All times listed are Eastern Time
*denotes part of our Roots and Branches series
*American Routes – Earl Scruggs & Tom Rush
Earl Scruggs’ legendary banjo playing, aptly named “Scruggs Style,” has left its mark on American pop culture and inspired generations of banjo players. In the late 1960s, Scruggs, along with his sons, bravely crossed musical boundaries but his musical journey really started back at the beginnings of bluegrass, playing with Bill Monroe and later, Lester Flatt. We’ll talk to Earl and his sons, Randy and Gary, about performing on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium and why he doesn’t need to crack jokes about the banjo. New Hampshire-born folk singer songwriter Tom Rush may have gone to Harvard and studied with a ballad scholar, but he still knows how to sing the blues. We’ll visit with Rush to learn more about Boston’s folk scene in the 1960s, his time as a radio DJ and his inspired approach to songwriting.
Bluegrass Breakdown – Sawmill Road Live
They’re an undeniably hot, killer new bluegrass band that oozes with sparkle, originality, flash and fire. Thundering out of the west, Sawmill Road will be circling around the microphones live in celebration of their sophomore release, Fire On the Kettle. We’ll also be featuring the latest from Adam Steffey, the Hagar’s Mountain Boys and Ricky Skaggs.
Bluegrass Master Class
Banks of the Ohio #80: This week’s program features some of the earliest recordings by bluegrass notables Jerry Douglas; Jim Eanes; Ben, Becky and Sonya Isaacs; Carl Jackson; Alan O’Bryant; Bob and Sonny Osborne; Tony Rice; Peter Rowan; Ricky Skaggs; Ralph Stanley II; and Keith Whitley. Fred Bartenstein also shares odd stories from the history of bluegrass and helps listeners to sort out “Give Me Flowers While I’m Living,” “Give Me the Roses While I Live,” and “Just One Rose Will Do.” A production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum.
Bluegrass Review
The program opens up with important new bluegrass by the Del McCoury Band and Dailey & Vincent. Then, our Gem of Bluegrass describes the connection between George Jones and bluegrass music. Them we play recent bluegrass interpretations of George Jones songs. Later, we talk to Alice Gerard of Tom, Brad and Alice. She tells about her songwriting, which is ordinarily motivated by personal tragedy. Host Phil Nusbaum enjoys hearing from listeners. Email him at pnusbaum@bitstream.net.
Bluegrass Signal – A rebroadcast of “Happy Birthday Jack Cooke”
In honor of the recent passing of bluegrass legend Jack Cooke, we’re rebroadcasting this show from Peter Thompson that originally aired on 12-27-2008.
This episode is a birthday celebration of the music of Jack Cooke, the rock-solid bassist, lead & harmony singer extraordinaire, and Dr. Ralph’s foil in the Clinch Mt. Boys since 1970(!). The show includes Jack singing lead, tenor, and baritone with the CMB, as well as some of Jack’s music with Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, the Cooke Duet, and his 1963 band, the Virginia Mt. Boys. “Jack Cooke is the real deal. Like his longtime boss, Ralph Stanley, Cooke loves the old-time, traditional sound, filled with lots of rough edges that create something one might refer to as mountain soul.” – Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide
*The Dick Spottswood Show
Jimmy Arnold and a marching band each interpret Scott Joplin in their respective styles . Benny Martin, Cliff Carlisle and friends help us celebrate (is that the word?) cooler weather. An extended Charlie Poole medley includes Bill Clifton, Cowboy Copas, Bill Monroe and Jim Eanes. Following all that, you may stir in some fine blues from Pretty Boy Walker, Leroy Carr and Blind Lemon—and savor a rare mixture of Obsolete Music for your education, edification and elucidation. And it sounds good too!
*etown – Steve Earle & Meshell Ndegeocello
In this week’s exciting eTown re-broadcast, Nick & Helen Forster welcome back one of today’s best political songwriters, Steve Earle. He shares a sharp and passionate set of songs, and, as a bonus, Steve’s talented wife, singer-songwriter Allison Moorer, takes the stage for a tune of her own, with Nick & Helen and the ETones joining in. Also with us is Meshell Ndegeocello. This fearsome bassist, prolific songwriter and authentic musical force lays down her unique rhythmic music for the house.
The Free for All – Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. LIVE, Friday 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Gary Henderson Show – Saturday 8-11 a.m. LIVE, Monday 12 p.m., Friday 12 a.m.
LIVE The Katy Daley Show - Monday-Friday 7-10 a.m. ET
The Lee Michael Demsey Show – Saturday 11a.m.-2p.m., Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET LIVE
Lonesome Pine RFD with Carol Beaugard – Mon. 12 a.m., Wed. 9 p.m., Thurs. 12 p.m.
*Mountain Stage
Featuring WPA, Federico Aubele, Chip Taylor, Cadillac Sky, Sam & Ruby. Playlist.
Old Time Jam
Two tunes by Big Medicine, plus a variety of old-time music, are sure to cure your winter blues. Doctor Hubie fills your prescription with a curative potion of songs and tunes during this season when there are no old-time festivals. He starts with two numbers by Big Medicine and follows the career of Emily Spencer and the Whitetop Mountain Band from her days as a teenager with Albert Hash up to the present when she’s singing with her daughter, Martha, a blend of two powerful voices. We’ve got plenty of vaccine, so make an appointment or just stop by.
Open Mic - Harrietville Gospel Concert, Bluegrass From Down Under
This week we open the mic for recorded LIVE performances from the Gospel Concert at the 2009 Harrietville Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Convention, Australia’s premier bluegrass and old time event. Bluegrass Country’s very own Mike Kear emceed the proceedings that highlighted some of the best bluegrass talent that Australia has to offer, as well as some talented performers from abroad. This program features performances from Hill Williams, My-T-Fine, Bluegrass Parkway, Heather Mandich, Hungry Hill, Bridgland Brothers, Bluestone Junction, and the Redlands Bluegrass Boys.
LIVE The Ray Davis Show – Mon-Fri 3-6p.m., Sunday 10am-1p
Rotating Shows
Foster’s Corner with Bill Foster - Sunday 3 a.m. (December 6)
The Bill Miller Show – Tuesday 12 p.m., Thursday 12 a.m., Sunday 3 a.m. (December 13)
Special Programming - Influences
This week we discuss influences. George Jones’ classic country sound has inspired music as well as visual art, the Civil War was the focus for the new bluegrass album from Rogers & Johnson, The Daughters of Bluegrass were inspired by the lack of an all-female bluegrass album, and musical archivist Alan Lomax is still inspiring new Old-Time recordings.
LIVE Stained Glass Bluegrass hosted by Bob Webster
December is here so quickly so let’s get in the spirit and enjoy a few Christmas songs leading up to the Christmas program on December 20th. We’ll also enjoy a few songs from a rare recording by Appalachian Trail, featuring Linda Lay now with Springfield Exit. On a sad note the Bluegrass Community lost Jack Cooke, long time bass player and vocalist with Ralph Stanley, on December 1st so we’ll have a few numbers from his solo recording of 2006. Be ready for a Christmas carol to open the old hymns portion of the program at the start of the third hour – you won’t need the book for this one.
*Thistle and Shamrock – Muir of Gormack
The area of wilderness known as the Muir of Gormack was first mentioned in 1776 by scholars who labeled it a “Caledonian Camp” noting its prehistoric remains of hut circles, cairns and decorated stones. Dougie MacLean imagines the setting in “Muir of Gormack – A Pictish Story.”
LIVE *Traditions with Mary Cliff – Saturday 2-6 p.m.
Uptown Bluegrass with George McKnight – Let it Snow
This week’s show features songs of winter, snow, home & heart, and a couple of “pre-Christmas” songs.
