British Bluegrass News, Nov. 2015 issue

The BIB editor reports:

The latest British Bluegrass News reached me today and, as always, is a pleasure to see for its organisation, production, design, and content. Specially valuable, of course, for BBMA members and anyone interested in the UK scene, it projects a strong impression of an active, well organised association with a network of twenty-nine area representatives, headed by capable administrative and editorial teams and offering touring and tuition support services. As one would expect, BBN also carries excellent features on British bands, British recordings, and British bluegrass history.

Features that ought to interest bluegrassers in the Mother Country, or anywhere else in the world, include Heather Bristow's interview with Dr Ralph Stanley, and Jack Baker's account of his experiences at this year's Monroe Mandolin Camp. The high quality of British-made instruments is exemplified in this issue by the feature on the Cornish Banjo Company; the content is largely the same as what's on the company's fine website, and I highly recommend a look at that. Don't miss the videos of CBC banjos being tested by such players as Tony Trischka, Ned Luberecki, and Jürgen Biller of 4 Wheel Drive. If I were in the market for a banjo (and if the euro were a bit stronger), I'd be strongly tempted.

BBN always seems to have something that will resonate with the reader in Ireland: this time, there's a two-page feature on the scene today by Hubert Murray (of Galway, the Hot Rock Pilgrims, and Lands End), who recently brought his own band to the 7th Balla Bluegrass Festival. And - coming conveniently after the BIB post about the Red Room - there's a two-page feature by Chris Aggs on house concerts.