late 2019

16 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

After a career of over 60 years in the music industry, Ronnie Reno announced today that he will retire in December of 2019. The longstanding host of award-winning Reno’s Old Time Music television show will call it a day.

Back in 1955, a then seven-year-old Ronnie Reno climbed up on a milk carton, stretched up to the microphone, and performed before his first national audience on The Old Dominion Barndance. This performance would prove to be the beginning of one of the most colourful, diverse and distinguished careers in the music industry. Indeed, a career that spans over 60 years, and has put him along side some of the most legendary entertainers in Bluegrass and Country Music history.

Reno was launched into bluegrass greatness when he picked up the mandolin and joined his father’s band. His dad just happened to be banjo pioneer Don Reno and one-half of the Hall of Fame duo Reno & Smiley. While juggling schoolwork with TV tapings and top-billed performances, young Ronnie honed his chops and was a part of that act’s great recordings in the 50’s and 60’s. He earned a reputation as a fine all-round player and picked up additional work with groups like the Louvin Brothers, or whoever else might have needed him.

Ronnie Reno then joined the famed Osborne Brothers and provided part of what became the trademark Osborne Brothers sound during the height of their commercial success. In 1971, they were awarded the coveted CMA Vocal Group of the Year.

Ronnie’s talent later caught the attention of Merle Haggard. He went on to play and sang with Haggard and became Haggard’s opening act as a solo performer.

After the death of his father Don Reno in the 1984, Ronnie joined with his two brothers, Dale and Don-Wayne Reno to form the Reno Brothers. The trio also began hosting a regular TV show for the Americana cable network in 1993, which in its day was the only nationally broadcast television program to focus on bluegrass music.

The Burning Bridges on Southern Style

15 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Burning Bridges with Sean Lee McCoy will be performing live to air on Jan Dale’s radio show Southern Style on February 12th

The Burning Bridges are a Melbourne band that plays old-time, bluegrass, country blues, and a few reworked modern classics, drawing material from the Carter family, the Stanley brothers, the Louvin brothers, Gillian Welch and pre-war American folk tradition. Peter Somerville (banjo, vocals) and Fran Martin (tenor guitar, vocal) formed the band, which also features local legend Andrew Forrer on double bass and superb fiddle playing by Tanya Bradley. The Burning Bridges are also proud to welcome rising star Sean Lee McCoy on guitar, mouth harp, vocals and yodels.

We recently reviewed The Burning Bridges new album Down This Old Road here.

Jan Dale’s radio show, Southern Style, can also be streamed to your computer via the PBS website.

Southern Style with Jan Dale – PBS FM 106.7
Tuesdays 1:00pm to 3:00pm or online at www.pbsfm.org.au.

2019 Blue Ridge Banjo Camp Applications Now Open

15 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Applications are now being accepted for Blue Ridge Banjo Camp.

The Blue Ridge Banjo Camp is presented by Béla Fleck and will be held at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC on August 14-18, 2019.

The camp will feature 3 days and 4 four nights of diverse banjo instruction by Béla himself along with a cast of world-class banjo players/instructors. The week will culminate with a finale concert held in the beautiful Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium. The instructional focus will be on the three distinct styles of three-finger banjo playing: Scruggs, melodic, and single string. The Blue Ridge Banjo Camp will provide banjo players with the tools to improve their playing and aims to contribute to the overall growth of the fine art of the 5-String banjo.

The IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) will partnering with the Blue Ridge Banjo Camp again this year. IBMA will be offering a full scholarship to an IBMA member who is accepted into this amazing camp.

More details to come about how to apply for this scholarship. To become eligible for the IBMA Member Scholarship, become an IBMA member here.

For more information, visit Blue Ridge Banjo Camp’s website here.

Big Country Bluegrass’ New Single Release

12 Jan, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Full album, Mountains, Mamas and Memories, to Be Released February 22nd.

Rebel Records has released the first single from veteran bluegrass band Big Country Bluegrass. The release rom their forthcoming and fifth Rebel release Mountains, Mamas and Memories (REB-1872). County Boy, Banjo and Flat Top Guitar is a hard-driving number that reminisces about the early days of bluegrass and country, when the music was started by “a country boy with a guitar and five-string banjo.”

Country Boy, Banjo and Flat Top Guitar sounds like it was just waiting for Big Country Bluegrass to find and record it for today’s traditional bluegrass fans. Originally released on a 1967 LP by a Midwestern band called The Highland Ramblers, the song is brimming with bluegrass flavour.

I was drawn to the nostalgic feel of the lyrics and with John [Treadway]’s banjo picking, it takes me back to when we first formed the band 32 years ago. Our first banjo player, the late Larry Pennington, was such an inspiration and a big part in creating our band style. Eddie Gill sings the lead here and my wife Teresa the tenor while fiddler Tim Laughlin adds the baritone – Tommy Sells, band leader.

Country Boy, Banjo and Flat Top Guitar is the opening number on Mountains, Mamas, and Memories, a 12-song collection that features a nice balance of older obscure songs with strong, original material that fits the band’s style.

Click the title Country Boy, Banjo and Flat Top Guitar or to pre-order Mountains, Mamas and Memories. Folks who pre-order the album will get instant downloads of the first single as well as bonus track “The Whiskey or the Coal.”