Greg McGrath

Steep Canyon Rangers in Australia

13 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Steep Canyon Rangers are currently touring the east coast of Australia with gigs planned for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

One of the gigs planned for Melbourne will feature the Davidson Brothers as the opening act.

Nov 13 Wed: Brisbane Entertainment Centre with Steve Martin and Martin Short – Boondall, Australia
Nov 14 Thu: Spotted Mallard with the Davidson Brothers – Brunswick, Australia
Nov 15 Fri: Melbourne Arena Steve Martin and Martin Short Melbourne, Australia
Nov 17 Sun: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) Steve Martin and Martin Short, Darling Harbour, Australia

Cajun Duo to Play Southern Style.

11 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

On Tuesday 19th Nov. Craig Woodward and Campbell Shaw, two members of the local Cajun band Johnny Can’t Dance Trio, will be performing on Southern Style between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. They will launch of their new CD on Dec 1st at Open Studio, High St, Northcote. at 8.30pm.

Free entry and special price of $10 for CD’s.

Jan Dale’s radio show, Southern Style, can also be streamed to your computer via the PBS website.
Recordings are archived for six months.

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

Kentucky F5 For Sale

11 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Here is a great opportunity to secure a fine KM1000 Kentucky F5 mandolin.

This instrument’s features include:

KM1000 – Handcrafted by Master Luthiers
Solid, hand-carved and graduated select red spruce top
Solid, flat-sawn, hand-carved flamed maple back and sides from Northern Michigan
One-piece maple neck with dovetail neck/body joint at the 15th fret
Lacquer finish in a traditional 1920’s sunburst
Ebony fingerboard with M.O.P. dot position markers and 29 fret extension over the body
Ivoroid binding on all edges
Rosewood peghead overlay with Kentucky script & original-design MOP “Flower Pot”
Vintage-style ebony bridge with small adjustment wheels
Traditional 2-screw truss rod cover plate
Perfectly shaped M.O.P. nut – 1 1/8″
Highly polished nickel-silver frets
Silver-plated, engraved tailpiece with leather insert
Superior F5 deluxe hardshell case

Owner is asking $2,250.00 for this instrument.

Additional costs would include freight on 7.72 Kgs estimated at $35.00 plus Insurance of $50.45. Total additional cost $85.00.

Contact the Seller by filling in this form.

Best Blog Award to AustralianBluegrass.com

11 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath 1 Comment

Australian Bluegrass.com has been awarded another “Best Blog” accolade from Expertido.

Expertido has been soaring in the ranks of recommendation sites as of late, as a result of their easily comparable data on consumer reviews and product traits, but they also offer another point of data: what the best blogs and websites have suggested to consumers.

Expertido has a growing team of 70 experts who routinely research products in order to help readers and users select the most current and best model to satisfy perfectly. When looking for the best Musical Forms items of 2019, readers will be glad to hear that the Expertido team have analysed over 40 sites to find only 8 that meet our very high standards for recommendations. They have inspected quite a few different factors, but the most crucial areas were:

Consumer information protection
Intuitive interface
Effortless to use and read, no errors
Advertising campaigns
Social media presentation
Along with more factors.

Expertido’s advises us that their editorial team has taken the time to examine the sites recommended below, and all have earned the exclusive seal of approval and been awarded use of the Best Blog Logo.

The Best Eight Bluegrass Music Blogs for 2019:

AustralianBluegrass.com
Blog.ebma.org
Blogs.fretmentor.com

LonesomeRoadReview.com
PrescriptionBluegrassblog.com
BluegrassToday.com

GrassClippingsBlog.com
BrandedBluegrass.com

Darin and Brooke Aldridge Hit High on the Charts

6 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Darin & Brooke Aldridge. (Photo:Chris Hollo)

Bluegrass duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge have made their highest career chart debut as their new album Inner Journey, on Rounder Records, hits the #2 spot on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album Chart. The husband and wife team also debuted for the first time on the trade’s Top New Artist Album chart, Americana/Folk Album chart and Current Country Album chart. Their latest album Inner Journey was released on 18th October.

Darin & Brooke bookmarked their release week by launching the album in front of packed-house in their home state of North Carolina at the Don Gibson Theatre, and two stellar performances on the Grand Ole Opry. The first show (23 Oct) was held at the Grand Ole Opry House, and the second (24 Oct) was at the historic Ryman Auditorium giving them the opportunity to perform on two historic stages in as many days. They spent time before their performance with fans in The Circle Room and autographed copies of the new album following both shows.

Hot on the heels of Brooke’s third consecutive IBMA win for Female Vocalist of the Year, the Aldridges will be appearing on PBS’s David Holt’s State of Music which begins airing across the USA on 13th November. The duo will perform alongside their good friend and occasional touring partner John Cowan.

Fans can check upcoming tour dates on their website.

The Sonoran Dogs on Southern Style

6 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Sonoran Dogs will be guest artists on Southern Style on November 26th where they will perform and be interviewed by Jan Dale the program host.

Formed in 2011, the Sonoran Dogs have exploded upon the Arizona bluegrass scene, performing at the Sedona, Wickenburg, and Green Valley bluegrass festivals. The group is made up of seasoned veterans who have come together to enjoy bluegrass music and friendship. Mark Miracle – mandolin/vocals, Peter McLaughlin – guitar/vocals, Dick Brown – banjo/vocals, Bruce Packard – double bass/vocals. Dick Brown is replacing the injured Tyler James for their Australasian tour. They play a collection of traditional bluegrass standards, new-grass, and original compositions. Every concert is different, as they often improvise the set to follow the mood of their audience. It makes for a fun and dynamic show.

Jan Dale’s radio show, Southern Style, can also be streamed to your computer via the PBS website.
Recordings are archived for six months.

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

Banjo Sound and Setup

5 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Question:
I took my banjo to a jam last week and met another banjoist who had the same make and model and it sounded so much better than mine. We use the same brand and gauge of strings, and the same picks, so how could that be?

Ozzie:
Although there are now many five-string banjos running loose around Australia today, very few pickers know how to set them up. A poor setup means that a good banjo can sound awful bad. The setup secrets are many, but boil down to a combination of things, including: the tension of the banjo head (the plastic skin); the type of bridge; the type and adjustment of the tailpiece; and the way the neck fits with the rim (among other things; we won’t talk here about tone rings because it takes too long). To help get your ‘jo into fine, cracking working order, seek out a five-string banjoist who has played bluegrass for a long time and just ask – is my setup OK? Most banjoists will be happy to give advice; some will be happy there and then to re-adjust yours to get the best out of it. But a word of warning. Banjo pickers are like old motorcycle parts collectors. They can talk for hours about obscure bits and what makes a difference. Be prepared to listen long. But take their advice if you’re not happy with the existing tone of your instrument. It could be the beginning of a new relationship with the banjo you were about to trade.

The Farm Hands – Memories of Home

3 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Critically-acclaimed group The Farm Hands are excited to announce the release of their upcoming album, Memories of Home. Set for release on 8th November via Pinecastle Records, the project will feature 12 new recordings, all showcasing the band’s Bluegrass sound which has catapulted the group to new heights over the last several years.

Fans can preview and pre-order Memories of Home from the website here, you will instantly be able to download the collection’s first two singles.

I think Memories of Home is our best effort yet.m The songs on this project will relate to everyone that listens to it. From Stop and Smell the Roses to Winds of Fall plus 10 other songs, everyone can get some enjoyment from this project. – Tim Graves.

The brand new single, Winds of Fall serves as the second official release from the record. The track was written by Farm Hands member Keith Tew, who also sings lead. The heartfelt anthem fits perfectly with the current season, while staying true to their signature sound which led them to a win earlier this year at the annual SPBGMA awards for Gospel Group of the Year. Winds of Fall serves as the follow-up to lead single, I Can’t Go Home Anymore, which was the inspiration behind the upcoming album’s title.

Musicians performing throughout Memories of Home include Tim Graves on resonator guitar and vocals, Daryl Mosley on bass and vocals, Keith Tew on guitar and vocals, Don Hill on banjo and vocals and Kimberly Bibb on fiddle.

Other standouts on the album include the opening track Stop and Smell The Roses which was written by Mac Davis and Doc Severinsen, plus the group’s unique spin on Southern By The Grace of God which was originally released by Charlie Worsham. The collection serves as the follow-up to the band’s Album of the Year winning 2018 release Good Things, which also spawned the Single of the Year winning song, Hillbilly Graham.

The Farm Hands are planning on bringing their live show to new audiences across thje USA as they continue their jam-packed tour. The road will see the chart-topping group traveling throughout North America for the remainder of 2019 and into 2020. While on tour, fans will have the opportunity to see the band perform songs from Memories of Home. They’ll also be treated to a more full sound, with The Farm Hands performing as a five piece band for the first time.

Check out their upcoming tour dates on their website..

Memories of Home Track List:

1. Stop And Smell The Roses
2. I Can’t Go Home Anymore
3. Winds Of Fall
4. You Never Gave Up On Me
5. Home Sweet Home
6. Mississippi Flood

7. One Last Tear
8. In The Garden
9. How You Make A Man
10. Baptism
11. Grand Pa
12. Southern By The Grace

The South Carolina Broadcasters 2019 Tour

24 Oct, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

US Old-Time trio, The South Carolina Broadcasters, have just begun their first Australian tour, and are currently working as tutors at the Dorrigo Old-Time Music School, ahead of their first performance at the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival this weekend.

The South Carolina Broadcasters are the “real deal” when it comes to Old-Time Bluegrass music, with their razor sharp harmonies, exceptional multi-instrumentation, and fabulous song selection. Wherever they perform, audiences connect with the Broadcasters through their heartfelt songs and good old-fashioned entertainment. Their material ranges from the Old-Time mountain music of Appalachia, through Carter Family country classics, and Cajun music, to original tunes that sound like they’ve come from the past.

The trio consists of David Sheppard (guitar & vocals), Ivy Sheppard (banjo, fiddle, & vocals) and new band member, Jackson Cunningham from The Whitetop Mountaineers (mandolin, guitar, & vocals).

I’d like to think that if AP Carter had had more time to think about it and work things out, the Carter Family would have been singing like the Broadcasters.” – Tim O’Brien.

While this is the first Australian tour for the band, Jackson Cunningham has been a regular visitor downunder, touring here with The Whitetop Mountaineers playing major festivals and a host of gigs across the country.

Tour Dates:

October:

Wed 23-Fri 25: Dorrigo Old-Time Music School NSW
Fri 25–Sun 27: Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival NSW
Tue 29: Upper Lansdowne Hall, NSW
Wed 30: Petersham Bowling Club, NSW
Thu 31: Smiths Alternative, Canberra ACT.

November

Fri 1- Mon 4: Maldon Folk Festival VIC
Tue 5: House concert, Ballarat VIC
Wed 6: House concert, Lancefield VIC
Thu 7: Merri Creek Tavern, Northcote VIC
Fri 8 – Sun 10: MountainGrass Festival, Beechworth VIC.
Tue 12: Mountain Pickers Association, Upwey RSL VIC
Wed 13: Yinnar Hotel VIC
Thu 14: Valencia Creek Memorial Hall VIC
Fri 15: Southern Valley Folk Club, Nethercote Hall NSW
Sat 16: Railway Institute Hall, Thirroul NSW
Wed 20: Yuin Folk Club, School of Arts Hall, Cobargo NSW.
Thu 21: Anglican Church, Moruya NSW
Fri 22: Hotel Blue, Katoomba NSW
Sat 23: The Quarterdeck, Narooma NSW

Midnight Skyracer and Sth Carolina Broadcasters on Southern Style.

24 Oct, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Southern Style, hosted by IBMA Award nominee Jan Dale will feature a double header next month (12th November) featuring Midnight Skyracer from the UK and The South Carolina Broadcasters from the USA.

Midnight Skyracer is a five piece, all-female Bluegrass band from England and Ireland just launched in the spring of 2017, and have found that immediate demand for live performances and a studio recording are intense. These talented young women, two of whom are siblings, got together after meeting at folk and bluegrass venues in the UK. After posting a number of videos on YouTube of their aggressive sound, requests started coming in from close to home, and from bluegrass lovers in the US and Europe as well.

Midnight Skyracer is Leanne Thorose is on mandolin, Tabitha Agnew on banjo, Laura Carrivick on fiddle, Charlotte Carrivick on guitar, and Eleanor Wilkie on bass. The band was nominated in the 2018 IBMA Momentum Awards for Best Band, and Tabitha Agnew on banjo in the instrumental section.

The trio consists of David Sheppard (guitar & vocals), Ivy Sheppard (banjo, fiddle, & vocals) and new band member, Jackson Cunningham from The Whitetop Mountaineers (mandolin, guitar, & vocals).

This is the Broadcasters’ first Australian tour, playing the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, the Maldon Folk Festival and MountainGrass Festival, and a number of other gigs in NSW, Victoria, and the ACT. However, Jackson has toured here a number of times with The Whitetop Mountaineers, playing all the major folk festivals including the National Folk Festival, Canberra, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and the Blue Mountains Music Festival, and numerous successful gigs around the country.

Jan Dale’s radio show, Southern Style, can also be streamed to your computer via the PBS website.
Recordings are archived for six months.

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