Greg McGrath

Darin and Brooke Aldridge Streaming on Crook and Chase.

19 Dec, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Released 17th Dec, 2019 • 35 min – Now Streaming.

Darin and Brooke Aldridge, award-winning husband and wife entertainers, share their story of love and music as they begin their journey into superstardom. Brooke is now a three-time Female Vocalist award winner from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Darin has already received the IMBA’s coveted Mentor Award for using his extraordinary talents to cultivate the gifts of more than 1,000 aspiring singers and musicians. A seemingly low-key and seriously talented couple, Darin and Brooke explode with personality and unexpected humor on-stage AND at the microphones with Crook & Chase.

Bluegrass Unlimited’s Final Airing.

16 Dec, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

We learn today that sadly, the time has come for Bluegrass Unlimited, Adelaide’s finest bluegrass program to spin it’s last tune on 29th December, after 34 years . Bill Lawson, has been a volunteer radio presenter delivering some 1,700 programs over that period for Adelaide’s 101.5FM.

Bill has unquestionably served up a wonderful smorgasbord of bluegrass music for fans of the genre. Week in-week out he would broadcast his program Bluegrass Unlimited to bluegrass fans across metropolitan South Australia. His radio show went from an era of recording it on cassette to being able to hear it on-line on the technological highway through the use of a number of electronic devices that we never entirely imagined would exist 34 years ago.

Years ago I was thankful to have discovered a wonderful bluegrass radio program. I’d get my cassette recorder going and tape the show. I could replay the tapes when I needed a dose of fresh cut bluegrass. Times have changed – Michael Murphy South Australia.

From all of us who have tuned in on air and online, congratulations and thank you Bill Lawson for a mammoth effort.

Authentic – Band of Ruhks

15 Dec, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Some things have a magic all their own. The musical collaboration between Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith is one of these things. These three men made music together in the 1990’s as members of The Lonesome River Band. Their work there was critically acclaimed during the pinnacle of the group’s popularity. In 2001, each of them embarked on their own personal musical journeys that led to new heights and influences. These days they re-unite as the Band Of Ruhks.

My Ol’ Tattoo is the new single from Band of Ruhks recent album Authentic, They explore the consequences of getting your skin etched with your lover’s name, given the uncertainty of relationships in today’s world.

Written from the perspective of a jilted lover talking to his ex, the lyrics are both sharp and witty as they wryly state “just remember when you’re looking for your new love, you better hope our name’s the same!”

Musically, My Ol’ Tattoo is an upbeat number that is set to a cajun rhythm driven by guest Aubrey Haynie’s masterful fiddling.

With his distinctive tenor voice, Don Rigsby sings lead on the song and tells us that the melody for My Ol’ Tattoo was inspired by the mid-90s George Strait hit Adalida.

‘My Ol’ Tattoo’ is a song that I had been tinkering with for several years. We were having a writing session for the album at Ronnie Bowman’s place with the awesome Billy Droze and I brought this one out. They both loved it! I had already come up with the chorus and the melody and together we added the verses. It always had a cajun feel in my mind and then when we got together to finish it, it took on a life of it’s own – Don Rigsby.

With Band of Ruhks’ first release in five years, Authentic debuted at #10 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart and has received much critical acclaim. Recently, bluegrass fans have been thrilled with the group’s return to its traditional roots, and first single Run Fanny Run has spent a number of weeks on the Bluegrass Today Chart.

Click here to stream, download or purchase a physical copy of Authentic.

When is an Unpaid Gig Get To Be Too Much?

5 Dec, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Hi Ozzie.
My name is Mike. Several guys in our band want us to play a festival that’s 700km away. We won’t get paid and we’ll be on the road for a week. Should I agree to this idea? It would mean taking seven days of my accrued holidays and leaving my wife in charge of our six kids, 24/7.

Ozzie:
Whoa Mike! When bluegrass gets into bed with business, expect a nasty rash. Those guys are all ‘between jobs’, right? And no kids. They’ve got plenty of time to leave town and, given that they haven’t got cars, they’ve convinced you to take your ’85 Holden Camira, towing a heavy trailer with their PA system and the bull fiddle. Your sudden absence from the workplace will immediately mark you down by HR (whose manager will tell your boss as soon as you’re gone that you’re one of those ‘picker guys’ who wear the bib’n’brace and like staying up late in barns filled with hay).
If alarm bells aren’t already ringing, the no-money feature should trigger something, as should the fact that the guys want to borrow your AMEX card to pay off the outstanding accommodation costs of the last festival jaunt they attended, before you joined the band. Heard about that ol’ bluegrass song ‘Don’t Let That Deal Go Down’?

This column is dedicated to every Australian bluegrass musician who wants to improve his or her craft – and live to play another day. Ozzie J Picker is an Australian who has enjoyed more than 50 years of playing and singing bluegrass, as well as studying the long history of its roots. Ask him anything…

ProPik Future Looks Uncertain

3 Dec, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The future of the famous and highly prized finger and thumb picks, ProPiks made by Guptill Music of the USA, looks bleak as the company Guptill Music is set for retirement according to news from its director today.

AustralianBluegrass.com have been selling these picks for several years and we found out today that what stock remains in our store is all that is left. Guptill Music have sold out of their stock and are not processing any further orders or producing any more of the world’s most comfortable picks.

This is a great shame for us, as ProPik products is or was the highest selling item from our online store website. While we still have some stock left we are unable to replace any sold out items and await to see if anyone looks set to take on production of this great product.

ABOTMA’s 2019 Young Performer Grant Awarded to Amy Ryan

27 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Winner of the ABOTMA’s (Australasian Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association) Young Performer Grant for 2019 is Amy Ryan from New South Wales.

Amy attended MountainGrass 2018 with her father Andrew, following up on her performances at the 2018 Bluegrass Conference, Tamworth Battle of the Bluegrass, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, where she hung out and played songs with Rhodeworks (last years recipients of the grant).

Some of Amy’s Highlights:

April 2019 – Amy Joined the Redlands Modern Country Music Club and commenced practicing with the Redlands Bluegrass Boys at their social events.
April 2019 – Amy was invited by the convener of the Boyne Valley Country Music Campouts to perform at their event in Ubobo, Central Queensland, with the Owl Valley Bluegrass Band, the headline act. The whole event went very well and Amy was asked to perform a second time. This was filmed by the CAMPR outdoor television Program and features Amy in their production.
April 2019 – Invitation received to return and perform as a paid artist at the 2020 Boyne Valley Country Music Campout.
May 2019 – Performed with Allen and Tom of tjhe Redland’s Bluegrass Boys, at the Redlands Modern Country Music Festival,
June 2019 – received invitation from Don Jackson, from Bay FM Radio Station in Redland Bay, QLD, for Amy to record her first EP, in their studio, for free. This is part of a program run by the station to foster young talent.
June 2019 – Amy performed at the Australian Pedal Steel Convention With Hall of Fame Pedal Steelers, Paddy Long, Christchurch NZ, and Milton Quackenbush from Texas USA.
June 2019 – Amy played at a fund-raising event hosted by the comedian, Col Elliot. She once again joined Owl Valley Bluegrass on stage for this event.
June 2019 – Amy received an invitation to perform at the inaugural Australian ‘Dolly Parton’ Convention. This is scheduled for April 2020.
July 2019 – Amy opened for Catherine Britt, playing with Peter and Mark Nahuysen. Catherine then asked Amy to join her to play guitar with her for three songs during her show.
The last year has been very busy for Amy. To her credit, she has taken it all in her stride and is cruising along nicely. Amy is looking forward to reconnecting with the Sonoran Dogs this year at Mountaingrass The whole band are very good instructors and they have been an important influence in bringing Amy to where she is today.

2019 MountainGrass Raffle WInners

27 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The folks at ABOTMA have announced this year’s winners of the MountainGrass Raffle.

First prize winner of the magnificent guitar from Cole Clark Guitars and guitar strap made by Chip Bragg goes to Heather Cuthbertson
Second prize awarded to Ron Milton who will enjoy a double season pass to Mountaingrass 2020.
Third prize of a ten CD pack went to Peter Hale
Fourth prize winner Angela Child takes out a double season pass to Kiwigrass 2020
Ross McInnes
Fifth prize of a condenser microphone donated by Evan Webb;
Sixth prize: set of banjo picks and beef jerky made by Gerald Pink is won by Phil Hamer

ABOTMA has extended congratulations and a huge thank you to all of this year’s donors and everyone who supported MountainGrass by not only attending but also buying a raffle ticket.

Bluegrass Ridge Now for Mobile or Desktop

27 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Bluegrass Standard Partners With Bluegrass Ridge Radio to Deliver New Weekly Episodes Available for Streaming Now

The folks from Bluegrass Standard has just announced their partnership with Bluegrass Ridge. Now fans of the popular radiocast Bluegrass Ridge Radio will be able to listen to new weekly episodes. Hosted by Nu-Blu, Bluegrass Ridge Radio consists of 20-minute episodes featuring in-depth interviews with today’s top Bluegrass personalities.

Fans of the hit syndicated TV show Bluegrass Ridge have an even easier way to watch new episodes. For the first time ever, Bluegrass music fans will be able to watch the show from the convenience of their mobile devices via an app download, or at the comfort of their homes in front of a computer. It’s as easy as going to the show’s official website or texting the hosts name “nublu” to 555888.

In the ever-changing entertainment business, it’s necessary to find creative ways to connect with your audience. As I thought about this dilemma, one thing became very clear to me. For the foreseeable future, fans will consume content by streaming it directly to their smartphone or computer. We designed the MAJiiK platform specifically to deliver content to fans in the way they want to receive it. CJM Productions and Bluegrass Ridge TV understand what it takes to produce great content and build an audience. We’re honored to be their partner – Dan Huff, says MAJiiK founder.

In addition to the new streaming platform, music enthusiasts can also catch the show weekly, airing in more than 160 million homes nationwide. Though already airing on networks like Heartland TV, The Family Channel, Keep It Country – UK, Ireland and Country TV – New Zealand, Bluegrass Ridge also recently announced it now airs on the Z Living Channel (available on Dish Network, COMCAST, ATT Uverse, Sling Television, Amazon Fire TV, and more). Each week features new 30-minute episodes hosted by chart-topping acoustic band Nu-Blu, who spotlight music videos from hottest acts in the genre along with special guest interviews.

To keep up with all things Bluegrass Ridge, fans can “like” them on the official Facebook page where viewers will get a special sneak-peek of what’s to come on upcoming episodes.

About Bluegrass Ridge:

Each episode is hosted by husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh of the chart-topping band Nu-Blu. The popular weekly 30-minute program features music videos from Bluegrass’ biggest acts, along with artist interviews and behind-the scenes content, allowing viewers a rare first-hand look at a genre that’s never been hotter. The TV Broadcast is also affiliated with the internationally syndicated RadioCast Bluegrass Ridge Radio. Bluegrass Ridge Radio is a 20-minute radiocast sponsored by Fishman Acoustic Amplification, which can also be heard on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, The Bluegrass Jamboree, Bell Buckle Radio, BluegrassCountry.org, and CMR Nashville Radio.

Kiwigrass Raffle for 2020 Festival

21 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

First prize: Custom built D-18 Dreadnought style guitar

The folks from Kiwigrass have let us know about the raffle set to help raise funds for the Kiwigrass Trust and the 2020 festival.

When you see Laurence Frangos-Rhodes playing his blistering solos (video below) with Rhode Works, note the guitar he is playing is one that he made. In addition to being an outstanding musician, songwriter, and singer, Laurence is also a luthier with a growing reputation and backlog of orders for custom made guitars.

The raffle prize will be one of Laurence’s custom Kiwigrass guitars, built to Martin D-18 specifications: mahogany back/ sides; Sitka spruce top; and Rosewood fretboard/bridge.

Some progress photos straight from the workshop of our young master luthier:

Tickets will be available at the festival for $5 each. If you wish to purchase raffle tickets but will not be attending the festival, contact jenine@kiwigrass.nz. You do not need to be present to win.

Book tickets to Kiwigrass now:

About Rhodeworks:

RhodeWorks are an award-winning bluegrass folk band who play fast paced, high energy folk music, introducing a set of traditional and well-loved bluegrass alongside their original material. Rounding the package, the three brothers present soulful vocal harmonies and fiery instrumentals. Laurence (18), Sam (16) and Nate (13) are largely self-taught multi-instrumentalists, who have wowed audiences throughout NZ and Australia. As well as their dedication to creating unique roots-conscious music they love nothing more than heading to the workshop to craft their own instruments.

2020 Kiwigrass Update

19 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Kiwigrass is New Zealand’s own national festival of Bluegrass Music. It is produced by the Kiwigrass Trust, a non-profit association of bluegrass musicians and supporters in New Zealand, with help and guidance from the Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association of Australia (ABOTMA). The festival aims to present performances of bluegrass music, related workshops, and opportunities for attendees to share with each other through jamming and picking sessions. The event is entirely run and resourced by volunteers.

In 2020, Kiwigrass will be held at Lake Karāpiro, at the Mighty River Domain in Cambridge, Waikato, from 31 January – 2 February, 2020.

Cambridge is close to Hamilton, an easy 2 hour drive from Auckland airport, and a 6 hour drive from Wellington. Kiwigrass encourages bluegrass musicians from all regions of New Zealand to apply to perform.

Here are the 2020 Kiwigrass artists:

Lonely Heartstring Band (US)
AJ Lee and Blue Summit (US)
Bluegrass Parkway (AU)
Coolgrass (AU)
Nine Mile Creek (AU)
Jean-Luc Leroux & Friends (New Caledonia)
Bluegrass & Beyond (NZ)
The Down Underdogs (NZ)
The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band (NZ)

Hot Diggity (NZ)
Kaimai Express (NZ)
Melling Station Boys (NZ)
The Pipi Pickers (NZ)
Rhode Works (NZ)
Valley Bluegrass (NZ)
Wires and Wood (NZ)
You, Me, Everybody (NZ)

Kiwigrass Academy.

The festival is also hosting an Academy prograkm this year. This is a unique opportunity to take in the knowledge and experience of top international players.

The Kiwigrass Academy is modelled on examples like the RockyGrass Academy, which have proved so successful at the most popular festivals in the United States. For the first time, you can benefit from this level of instruction at a New Zealand festival without shelling out thousands of dollars for airfares.

You don’t have to be an advanced player, everyone will be alongside participants of similar experience. However, you will need to have a basic familiarity with your instrument to join the novice stream which will be separate from the other players.

Getting to meet, jam, and perform with other like-minded musicians over two full days will be one of the biggest rewards when you participate in the Kiwigrass Academy.

Academy Instructors for 2020 Festival are:

Guitar: George Clements, Sully Tuttle, Jesse Fichman
Banjo (3 finger Bluegrass): Gabe Hirshfeld, Paul Trenwith
Mandolin: Maddie Witler, AJ Lee, Paul Duff
Fiddle: Patrick M’gonigle, Jan Purat, Maria Duff
Bass: Charles Clements