All times listed are Eastern Time
*denotes part of our Roots and Branches series
*American Routes – David Amram & Marcus Roberts
We profile two men that begin in classical and jazz and move in differing directions. Buttressed by a conservatory background, French horn player and composer David Amram moves freely and eclectically across genres of Latin, jazz, folk and classical music. Blind pianist Marcus Roberts speaks about his time spent as protégé of Wynton Marsalis and looking back over the history of jazz to his touchstones, James P. Johnson, Monk, Jelly Roll Morton and others.
Banks of the Ohio
Like Woody Allen’s Zelig, Tony Rice and his guitar show up all over this week’s show. Listen for him with J.D. Crowe & the New South (1974), David Grisman (1978 & 1994), Richard Bennett (1997), Alison Krauss (2007), and Jerry Douglas (2008). Other highlights include a record with three-finger banjo by Snuffy Jenkins that might have hit the market before Bill Monroe’s first 1947 release with Earl Scruggs; several bluegrass arrangements of music from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries; and Paul McCartney’s acoustic version of “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” A production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, hosted by Fred Bartenstein.
Bluegrass Breakdown – Sierra Hull
Alison Krauss adores her; she’s Adam Steffey’s favorite mandolin player; and Sam Bush thinks she’s “hullacious.” She’s a high school senior who is setting the bluegrass world on its ear with her passionate singing and ferocious mandolin playing. Sierra Hull and friends Ron Block, Cory Walker and Beth Lawrence will be ganging around the microphones live in celebration of Sierra’s new Rounder CD, Secrets.
Bluegrass Review
This week, the Gem of Bluegrass asks why there is so little finger picking in bluegrass today. Among the first generation of bluegrass players, virtually all guitarists were fingerpickers. We play another mandolin original by Frank Wakefield. Charlie Sizemore tells us about his songwriting, particularly about his collaborations with Tom T and Dixie Hall and Jimmy Martin. Also, we play two songs featuring women named “Jolene:” Same name, but completely different people! By the way, Bluegrass Review host Phil Nusbaum enjoys invites your correspondence at pnusbaum@bitstream.net. Check BluegrassReview.com for playlists, a link to culture11, where bluegrass people discuss bluegrass, links to Bluegrass Review supporters and occasional special offers.
Bluegrass Signal - Sugar Hill Ramble
Sugar Hill Record’s “Americana Master Series” includes several bluegrass musicians who have recorded extensively for the label, and this week’s Bluegrass Signal presents highlights from these collections. The music is by Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, Doyle Lawson, Lonesome River Band, and others. Spot the track from Sugar Hill’s very first release.
*The Dick Spottswood Show
Uncle Dave Macon recorded a pair of tunes, calling them both “Tom and Jerry.” We summon Tommy Jackson to show us which was the real one. We do a little jail time with Grandpa Jones, Pinetop Smith, Johnny Cash and the Carter Family–with such distinguished fellow inmates, who needs parole? Charlie Monroe, Bill Monroe, the Dalllas String Band, Wilma Lee and Stoney, Washington Phillips, Merle Travis and Ragtime Texas (Henry Thomas) himself round out this week’s star-studded cast. Don’t let the phone ring until the show’s over.
*etown
In this encore broadcast, Scotland-born rising star and “folk-rock goddess” KT Tunstall pays her first visit to Etown. KT rocks the house with her provocative sonic mesh of heartfelt pop, rootsy electric blues, and left-field alt-folk. And talented young Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Adrienne Young hits the stage with her band, receiving some great musical support from Nick & Helen Forster and the Etones. They deliver an amazing set of warm and inviting Americana music. Plus, there’s the E-Chievement Award story of a community-conscious college professor from New York State, all right here in Etown.
Friday Night Free for All Friday 8 p.m. ET
The Bill Miller Show Sunday 3 a.m. (11/16)
The Tom Cat Reeder Show Tuesday 12 p.m. LIVE, Thursday 12 a.m., Sunday 3 a.m. (11/23)
The Gary Henderson Show Saturday 8-11 a.m. LIVE, Monday 12 p.m., Friday 12 a.m.
The Katy Daley Show Monday-Friday 7-10 a.m. ET LIVE
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.
*Mountain Stage
Featuring Patty Loveless, The Dan Tyminski Band, Solas, Chris Knight, and Jacob & Lily. Playlist .
Music from Foggy Hollow
This week, Aussie Mike Kear features an album they never thought would be made. Two years ago Ernie Thacker was involved in a terrible car crash, and doctors at one stage were doubtful he’d make it. But Ernie did make it, and on the second annversary of the crash, he made a return to the stage. Now he’s launching his new album “The Hangman” on Pinecastle Records, and it’s Mike’s feature CD this week. Also on the show, new music from Melonie Cannon, The Lawsons Band, Gena Britt Tew, Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Beth Stevens & Edge and plenty more. From Europe, Mike plays music from Italian band Red Wine, and from Sweden, the Freja Bluegrass Band. It’s a varied and interesting show and you’d be a wombat to miss it!
Musician Tip – Dick Smith
Open Mic
This week we Open the Mic for the 2008 International Bluegrass Music Awards recorded at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Del McCoury hosts the awards with performances from The Steeldrivers, Dailey & Vincet, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Plus, an interview with Banjo Player of the Year, Kristin Scott Benson.
Old Time Jam
Everything is coming up roses this week on Old Time Jam, as Hubie King plays tunes which all have those flowers in their titles. A bouquet of slow tunes, waltzes, vocals and breakdowns will all contribute to the rosey glow you’ll get when you hear them.
The Ray Davis Show Mon-Fri 3-6p.m., Sunday 10am-1pm
Special Programming
- Gems of Bluegrass with Phil Nusbaum
- Bob Webster interviews Beth Stevens
- Katy Daley talks to Del McCoury about his years with Bill Monroe
- Jon Stickley recorded live at IBMA 2008
LIVE Stained Glass Bluegrass Hosted by Bob Webster
Thanks to the efforts of our own Dick Spottswood we’ll enjoy several old hymns from the Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs TV shows recently released on DVDs. Lester & Earl and the Foggy Mountain Boys performed many gospel songs on TV and during public appearances that they never recorded in the studio. Don’t miss this special opportunity at the beginning of the third hour.
*Thistle and Shamrock – Heart of the Session
From Matt Molloy’s pub in County Mayo, Ireland to Edinburgh’s famous folk bar “Sandy Bell’s,” we celebrate the sound of communal music.
*Traditions with Mary Cliff, Saturday 2-6 p.m.
