Learning aids

Barry Bales (right), who played here in 1994 (and subsequently) on bass with Alison Krauss & Union Station, has since become one of the most respected and in-demand bass players in bluegrass music. For the benefit of players learning the upright bass, he is now presenting online 'My approach to bluegrass bass' as a course offered by the Discover Double Bass website. More details, together with a brief introductory video, are on Bluegrass Today.

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The California Bluegrass Association, which counts the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival among its global connections, reports that at its recent Fathers' Day Festival the Vidami company was a sponsor. Vidami make electronic devices which facilitate learning an instrument, by making it possible to control the playing of instructional videos by foot action - that is, without having to take one's hands off the instrument. The company (which has a YouTube channel) is also running a giveaway for bluegrass players, for which the draw will be on 4 July. Vidami also ship to Ireland.

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On YouTube, Ear Trumpet Labs have a 33-minute video on 'How to mic a bluegrass band', made with the aid of the band Man About A Horse.

© Richard Hawkins

Adam Hurt on Deering Live, 7 Apr. 2022

The Deering Banjo Company announce that the outstanding clawhammer-banjo player Adam Hurt will be featured on Deering Live tomorrow (Thurs. 7 Apr.) at 11.00 p.m. Irish time. The interview-with-musical-episodes can be seen on Deering Live or YouTube.

Deering also send this link to one video in a series made by multi-instrumentalist Stuart Duncan on the use of ribbon microphones in recording banjo playing.

© Richard Hawkins

New recordings, new hardware, and new activity from the Americas

Molly Tuttle has released her new album Crooked tree on Nonesuch Records, recorded with her bluegrass band Golden Highway, plus other distinguished musicians. The release concert at the Station Inn, Nashville, on Monday night (28 Mar.) was reported by Abby Lee Hood on Bluegrass Today. A review of the album by Laura Stanley can be read on No Depression.

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Last week the BIB mentioned Mike Compton and his new album, Rare & fine: uncommon tunes of Bill Monroe. It was reviewed a few days ago on Bluegrass Today by Braeden Paul, and can now be ordered from the store on Mike Compton's website, where it is described as 'the work of a detective, a historian, and a master musician, working with trusted colleagues who love Monroe’s music as much as the leader.' The BIB editor cordially agrees with this assessment.

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Ear Trumpet Labs announce their new model microphone, Ed - a scaled-up-three-times development of their popular Edwina model (for instance, the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival uses Edwina). Details are on the Ear Trumpet website and Richlynn Group press release.

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The 6th National Gathering of SongFarmers is to be held on 29-30 Apr. 2022 at the historic Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Renfro Valley. KY. Michael Johnathon of the Woodsongs Front Porch Association writes: 'A SongFarmer is any artist, musician, songwriter, and fan who wants to use their passion and music to make their homes, families, and communities better.' Full details are on this press release, with the slogan 'We need a Front Porch 'round the World!'

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A guest contributor reports on Bluegrass Today that the first Banjo Camp Brasil has been held with great success as a three-day event (14-16 Jan. 2022) in a congenial mountain-country venue. The moving spirit behind the Camp, and behind the growing popularity of 5-string banjo in Brazil, is Wagner Creoruska jr.

Galway's own representative of Brazilian bluegrass, César Benzoni (a friend of Wagner Creoruska), tells the BIB: 'Nowadays he's the person that is getting more people to know and engage with bluegrass in Brazil, mainly banjo. He's the founder of the band O Bardo e o Banjo, and I produced the majority of the albums, also he has an online banjo course and a YouTube channel giving information about 5-string banjo. He's also part of our directory in the Brazilian Bluegrass Music Association [links added by the BIB]. He's a great communicator and is bringing interest to a lot of [people] on the banjo.'

Update 6 May: Wagner Creoruska and O Bardo e o Banjo are featured in a piece by Lee Zimmerman on Bluegrass Today. The album O tempo e a memoria, mentioned by Zimmerman, was recorded and produced by César Benzoni.

© Richard Hawkins

More US - and European - news

The August 2021 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, with the cover story on Sarah Jarosz, includes (among many other good things) a five-page feature on Andrea Roberts (see the BIB for 24 June) and a three-page feature on Tristan Scroggins and his mandolin instruction projects. The latest of these is his 80-page book How to play mandolin in 14 days: daily lessons for absolute beginners, about which more details are on Bluegrass Today. The BU features, together with much more, can be read on the magazine's website.

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Edwina (left) is one of the wide range of Ear Trunpet Laboratories microphones. The organising team of the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival bought an Edwina for Festival use, as mentioned by the director, Uri Kohen, on Facebook on 8 June this year. In ten years, Ear Trumpet Labs have produced ten thousand microphones, which are increasingly seen in photos of bluegrass, old-time, and other acoustic musicians.

To mark this achievement, Ear Trumpet have made eleven 'Louise' microphones in 10K silver, of which ten will be sold at $750 each. All profits from sales in the last ten days of August will be donated to MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), a campaign to 'elevate and empower historically excluded and under-resourced entrepreneurs with tailored business assistance and flexible capital to build family wealth through small-business ownership'. See this press release.

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Our Swiss friend Mala Gassman (right), who has toured Ireland several times with her band Mala & Fyrmoon, took the step in April this year of assuming a new name as a performer: Mala Oreen (and on Facebook). Her single 'Offspring' was released around that time, and 'Ragged queen' in early July. Both are from an album scheduled for release on 5 Nov. 2021. More details are in Mala's summer e-newsletter.

© Richard Hawkins

Two minor notes on Westport 2021

The BIB editor writes:

This year's Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival began a week ago today. Among everything there was to enjoy, the BIB congratulates in particular the Festival organising team and the Town Hall Theatre at Westport for the quality of sound, lighting, and camera work. A prominent role was played by the Festival's own 'Edwina' model microphone, made by Ear Trumpet Labs and bought in 2019, as Uri Kohen, the Festival's director, has described on Facebook.

One happy slip of the tongue came at the end of Saturday night's concert. C.J. Lewandowski, mandolin player and spokesperson of the Po' Ramblin' Boys (USA), expressed their thanks to the Festival and its director, whom he named at first as 'Uri Geller'. In view of Uri Kohen's other achievements, it wouldn't be surprising if he could bend spoons as well.

© Richard Hawkins

Mikes for banjos: a video omnibus

Following the BIB post of 18 Mar. 2021 on the use of microphones for getting optimum results in recording banjos, Deering Banjos have co-created five brief videos giving basic information, featuring Alison Brown and her low-tuned Deering Julia Belle; Stuart Duncan, playing clawhammer on an open-backed Vega Vintage Star; and Matt Coles (studio engineer at Compass Sound Studio). All five can be watched inside a quarter of an hour, and all are grouped on this page of the Deering website.

© Richard Hawkins

Maturing the sound

The popularity of microphones from Ear Trumpet Labs (Portland, OR) among acoustic musicians owes a good deal to their original designs and production methods. Ear Trumpet now announce a further innovative step: a collaboration with the Culmination Brewing Company to produce three of their 'Edwina' model mikes in a special edition, aged for a full year in a white-oak Heaven Hill bourbon barrel. 'The results', as Ear Trumpet modestly remark in this striking YouTube video, 'were better than we expected.'

© Richard Hawkins

Microphone placement for banjos - 7.00 p.m. TODAY

Deering Banjos announce that today (Thurs. 18 Mar.) they will host online a conversation with John Jennings (vice-president of Royer Labs, specialists in ribbon mikes) and Matt Coles (studio engineer at Compass Sound Studio) to discuss all aspects of getting the sound of a banjo through a microphone and out the other end, if possible sounding even better. Questions can also be put to both panelists. The discussion can be watched here.

Kavanjo Pickups on Deering Live TONIGHT (5 Nov. 2020)

Deering Banjos announce that tonight (Thurs. 5 Nov.) John Kavanaugh of Kavanjo Pickups will be featured on Deering Live at 6.00 p.m. EDT, and will talk about different types of banjo pickups, how they work, how they are made, and how to use them to the best advantage. Deering add:

The Kavanjo Banjo Pickup System is a magnetic humbucking pickup and jack suspended from a customized mylar head. This is the newest, and we believe the most effective, way to amplify ANY banjo, while maintaining the instrument's authentic characteristics.

You can send in questions by e-mail, and watch the interview here. Last week's feature with Graham Sharp can also be watched on YouTube.

BBN #90

The summer 2020 issue (no. 90) of British Bluegrass News, the magazine of the British Bluegrass Music Association (BBMA), is now out; as always, it's designed and produced to high standards, profusely illustrated with excellent photos, full of solid content, and worthy to stand beside any magazine in this genre. There are also, of course, reflections on the unprecedented cirumstances of this year.

This issue's cover story is on Midnight Skyracer (see the BIB for 19 June), interviewed by editor Chris Lord, who also plays banjo for The Vanguards. Andy Mackenzie contributes a very solid article on problems and solutions in sound enhancement for acoustic instruments; and nearly a quarter of the issue consists of 'Tab Corner' by Jack Baker, with plenty of bluegrass history, two of the nicest photos of Bill Monroe on stage I've ever seen, and tabs for various instruments of 'Roanoke', 'New Camptown Races', and 'Grey Eagle' - which, like its fellow fiddle tune 'Tennessee Wagner', is about a racehorse.

PA system for sale

Gerry

Thanks to Tony O'Brien for the following news from Helen Barry, widow of Gerry Barry. Gerry was for many years a dedicated player, student, and supporter of bluegrass, and had a PA system which Helen is now offering for sale.

The system comprises one Carlsbro PA amplifier, four speakers, and two Shure microphones with stands, plus all relevant leads. The guide price is €500. Phone Helen Barry, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, 085 761 2378.

Bass amp wanted for touring band, 6-15 Apr. 2018

East of Monroe: (l-r) Jackie Frost, Gary Alan Ferguson, Billy Budd,

 Wally Hughes, Lisa Kay Howard, Terry Wittenberg

Roger Ryan reports that the highly regarded Virginia-based band East of Monroe, who will be touring selected venues in Ireland in the second week of next month,

... need to rent/loan a bass amp. The one they are thinking of is a Hartke kickback with 120W and 1X12" speaker or something similar. [...] They will be finishing up in Dublin and can return it there.

If you can help, please contact Roger by e-mail.

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Full information on the band is on their website and Facebook. Confirmed dates for the tour are:

Fri. 6th Apr.: Private engagement
Sat. 7th: Moy River B&B Folk Club, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, 8.00 p.m.
Sun. 8th: The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, 8.30 p.m.
Mon. 9th-Wed. 11th: Off (sightseeing)
Thurs. 12th: Matt Molloy's Acoustic Yard, Bridge St., Westport, Co. Mayo, 8.00 p.m.
Fri. 13th: St John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry, 8.00 p.m.
Sat. 14th: Rockies GAA Club, Church Rd, Blackrock, Cork city

Another good year for Ear Trumpets

Since this time last year we've seen more visiting bands in bluegrass and old-time music making use of the distinctive hand-made microphones from Ear Trumpet Labs of Portland, OR. Well known artists who have been using them include Elvis Costello, who favours the 'Josephine' model. Read more in Ear Trumpet Labs' latest e-newsletter.

A good year for Ear Trumpets

On 2 Nov. the BIB mentioned the distinctive microphones used in Ireland this year by Old Drake, the Foghorn Stringband, and Betse & Clarke, together with the excellent sound quality at their shows, for which the mics from Ear Trumpet Labs of Portland, OR, are largely responsible.

In five years in business, Ear Trumpet Labs have forged a strong reputation with their hand-made microphones, which are used and praised by leading performers in bluegrass and old-time music. In 2016 sales have doubled and they've introduced two new models, 'Josephine' and 'Nadine'. Read more in their latest e-newsletter.

Ear Trumpet sets the style

The BIB editor reports:

For anyone who heard the superlative old-time music played in Ireland this year by Old Drake, the Foghorn Stringband, and Betse & Clarke, part of the enjoyment will have come from the excellent sound quality at their shows. The fact that they all used the same distinctive-looking type of microphone is not a coincidence.

Ear Trumpet Labs, based (like the Foghorns) in Portland, OR, are forging a strong reputation with their hand-made microphones, which are being praised by notable performers in bluegrass and old-time music, both for stage and studio use. Prices range between $475 and $599 for most models, with special combinations ranging from $1050 to $1200. Hand-knit (!) windscreens, pop filters, and other accessories are also available.

Ear Trumpet have now brought out Nadine, a mic designed specially for upright basses, at $599. Yes, you guessed - it's named after Nadine Landry of the Foghorns. More details are given in this report on Bluegrass Today.

NTB play WSM on WDVX - and more

Thanks again to Niall Toner, this time for this link to a YouTube video of the Niall Toner Band (US configuration) performing Niall's commemorative song 'William Smith Monroe', live and using a one-mike setup, on the 'Tennessee shines' radio show.

The show is broadcast by the celebrated East Tennessee community radio station WDVX, which also hosts the 'Blue Plate Special' series on which many top bluegrass artists appear. The video was made while Niall was in the USA this past April for MerleFest.

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A reminder from Tom Stapleton that the 2014 double-Grammy nominee Sarah Jarosz will be opening her brief Irish tour next month on Wednesday 16 July at the Set Theatre, Kilkenny city; tickets can be booked on 056 7721728 or Rollercoaster 056 7763669. The other three dates in her Irish schedule are on the BIB calendar; see more on the BIB for 1 June. Tom supplies the following list of sample YouTube videos of Sarah Jarosz in performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOJVU0ZCh4c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avSGnZlnaY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEeWiEf9KcE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzapgZI5SEc

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Performers and sound men often misunderstand one another. Some time ago Chris Jones, writing for Bluegrass Today, commented on solving or avoiding problems, based on his own wide experience as a performer. Today on Bluegrass Today, Tom Feller (both performer and soundman) writes on what the soundman should expect from the performer, and what performers should do to help everything go right.

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Mike Compton, master mandolinist and interpreter of the music of the Father of Bluegrass, announces this year's Monroe Mandolin Camp, which will be held at Camp Marymount, just west of Nashville, TN, on 4-7 Sept. 2014. Full details of the Camp, and more, are on its website. Watch a 45-second introductory video by Mike here.

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Thanks to Paul Lee of Musiclee.ie for the news that a different kind of string band, No Crows (Steve Wickham, fiddle/vocals; Eddie Lee, bass; Felip Carbonell, guitar, Anna Houston, cello/ mandolin; Oleg Ponomarev, fiddle; Ray Coen, guitar/vocals), will be playing to promote their fourth CD, Waiting for the tide, this coming Friday (27 June) at the DC Music Club, 20 Camden Row, Dublin 2; adm. 15€ (13€ reserved in advance). Doors 8.00 p.m.; concert 9.00 p.m. The band can be seen here performing 'Hey Joe'.

Bill's instruments and sound gear - this time, with pictures

On 11 April the BIB published details of instruments and sound equipment being sold by Bill Whelan, doyen of old-time music in Ireland. Now, thanks to Alice Toner (without whom the BIB would not have begun) we can reproduce the photos supplied by Eamonn Quigley. Here again are the details of each item. Please note the prices given, as no offers will be accepted.

Nechville Midnight Phantom Heli-Mount banjo. Maker's specifications and list price can be seen here. Bill's instrument has a black head fitted, and no resonator (see detail shot, bottom right). €1,500.

Harley Benton BeatBass (fiddle-shape electric bass, resembling Paul McCartney's Höfner). Never used. €100.

Yamaha single-speaker 250-watt portable PA system, Stagepass 250m model. Six-channel mixer. Unused. €200.

T.Mix PM600 six-channel mixer amplifier block with digital effector. Unused. €120.

Contact Bill by mobile (086 2435231) or e-mail.

Instruments and sound equipment for sale

Thanks to Eamonn Quigley who passes on news from Bill Whelan, godfather of old-time music in this island: Bill has some instruments and sound equipment for sale. The BIB hopes to be able to reproduce photos before long; meanwhile, here are the details. Please note the prices given, as no offers will be accepted.

Nechville Midnight Phantom Heli-Mount banjo. The appearance and maker's specifications can be seen here. Bill's instrument has a black head fitted, and no resonator. €1,500.

Harley Benton BeatBass (fiddle-shape electric bass, resembling Paul McCartney's Höfner). Never used. €100.

Yamaha single-speaker 250-watt portable PA system, Stagepass 250m model. Six-channel mixer. Unused. €200.

T.Mix PM600 six-channel mixer amplifier block with digital effector. Unused. €120.

Contact Bill by mobile (086 2435231) or e-mail.

'If you want to get ahead get a hat'

Colin Henry sends the penultimate instalment of this summer's tour by FH&H:

I have said it before on this Blog, but it is worth saying again that if every promoter was as good and as likeable as Uri Kohen there would be a lot more great live music out there. He had given us a gig in Geraghty's in Westport, Co. Mayo, and it did not disappoint. Uri did the sound (I took a night off!) and he seemed to get us a great ambiance and so we all felt comfortable.

I firmly believe that a good sound to the performer will make for a good performance; conversely, if the sound is not right the player never really settles easily into the music. With the sound Uri gave us we eased in very quickly and we played to an appreciative audience which included the O'Rourke family from Ballyshannon. They are long-standing fans of Gary's music and always make it to at least one gig on the tour. This time they made it to two! A further advantage of a good overall sound is that the audience can get the full flavour of the music and are more inclined to purchase the CDs! Anyhow - many thanks to Uri for a great gig and for looking after us so well.

And so what about the hat? Hats have figured already in the Blog tour diary. I have taken to wearing a hat on stage on occasions, Janet bought one as seen in the previous entry. Uri of course always has some hat on his flowing locks. Gary has avoided such affectation but I managed to capture him relaxing outside Geraghty's (see picture). I think it gives him that street cred edge. Comments accepted!

Acoustic amp for sale

Clem O'Brien writes:

Just a little item that I've decided to shift which may be of interest to some who play amplified:

Ashdown Acoustic Radiator, 3 Amp - 350 watt digital bi-amped, 1x10 dual concentric speaker, 2 channels (each with seperate e.q.), notch filter, phase switch, digital reverbs, XLR DI out, effects loop, tiltback-type enclosure.

I used this only on a couple of occasions for guitar, but it handles all acoustic instruments, including bass, very well and is very neutral sounding. €350.

Contact Clem by 'phone (086-3542343) or e-mail.