Greg McGrath

Rick Faris – Breaking In Lonesome

16 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Today marks the official release of Rick Faris’s debut album Breaking In Lonesome, from the Dark Shadow Recording label. While his name may be unfamiliar to some, Rick grew up in a touring bluegrass family band (The Faris Family) and has spent the last decade picking and singing with Special Consensus.

After signing to Dark Shadow Recording in late 2018, he entered the studio in early 2019 with a pile of songs and a group of close friends. In a week of recording, Laura Orshaw (fiddle), Harry Clark (mandolin), Justin Moses (banjo/tenor vocal), and Eddie Faris (upright/baritone vocal) joined Rick and producer/engineer Stephen Mougin to arrange the material and push each others musicianship. Special Consensus – Greg Cahill (banjo), Nick Dumas (mandolin, tenor vocal), and Dan Eubanks (upright, baritone vocal) – dropped in to add a couple of fantastic tracks, and the album was complete.

It was inspiring to see my friends stretching out with their feelings, and playing new things they’ve never played before– Rick Faris.
This album not only highlights Rick’s captivating vocals and blistering guitar work, but showcases his depth in artistry through eleven (of twelve) original songs. In a very short time frame, he rose to the challenge and curated a collection of thoughtful, fun, and moving material – Stephen Mougin producer.

With a number one single on Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Chart, number one song on Roots Music Report’s Weekly Top 50 Bluegrass Songs, and a number one album Roots Music Report’s Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart, this project has already gotten a lot of airplay. DJ and founder of World Wide Bluegrass–

Fresh and delightful… I’m totally impressed with his new album – he’s got the vocal chops and the great instrumentation that he displays on each tune, like a baker offering his delicious wares to taste. Lots of variety is keeping it interesting. His time spent with the group Special Consensus has added to his polishing as a top-notch performer. I really like his overall approach to arrangements just as well as his crafty selections of songs – a little happy, a little inspirational and a whole LOT of great stuff right here. Emotional prodding from the artist to keep you on your toes, guessing and feeling the messages, meant for the listener and his pure enjoyment. I give this a big fat “A” because it is an excellent offering for a debut project. Congratulations to Rick Faris – Gracie Muldoon.

Breaking In Lonesome, the chart-topping title track, premiers its official music video at Bluegrass Today in conjunction with the album release. Created by filmmaker Dalton Coffee for Bomber Productions, it is a film narrative complete with comedic twist.

The album can be purchased from Dark Shadow Recording, on your favorite music platform HERE, or directly from Rick Faris at a Special Consensus performance near you.

Sandford Bush Festival 2020

15 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Early next year western Victoria will see the third annual  Sandford Bush (Music) Festival, held from 6th to 8th March 2020.

Sandford Village is 5 kilometers south of Casterton in South Western Victoria. It is about a five hour drive from Melbourne and a six hour drive from Adelaide.

The festival is organised by members and friends of the Stumpy Gully Bush Band through a community based fundraising organisation. The festival showcases over 50 acclaimed local, national and international performing artists and bands delivering first class entertainment over three days. There are also bush poet’s breakfasts, workshops, walk-ups, jam sessions, open mikes and bush crafts (including blacksmithing and whip making) A number of food vendors provide a variety of fast foods and the Sandford Social Club operates a fully licenced bar. Many attendees choose to camp on site at the venue to mingle with the entertainers and soak up the atmosphere into the wee small hours.

Next year’s program includes multiple performances by the mighty Bushwackers Band, The Royal High-jinx, The Borderers, The Grubby Urchins, Crooked Road, Greg Champion, Khristian Mizzi, Paul Wookey, Henk Groot, Luke Robinson and many others.

The Sandford festival is already building a successful reputation with entertainers and festival goers with last year’s event attracting over 1,200 attendees. Organisers are planning to increase attendance next year to around 1,800 and over 2,000 for the year after. Their aim for the event is to provide a safe, friendly and affordable festival to be thoroughly enjoyed by entertainers and festival goers alike.

Festival organisers are always looking for volunteers to help with the ongoing workload. Volunteers may receive a free festival pass.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale and a full weekend pass will cost you just $45.00.

Australian Banjo Conference Meet the Faculty #1

14 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The 2019 Bluegrass Conference is just weeks away. This year’s conference has a wealth of teaching talent and musical dexterity. We will spend the next few days introducing you to this years faculty, with some background on their careers.

Jens Kruger banjo, song writer, composer:

We gladly welcome back to Australia the amazing Jens Kruger from North Carolina USA. Originally from Switzerland, Jens Kruger began playing North American folk music at an early age and was particularly inspired by recordings of Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and other originators of country, bluegrass and folk music.
Jens is a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2011. In 2013, he was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. Jens is the first winner of the award who resides in North Carolina and the first born outside of the United States.

(Jens Kruger is) one of the world’s most musically sophisticated and technically accomplished five‐string banjo players – Happy Traum.

Josh Goforth, fiddle, mandolin and guitar:

Josh resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He has been a member and road manager of Carolina Road for fifteen years. Josh attended East Tennessee State University where he majored in Instrumental Music Education. He is very active in the world renowned bluegrass and country music program at ETSU and also mentors upcoming fiddle players through residencies with universities including Colorado College, University of Georgia and University of Kentucky.

Josh teaches with the City of Asheville, North Carolina and has performed with Appalachian Trail, David Holt & Laura Boosinger, Open Road and The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band. He has also performed in 13 foreign countries and throughout the United States. In 2000, 2003 and 2005 he was named the Fiddler of the Festival as the nationally acclaimed Fiddler’s Grove Competition, and awarded the title of Master Fiddler after winning the coveted position three times.

Josh has been a finalist for SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year. In 2009, he was nominated for a Grammy for the album Cutting Loose which he produced and recorded on with David Holt. Josh also showed off his acting chops in the 2000 film Song Catcher where he was given a small role, was the vocal coach on set, and performed on the film’s soundtrack. Josh is a successful producer and coproduced Carolina Road’s latest cd. Josh enjoys teaching folklore and sharing his talents with others. Josh is proud to endorse Henderson Guitars, Kogut Violins, D’addario Strings, and Baggs Pickups.

Jenny Lester, fiddle, guitar, singer songwriter:

Jenny Lester is no stranger to Australia. Her gorgeous voice and fiddle playing graced our shores when she toured with Hungry Hill in 2009. Jenny is a dynamic Canadian bluegrass performer and recording artist who has established herself as an important singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her original songs are carefully crafted in the bluegrass convention while at the same time displaying a contemporary freshness and vitality that breathes new life into the fabled “high lonesome” sound.
Jenny is a veteran stage performer, beginning on the fiddle at age eight with her family’s Driftwood Canyon Family Band out of Smithers, B.C. After nearly a decade of touring West Coast festivals, Jenny won a musical scholarship to South Plains College in Texas, graduating with honors and three Golden Reel awards. The journey moved in the 1990s through Dark Horse based in Colorado, the Australian trio performing at Leo Foo Village in Taiwan, John Reischman and Bluegrass Signal in Vancouver, BC, and the Jenny Lester Trio. Music videos, telethons and documentaries were recorded in the 1980’s of the family band. As Jenny’s career continued she appears in Discovery, Disney and PBS movies. In 1998 Jenny released the internationally acclaimed debut album Friends Like You. The turn of the millennium brought together two new cds with the world touring, Yukon-based band, Hungry Hill. Her love of music has been paralleled by her love of horses and Jenny devotes her life to both.

Running over 4 days in December, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th and held at the Tranquil Park Resort in Maleny, this conference feature some 14 instructors in total.

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.