Category Archives: Archive

Ralph Stanley is a bluegrass icon. To honor him, Don Rigsby put out a tribute CD. We play a selection from the CD, and then play selections from previous Ralph Stanley tribute CDs. On our Gem of Bluegrass, we say … Continue reading →

We open with a couple of evocative songs whose impact comes from mentioning a series of related images. Then, on our Gem of Bluegrass, the focus is on the kind of jazz bluegrass groups copy. Then we play some exceptions … Continue reading →

Early on the show, listen to some funny bluegrass parodies. Then, on the Gem of Bluegrass, we consider old recordings before the “wall of sound” was developed. Some recent stylistically modernistic recordings have opted for the “un-wall of sound”. We … Continue reading →

Early on the broadcast we spin a couple of instrumentals with Celtic influence. Then, the Gem of Bluegrass poses the question “Is Bluegrass Folk?” Later, we talk to Carolyn and Daniel Routh about selecting songs for their group, Nu-Blu. Before … Continue reading →

We open with new and recent bluegrass, including a modernistic piece featuring Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Our Gem of Bluegrass feature tells about the characteristics of early bluegrass instituted by Bill Monroe and followed by others of the era. … Continue reading →

Bluegrass depicts tragedy from the point of view of those affected very well. A couple of flood songs open the show. Then a lengthy Gem of Bluegrass related to evolving bluegrass, called “Constructions, De-Constructions and Reinventions.” Later, we talk to … Continue reading →

Today’s program opens with new bluegrass. Then we introduce a running thread on today’s show: We’re declaring spring. This sort of pronouncement may sound crazy to live south of, say US 40, but in the north country, winter is not … Continue reading →

You know how bluegrass fans comment on all the sad songs in bluegrass, particularly those with happy melodies. The show opens with sad songs, happy-sounding and otherwise. On the Gem of Bluegrass, we investigate some complex aspects of supposedly “simple” … Continue reading →

We open the show with a current ‘grass selection, and then proceed to play three bluegrass songs that use the name John Deere Tractors symbolically. On our Gem of Bluegrass: “Work and Realism” surveys changes in bluegrass songs about work. … Continue reading →

Our program begins with current wave bluegrass. Then on our Gem of Bluegrass, we wonder if the bluegrass paradigm is changing. It certainly could be: Bluegrass is in a constant state of evolution, and at this time, there are many … Continue reading →