Spring 2009 - Bluegrass Anonymous

the
Pickin Post
Official Publication of the Louisville Bluegrass Music Association
SPRING Issue 09
#28
WWW.BLUEGRASS-ANONYMOUS.ORG
“There are a lot of wonderful musicians locally that need a place to perform. Our show is not exclusively about acoustic music, but it seems that
often times the most intimate performances are done with acoustic instruments. Also, the show will have an old-time country theme, but will not have
boundaries and will feature all styles of music”, says Boone. A 30 minute
show will be produced every 4-6 weeks. “The
Pickin’ Ranch” will air on Insight channel 98
at 10:30 PM Saturday night, starting February
21, 2009. Without commercials, the show will
feature 30 full minutes of programming including music videos by Dan Boone using vintage
cowboy toys and original tunes composed and
performed by Gary Stillwell. The pilot show will
feature Cari Norris, Dave Howard and Simon
Meuer, The Leatherhead store, Johnny and
Jack Berry and Jim Schweickart.
Dave Howard and Simon Meuer
Classified
Bluegrass Music Profiles magazine features personal interviews with bluegrass music artists. $15/yr. for six issues.
BMO, P.O. Box 850, Nicholasville, KY 40340-0850.
www.bluegrassmusicprofiles.com 859-333-6465
Pickin’ Post
The
“The Pickin’ Ranch”
“The Pickin’ Ranch” is a cable access TV show produced locally by Dan
Boone and Gary Stillwell. The show will feature local musicians and craftsmen involved directly with creating music. “We wanted to take advantage
of the free broadcasting opportunity provided by Insight Cable and produce
something along the lines of the original ‘Hayloft Hoedown’ show that featured Randy Atcher” says Stillwell. The set, built by Stillwell, is that of a barn
yard with hay bales like “The Grand Ole Opry” set. Boone, a local musician
and videographer, uses the two-camera shooting style of the Porter Wagoner show and other TV shows from the 1960’s. “I like long slow camera
shots that let you actually see the performance instead of the modern day
fast action style currently used in music videos”, says Boone.
Published quarterly. Christine Walsh, editor & graphics gal.
The Official Publication of
Bluegrass Anonymous
P.O. Box 21281 • Louisville, KY 40221-0281
The Louisville Bluegrass Music Association
Mission Statement
Bluegrass Anonymous, the Louisville Bluegrass Music
Association, is dedicated to promoting and supporting
bluegrass music, preserving it’s tradition, and nurturing
it’s growth by providing opportunities for pickin’, singin’
and listenin’.
Executive Officers
Les McIntyre, President
Mike Bucayu, Vice President
Kato Wilbur, Treasurer
Sonya Cotton, Secretary
Board of Directors
Carly Cotton
Charlie Logsdon
Dan Robinson
Christine Walsh
Board members at-large
Berk Bryant, WFPK Sunday Bluegrass
Michelle Bucayu, Web Administrator
Mike Cleveland, 6 time IBMA Fiddler of the Year
Gabrielle Gray, International Bluegrass Music Museum
Glen Hensley, Photographer and Writer
Jeff Kopp, Pilot & Banjo Picker
Paul Priest, Professional Musician
To submit an ad contact Glen at [email protected] or call (502) 921-0762 for more info.
Bluegrass Anonymous Membership Application
Name
Type of Membership
Spouse
Individual
$15/year
Children (under 18 years old)
Family
$20/year
Name of Band (If applicable)
Co./Band
$20/year
Amount Enclosed
$
e-mail address
Make Check Payable to:
Address
Bluegrass
Anonymous
City
State
P.O. Box 21281
Louisville, KY 40221-0281
Zip
3
True Blue News...
True Blue News by Michelle Bucayu
In the 1970s, America was swept up in a counter culture movement
— and so was Bluegrass music. The epicenter for that music was in
Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle neighborhood and now it’s the subject
of a new documentary, WFPL’s Elizabeth Kramer reports. Now, the
history of the Bluegrass Hotel and its role in the birth of New Grass
music is the subject of a film project with Kentucky Educational
Television and PBS. In December 2008, producers and cameramen
were in The Bluegrass Hotel filming interviews with Harry Bickel and
musicians with ties to the place. The documentary is slated to air next
winter.
In addition, a Bluegrass Alliance Reunion concert will be held at The
Galt House on March 20th, in conjunction with The 3rd Annual Itchin’
to Pick bluegrass festival on March 21st.
For more information and ticket purchase for the Bluegrass Hotel
Concert, visit www.thebluegasshotel.com or www.ticketweb.com.
Special rates are available for that weekend for both events. Be
sure to mention the Bluegrass Hotel Concert or Itchin’ to Pick to get
your discount. You can reach The Galt House at 1-800-843-4258.
This is one rare event you don’t want to miss!
The International Bluegrass Music Museum has been promised a
prized mandolin when a former preacher finishes picking and retires
for good. Dewey Murphy left the stage for the pulpit in the early 1960s
after 20 years of playing bluegrass music. The 79 year old N.C. Presbyterian preacher is appearing at several bluegrass festivals a year.
The Owensboro Messenger-Enquirer reported that when he finally
decides to hang it up, his 1924 Lloyd Loar mandolin will hang in the
museum at Owensboro.
In November, a message was posted on the BA Yahoo site asking
members for donations to assist The Center for Women and Families
and Wayside Christian Mission with Christmas needs. The following
folks made contributions to this request: Kenny & Genie Lee,
Glen Hensley, Danny Jones, Mike & Michelle Bucayu, the Cotton
family, and an anonymous donor. Thanks to all for your generosity!
Josh Richards (Blue River BG
Band) and Chloe Blayne (Kentucky Sassafras) were married in
Lake Tahoe on December 17th.
Josh says that they had an awesome time and that Tahoe was
absolutely beautiful. So much snow
fell just before they arrived that
they upgraded their rental car to a
four wheel drive. Congratulations to
these two BA members and wonderful musicians!
Speaking of Kentucky Sassafras, due to several factors, the group has
dis-banded. The band had been together since 2004. I’m sure that
we’ll see these young pickers around the area continuing their musical
talents in other venues. Best wishes to Chloe Blayne Richards, Jory
Hutchens, Tyler Mullins and Turner Hutchens!
2012, Nashville Selected Again After Multi City Search: IBMA
entered into a new three-year contract to host the annual World of
Bluegrass events through 2012 in Nashville. The business conference,
IBMA Awards and Bluegrass Fan Fest will continue to be hosted in
the heart of downtown within the Nashville Convention Center, nearby
“An Appalachian Musical Revival: Live at the Ringgold Depot”
brings together 19 artists with the purpose of encouraging youth in tra- hotels and other venues.
ditional music of Appalachia. The new fundraising CD from the Share Upcoming IBMA Dates:
September 28 – October 4, 2009
America Foundation includes 23 recordings, over an hour of music,
September 27 – October 3, 2010
live from the stage of the Ringgold Depot in Georgia, a 159 year-old
September 26 – October 2, 2011
train station that played a role in the Civil War’s Great Locomotive
September 24 – September 30, 2012
Chase. It is available at www.ShareAmericaFoundation.org and
various outlets.
John and James Francisco, The Red Haired Boys (Bluegrass band),
Now that CD production costs have been covered, the BA Board has have some videos posted on YouTube. The videos were produced
while they performed at the Shelbyville Theatre in the Fall 2008. To
voted to donate funds from future sales of the Bluegrass
access the videos go to:
Anonymous CD2 to two organizations. Each CD sells for $10
Carolina Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h40SiX6hG0
and from each CD sold $1.00 will be donated to Wayside Christian
Shuckin’ the Corn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9XVGgMamZA
Mission and $1.00 to The Center for Women and Families. To
Foggy Mountain Breakdown: http://www.youtube.com/
purchase a CD: Pick up a copy at Ear-X-Tacy, contact Mike Bucayu
watch?v=7v30K3BYwv8
at [email protected] or Sonya Cotton at madresonya@yahoo.
com (502-368-1831). Thanks for your support of BA and these two
Tony Ray Mattingly reports: “I was watching a Johnny Cash special
wonderful organizations!
the other night on channel 15. They were showing clips of the old
In the December issue of Bluegrass Unlimited, there’s a nice picto- Johnny Cash show from what looked to be in the late 60’s or early 70’s.
rial of IBMA 2008 and on page 31 is a great photo of Kyle Ramey, 7 Johnny Cash was calling out people’s names in the audience during
an intro to a song. I just barely caught it, but I heard him say, “C.R
year old mandolin picker and BA member, enjoying a big laugh with
Wilson, welcome to Nashville”.
Danny Roberts of the Grascals. Congrats, Kyle!
Kyle Ramey has made his first CD, “A Boy and His Mandolin”,
a disc containing 10 traditional Bluegrass tunes. Backing him up is
musician and instructor Jeff Guernsey on fiddle, banjo, guitar and
bass. Liner notes are written by Jeff and Danny Roberts of the Grascals. Jeff writes, “There are musicians, and there are natural-born
musicians. Kyle Ramey is a natural.” Danny, one of Kyle’s heroes
and friends writes, “I am excited that Kyle has completed his very first
recording – at the ripe old age of 6 – and I’m here to tell you that it’s
great!”. For more information about the CD: [email protected].
Again, congrats, Kyle!
At the November 2008 meeting of the BA Board of Directors, a
unanimous vote was made to contribute $200.00 from the BA treasury
to support the Salvation Army “Adopt a Family” project. Thanks
to Susan Wilbur, Salvation Army volunteer and wife of BA treasurer
Kato, who used the funds to shop for children.
Tony also mentions: “Look at a portion of the 30 year anniversary
recognition for C.R Wilson and his Friday night Bluegrass shows at the
Shepherdsville Music Place on YouTube. It is in two parts, so check
out the long leg clog dancing video, too!
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozSNnU_WFmQ
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2IZVIJHcnc&feature=rela
ted
Long legged clogger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKYCXoKEP
eQ&feature=related
(Editor’s note: That long legged clogger is BA supporter,
Davey Kannapell, of Oldham County.)
Continued from page 4
BMP (Bluegrass Music Profiles) magazine started off the new year with their Jan/Feb 2009 issue featuring: Ricky Skaggs, their 2009 Annual Festival Guide, Jerry Douglas, Bluegrass Favorites with Junior Sisk, Tim Hensley, DJ Profile: Pete Hart, Promoter Profile: Dawn Taylor/Florida State BGF and Songwriter Profile: Patrick McDougal.
For more information, please visit www.bluegrassmusicprofiles.com.
Issues of “Silver Strings”, an e-newsletter, is always available free at http://www.angiesbanjo.com. Check out their website for a full line of banjo information and supplies.
A new Louisville jam has started at The Zeppelin Cafe, 1056 E.
Burnett Ave, in Germantown. The owner of the cafe, Tim Cain,
and his son, manager Nick Cain, have been very gracious to the
Bluegrass community and are giving pickers the run of the place
on Thursday nights. The jam starts around 6:30 every Thursday.
The food at the cafe is tasty and affordable and there are plenty
of spaces for several jams.
Zeppelin cafe phone: 502-365-3551. Photos -Lori Strange
BA Board elections will be held at the regular March board meeting, 3/15/09. Election results will be posted on the BA Yahoo site and in the June Pickin’ Post. The board
meets the third Sunday of odd months (6 times/year). Meeting sites rotate between board member homes and include 1-1/2 hours of meeting time, a potluck meal and then
a little pickin’ and grinnin’. This is a fun and laid back group and we would welcome new members to join the board any time. We also welcome visitors to any meeting.
Board terms are two years, but being a flexible group we welcome all help, any time. If you would like more information about the board, contact Sonya Cotton (Secretary/
Elf) at 502-368-1831 or [email protected].
Adam Bibelhauser writes: Wanted to share an article I found on Luther Medley. He is a retired lineman who makes handmade instruments out of his home in Poplar
Bluff, MO. I play one of his basses and thought it was a neat article. He makes great (and reasonably priced) basses. The link to the article: http://www.ruralmis souri.org/
05pages/05MayBas s.html
IBMM (International BG Music Museum) and IBMA are working to have a stamp honoring Bill Monroe approved for his centennial birthday in 2011. For a copy of a petition contact Gabrielle Gray at the museum or visit http://www.billmonr oestamp.org/ howtohelp. html. Please, print the petition, duplicate it and have it signed by everyone
at festivals and concerts you attend. IBMM asked school children to sign it at their Bluegrass Assembly Program. If enough signatures are obtained, success is assured…
they hope. Deadline for the petitions is March 31, 2009. Send original signed petitions to: Gabrielle Gray, Executive Director IBMM, 207 E. 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY.
42303.
More than 20 years after its initial release, Appalshop and June Appal Recordings is proud to announce its digital-reissue of Addie Graham’s “Been a Long Time Traveling”. Addie’s grandson Rich Kirby and folklorist Barbara (Edwards) Kunkle produced an LP of Addie’s singing, originally released in 1977. Since then her songs have
been recorded by Mike Seeger, Alice Gerrard, Ginny Hawker, John McCutcheon, and others. Been A Long Time Traveling, remastered with eight additional songs and
extensive notes, brings Addie’s work to a new generation. For more information visit http://appalshop.org/.
Hurley Ridge (BG Band) of Lawrenceburg, KY., and new BA members, has a brand new CD of 16 original songs. The CD is available from band members (Kent Hurley,
Glenn Hurley, Amy Hurley and Paul Eldridge) or on-line at www.hurleyridge.com.
The Louisville Bluegrass Music Association (BA) was contacted and participated in a university funded research project, The American Music Project. The goal of the
project is to collect and map data about organizations that support musical genres that were refined, originated, and/or popularized in the United States. The data and
resulting images will be analyzed for correlations between an organization’s success and demographic, cultural, economic, and geographic factors that might contribute
to success (or lack thereof). Thus, not only will this project provide a historical record of various organizations across the nation, but also produce generalized information
about those factors that contribute to sustainability and growth of music organizations.
Other Projects to Check Out:
The music of Jackson Hole, Wyoming comes to you in the comfort of your home on a newly released DVD, Hoot in the Hole, on sale now. With songs like “If I Had a
Horse,” by Dave Stamey, “Good Ol’ Mountain Dew,” and “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome,” the story of the Jackson Hole Hootenanny is extraordinary and unique. Still playing the
stage at Dornan’s in Moose, WY the Hootenanny showcases the sounds of Gene Autry, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, and Bill Monroe by local artists such as the dynamic
duo Anne and Pete Sibley, John Byrne Cooke, and Greg Keckler. Featuring 48 songs the movie, Hoot in the Hole, includes an extensive archive of past performances
by Tom Rush, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, the Wilders, and Hot Club of Cowtown to standing-room-only listeners. This critically-acclaimed, award-winning film has inspired and
fascinated audiences at film and music festivals across the country until now. PBS decided to air Hoot several times in November and December and now it’s available on
DVD! For more information, visit www.HootintheHole.com/DVDlanding1.html
Ryan Gielen reports: Thanks to fans old and new for supporting me, my film, “Beautiful Thing” and Larry Keel. I made Larry Keel Beautiful Thing because I was entranced
by the man and the music. I set out to make an honest documentary about Larry- the music, the road, the struggle and the beauty that emerged every time he plays. I followed Larry from 2002 through 2003, from Virginia to Asheville to New Orleans to San Francisco, all through Georgia and the Carolinas. I feel truly lucky to have been able
to witness Larry’s life on the road, behind the scenes, at home and at every great venue along the way. The struggle was profound, but most importantly, the music was
always beautiful. More information on the project and where to buy the documentary can be found at: http://larrykeelbeautifulthing.blogspot.com/2009/01/announcement-5year-anniversary.html
We Remember:
From The Bluegrass Blog: We are saddened to note that Butch Baldassari, mandolinist, business owner and bluegrass entrepreneur, passed away earlier today (1/10/09)
in Nashville. Butch had fought a long and hard battle with a pernicious brain cancer, by all reports remaining upbeat and in good spirits to the end. His impact on our music
has been long standing, and ongoing up to the point that his cancer took him from us. For most bluegrass fans, Butch first appeared on the scene in 1985 as a member of
Weary Hearts, a band which also included fellow future luminaries Ron Block, Chris Jones and Mike Bub. He had a tenure with Lonesome Standard Time before launching
the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble to recreate the music of the classic mandolin orchestras in 1991.Baldassari also founded a record label, Sound Art Recordings, which
specialized in mando-centric music. His discography lists 14 titles under his name and dozens where he is featured as a performer or producer. Butch also has a number
of instructional books and DVDs to his credit, but the most lingering legacy among his many friends in the bluegrass business will be his dry sense of humor and dedication
to musical excellence.
New and Renewing Members
B.A. welcomes the following new members:
Travis Cade Cook: Louisville, KY.
Gold Heart Bluegrass Band: Trent, Analise, Jocelyn, Shelby, Zach: Hamilton, VA.
Dawn & Steve Kincaid: Glendale, KY.
The Olympia Three: Jake Hellman, Phillip Olympia, Anthony Olympia: Louisville, KY.
Ann & Ed Taylor: Rineyville, KY.
Fred Yates: Louisville, KY.
And, thanks the following renewing members, for their continued support of the habit:
Rudolph Basham: Louisville, KY.
Blue River Bluegrass Band: Glenn Alford, Paula “Boggie” Alford, Billy Edlin, Joel Whittinghill, & Josh
Richards:
Shepherdsville, KY.
Cackie Brutscher: Louisville, KY.
David & Rebecca Chrisman: Louisville, KY.
Tom Cunningham: Louisville, KY.
Kerry Dupaquier: Borden, IN.
Gene Farmer: Lawrenceburg, KY.
* Charlie, Jeannie & Blue Ford: Louisville, KY.
Chuck Forg: Fisherville, KY.
Dan Geis: Dayton, OH.
Cliff Halleron: Louisville, KY.
* Hammgrass Ensemble: Dick Hammack, Stuart Hammock, & Glenn Hammock: Louisville, KY.
Dennis & Laurel Hatfield: Louisville, KY.
Dan Hedrick: Prospect, KY.
* Ken Helming: Tennyson, IN.
Nan Henderson: Floyds Knobs,IN.
* William Hibbs: Vine Grove, KY.
* Hurley Ridge: Kent Hurley, Glenn Hurley, Amy Hurley & Paul Eldridge: Lawrenceburg, KY.
Danny Jones: Louisville, KY.
John Lawson: Frankfort, KY.
* Kenny & Genie Lee: Louisville, KY.
Mike & Debbie Leitner: Jeffersonville, IN.
Jim & Susan Lester: Shepherdsville, KY.
Gerald Matherly: Louisville, KY.
* Marvin & Patricia Mesch: Louisville, KY.
Kim & Steve Nalley: Louisville, KY.
* William Neely & Elaine Rogers: Louisville, KY.
Kyle Powell: Clarkson, KY.
Enid Redman: Louisville, KY.
Relic (Bluegrass Band): Dave Howard, Adam
Bibelhauser, Aaron Bibelhauser & Chuck Sharp: Louisville, KY.
John Rice: Anchorage,KY.
Bobby Smith: Leitchfield, KY.
Karl Snider: Florence, KY.
Lauren White: Louisville, KY. (Two year renewal)
Susan Zepeda & Fred Seifer: Louisville, KY.
* Sent donation for Berk Bryant’s BG Show with their membership renewal. Thanks for
the support!
C.R. Wilson:
Howdy, Howdy, Howdy
By Pam Waldridge (Bluegrass 101)
“Howdy, Howdy, Howdy”, C.R. said, as he opened his 30th year of hosting
Friday night Bluegrass shows at the Shepherdsville Music Place in Shepherdsville, KY. on November 28, 2008. This night’s show included a celebration of this anniversary. Monroe Rice presented CR with a plaque dedicated
to 30 years in Bluegrass, Don Rogers of Kentucky Friends of Bluegrass
presented him with a plaque and Berk Bryant wished him many more years
of providing the community with Bluegrass music. C.R. Wilson is a grand
supporter of the music and travels all over the state and even out of the state
to help support Bluegrass Festivals. He says “I am very thankful to be able
to travel to them, along with helping and all”.
His love of Bluegrass began when C.R. was just a little boy. He was born on September 9, 1932 in Rosine,
KY. and was raised 3 miles outside of Rosine. in a little place called Mt. Pleasant. When he was 10 years old
he became interested and fascinated with Bluegrass and remembers Bill and Charlie Monroe coming over to
his Aunt Lova and Uncle Leisere’s house. His Aunt and Uncle had an old farm house and they would all sit
on the large wrap-around porch where they did some great pickin’ and singin’. C.R. would play some guitar
and recalls his Aunt having a wonderful alto voice. It was at that time that Bill Monroe became his idol. Of
course music is what he loves, but he also is a very hard worker and at the young age of 12 he began working on a neighbor’s farm feeding his white face cattle for 50-cents a week.
Thirty years ago C.R. started the Shepherdsville Friday night shows with his friend Jimmy Skinner of Cincinnati, Ohio. It was while at a Friday night music show at the hall that he visited with Sunny, the guy who
sold him his ticket to the show. C.R. told Sunny that he should host a Bluegrass show but Sunny said, “I
don’t know anything about Bluegrass. Why don’t you come down here and run a Bluegrass show?” Sunny
insisted that C.R. take his business card, think about the proposition and call him. Initially C.R. turned down
the idea because he had never run a show before, but Sunny told him that he could do it because “you
probably know a lot of Bluegrass bands and are such a big supporter”. C.R. laughed but on the way home
he thought about it and realized that he did know a lot of bands. So, he called Sunny and agreed to do a
Bluegrass show on Friday nights on a percentage. The first Bluegrass band to perform at The Shepherdsville
Music Place was The Iron Workers on October 26, 1979. C.R. worked in construction at that time, so he was
aware of this band. It took off from the first show and it wasn’t long before the word spread and bands from
all around were calling. Over the last 30 years, numerous bands have performed at Shepherdsville, many the
biggest artists in the industry.
C.R. didn’t stop with the Shepherdsville shows. He began helping with other festivals and continues to work
with the Cedar Valley Bluegrass Festival in Derby, IN. He began helping Dennis Howell with this festival in
the 1970’s and states that it took him nine years to talk Dennis into letting him work with him. This year’s
event will be held July 10th and 11th.
Other festivals that C.R. has been involved with include the Bardstown Bluegrass Festival and 7th Springs
Park. He worked on the Bardstown festival with Mr. and Mrs. A.R. White for 6 years and with 7th Springs
Park in Bowling Green, KY. for 4-5 years.
As you can see, C.R. has been very busy over the years with many festivals, shows, and supporting the Bluegrass community. His life has been blessed with his wife, June, nine children, two brothers and four sisters.
We wish C.R. many more years at the Shepherdsville Music Place and always enjoy seeing him at festivals
distributing his flyers. Take care and we all love you, C.R.
[Editor’s Note: Bluegrass 101 was the featured artist for the November 28, 2008 Bluegrass show at
the Shepherdsville Music Place.]
-All photos courtesy of Pam Waldrige
Best Kept Secrets of Bluegrass
By Bobby Smith
This column seeks to shed light on people, products or places that have, or
have had, a sizeable impact on the regional Bluegrass scene, but haven’t garnered deserved recognition.
Wayne Mabe of Mabe’s Ponderosa
In the little niche we’ve carved for ourselves out of the world of
Bluegrass, roles are often blurred. One reason this is so, is the importance we
place on fellowship inside the genre. We expect to not only mingle with those
we pay to see, but also nearly demand humility on their part. In each pocket
of the Bluegrass community you’ll find pickers among the fold who are professional, semi-professional, amateur, beginner and those who float at will between each category. Often there is a particular picker that serves, sometimes
unwittingly, as the glue to hold a particular jam or group of jams together. Some
(most?) would just as soon jam as pay to hear a show and some pay to enter a
show and never do anything but jam.
So where does a fellow like Wayne Mabe fit into the matrix? He’s
played for money on occasion, but never made his living picking. He’s as
revered among his friends at least as much or more as some of the top names
in Bluegrass. He’s traveled the country to scratch his Bluegrass itch. There
Wayne at his Ponderosa in June of 2003.
is hardly a jam or festival in the region that hasn’t been lucky enough to have him present at least once. There’s hardly a jam locally that
would be considered complete without him. People remember their encounters with him as much as they do the “stars” at the festivals.
Banjo player. Dobro player. Singer. Jammer. Friend. Neighbor. Teacher. UK Fan. Mentor. Fishin’ buddy... These are a few of the labels
people use to describe Wayne.
Wayne has tinkered with music in one form or another since as early as the ‘70s. He became interested in Bluegrass in the late
‘90s. A large part of this interest came after becoming friends with renowned fiddler Charlie Butler. Although Charlie would tell you in no uncertain terms that he didn’t play Bluegrass or like Bluegrass, the fiddling world and the Bluegrass world are so intertwined, especially here
in Kentucky, that it is nearly impossible to separate the two. Wayne bought a banjo from Charlie and took lessons from him. Charlie made
Wayne learn the banjo neck up and down and taught him the old fiddle tunes. Later, Wayne and Charlie would travel the country to fiddle
conventions and contests. Wayne can often be heard echoing Charlie’s sentiments in declaring that he isn’t a Bluegrass banjo player.
As important as his musicianship is to his friends, his counsel and conversation seem to be equally sought after. Often the voice
of reason, his friends seek his advice in all manner of dilemmas: personal; professional; musical; even whimsical. A great conversationalist,
Wayne has the knack to be able to discuss any manner of current events: geopolitics; the economy; state and local politics; etc., with precision and authority. A good listener is often credited as being a great conversationalist. Wayne balances active listening with level-headed
advice, encouragement, instruction and humor. Tact is also an attribute he employs with ease.
But, I digress… Instead of expounding upon my relationship with, and knowledge of, my friend, here a few samples from the overwhelming response by people who were asked to share a comment on Wayne:
It is hard to know where to start....Wayne is just a wonderful man!
He works hard to include everyone in jams even though he can play rings around most participants...he is humble....never playing over others. Personally, he took me under his wing when I
was starting out in Bluegrass and helped me with many songs and fiddle tunes...he would slow things down so I could keep up which was
wonderful for me....but it was always at the expense of his own enjoyment playin’ the songs up to speed. He is a doer.....never letting things
just happen....he jumps in and gives of his time and talents...always! You just like being around him....he is always smilin’ !
In short, Wayne is unselfish ....always thinking of others...not himself. He is a “take it to the bank” kind of friend....if he tells you he will do
something, it will get done, period! And in this world, this is a pretty rare combination!
Tom Dunham
Prospect, KY
For me, Wayne has become a good friend and to me that says a lot and is important. When you are “accepted,” that’s always a positive
influence. In addition I have noticed more than once how he goes to new attendees at the jams, introduces himself and asks their name. He
welcomes them and makes them comfortable. Wayne is always ready to help and encourage in whatever way he can. That not only speaks
volumes for him but it represents us, bluegrass fans and music in the spirit and light it should be seen and accepted in. Thanks Wayne.
Berk Bryant
Radcliff, KY
I’ve known Wayne for a lot of years in our association with music. Wayne has always been unselfish in his willingness to help out in any way
he could in regard to playing music or just as a friend.
Wayne Reynolds
Hodgenville, KY
Not enough could be said about our friend Wayne Mabe. Wayne is the type of person you only meet once in a life time. His kindness and
soft manner is loved by everyone.
As a musician, Wayne is among the best… both in talent and in kindness. I have seen Wayne spend a whole day with a new student of music or a small child showing him everything he could. To the Bluegrass Music world, Wayne is a jewel in his own way... never to be replaced
or found in no other person. Over the years I have learned so much about Bluegrass Music and life through Wayne. For this I am forever
thankful to know such a dear friend.
Terry Strange
Elizabethtown, KY
Wayne has always been willing to help or give advice whenever I asked. When I was looking for a banjo last fall, Wayne kept an eye out and
found one he thought might suit me. He brought it down from Louisville with him, let me keep it a week, and then took it back when I decided
it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. All this time I never met the true owner, so I guess Wayne must have vouched for me. Either that or
it was stolen merchandise!
Kyle Powell
Grayson County, KY
We liked Wayne the first time we met him. He has a special, friendly caring personality, welcoming smile and good humor.
Wayne cares about people. The night of his birthday he said bluegrass was truly about friendships and fellowship with good people. This is
what we enjoy most: Bluegrass being like a family.
Don and Margaret
Vine Grove, KY
I have only good things to say about Wayne. The thing that sticks out in my mind is that Wayne is never to busy to help someone who is trying
to learn to play an instrument or trying a new song or just whatever he can do to assist them. If he gives you advice or does anything for you it
is for your own good. He is the most honest and straight man I have ever me. I count it joy in having him in my life for the last 5 years.
Margaret Hamilton
Elizabethtown, KY
I didn’t know Wayne, until I started playing Bluegrass Music. I was impressed with both his banjo playing and his friendliness. In later conversation, I learned that he was a relative of Nelson Mabe with whom I played guitar in my youth. Later, I played twin fiddle with Wilson Mabe,
another relative of Wayne’s. I have read and heard of musical families… Wayne has music in his genes.
Leonard Lawson,
Vine Grove KY
The first thing that comes to mind about Wayne is how he is patient with everyone trying to learn something and is always ready to teach. I’ve
learned a bunch from Wayne and always enjoy playing with him.
Frank Fowler
Elizabethtown, KY
I am just an average intermediate mandolin player who is apprehensive sitting in with groups. The times I have sat next to Wayne are relaxing
in that he treats you as one of the players no matter what level you play and treats you as a friend. He is someone you like to be around.
Ernie Houk
Ekron, KY
Wayne is a dear friend and I enjoy listening to him sing & play. He makes good
cornbread too! Our first Band Scramble at the Vine Grove City Hall he made
cornbread and maybe beans too. Anyhow, we got to talking about cornbread
and teasing about him making a mean pan of cornbread.
Max and Ann Ewart
Vine Grove, KY
Wayne is a very talented musician and we really enjoy listening to him play.
He’s always eager to help a newcomer or a beginner to the jams. He is also a
very good neighbor, always willing to help with anything we need.
He’s very knowledgeable in many things. One time he even told us what to
do about the ant problem we were having with our hummingbird feeders. It
sure worked… a little wheel bearing grease on the chain. Right after we did it,
I noticed that the ants were still marching up to where the grease was and we
ask Wayne if this ever stops. He said “Sure, the ants coming back down tell
the ones going up. Well, I don’t know if that’s really what happened, but the
ants stopped going up. Maybe they followed us to the Vine Grove jam.
Jim and Jeannie Lincoln
Louisville, KY
I love playing back-up bass when Wayne is playing the guitar, banjo, Dobro
or is singing. He brings a special rhythm and excitement to his music. An extremely talented, yet unselfish musician, Wayne is very helpful to others who
are unfamiliar with the music being played.
Wanda Duvall
Big Clifty, KY
Vine Grove, KY July 2007.
I would like to share my warm thoughts about Wayne. We first got acquainted with him at Leitchfield courthouse jam. Wanda and I did not play at all at the time. We became more involved and
motivated when we began regularly attending the courthouse jam and I began trying to learn to
play mandolin...I would jam a bit in the hallways with whoever would allow me to step in. I soon
noticed that a “beginner” was not warmly welcomed in most of the circles, however Wayne,
Margaret, Bobby, Jim Miller and others would warmly welcome our participation and this allowed
us to progress and enjoy ourselves very much. I bought Wanda a bass for Christmas and she
began to take it up. We actually played for the first time on stage with Wayne and Margaret at
the Grayson County Opry on the very last night before it shut down. Much has happened since
then. We began going to Rosine regularly and were so very pleased when Wayne and company
showed up down there. This association with our bluegrass friends had certainly enriched our
lives. We see Wayne at most of the bluegrass festivals we attend. He is especially patient and
attentive to our children and grandchildren and we appreciate that very much. Wanda and I love
to hear Wayne sing at the jam sessions. He is the most enthusiastic and animated of any of the
singers we hear (sings good, too) Wanda and I appreciate very much the efforts Wayne, Margaret, Donnie and Margaret McCoy and so many others at Vine Grove put forth to allow everyone
to have such a good time.
Ben Duvall
Big Clifty, KY
Post Script
During the Winter Storm of 2009, Wayne not only took my wife, my dogs and me in to his “Ponderosa” on Rough River during the power outage when we showed up unannounced, but did so
without batting an eye. In addition to providing us shelter and even cooking for us, he spent the
week checking on friends and neighbors. That week we worked in his yard clearing the debris,
taught my dogs how to squirrel hunt, and even continued the great Gibson vs. Stelling banjo
debate. It was only a few days during what could have otherwise been a miserable time, but it
will be one of many memories of Wayne, I’ll always treasure.
Bobby Smith
Leitchfield, KY
Athens, Alabama in October of 2003
BMP, An Interview
BMP, Bluegrass Music Profiles, a magazine that includes personal interviews with Bluegrass music artists, is produced by
Kevin & Lori Kerfoot of Nicholasvile, KY. Kevin is the magazine’s publisher and editor, Lori is Creative Director.
BA: When did you get interested in Bluegrass music?
Lori: I am a fan of different genres of music. I’ve always liked bluegrass music but my interest grew more when we started
publishing BMP along with the interviews and opportunities to be introduced to so many new artists.
Kevin: I’ve been a bass player in and around Lexington, Kentucky since the late seventies and have performed with many
area bands and musicians. I was first exposed to bluegrass when I played bass for banjo player/singer Tim Lake in 1984. I
had to learn everything on his first Rounder Records album – all bluegrass. The thing that intrigued me the most was this new
sound I was hearing on the record – it was the Dobro work of Jerry Douglas.
BA: Who are your biggest influences in the music?
Lori: I am not musically inclined at all. I run the business end of BMP but my creative skills are in website and graphic design.
I always love learning from other people in the industry. I enjoy talking to other webmasters and graphic designers.
Kevin: From a bass playing perspective I love John Cowan and Dave Pomeroy. I always try to catch performances by The
Lonesome River Band, Ricky Skaggs, Wildfire, and Mountain Heart as well.
BA: What made you want to start a Bluegrass magazine?
Kevin: As a musician and as a professional journalist I always wanted to combine those skills and have a music magazine. I
would rather interview a musician and write about it than any other kind of writing there is. I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to when I’m interviewing an artist for our magazine.
BA: How and when did you get started?
Kevin: Big question with an amazing journey. I’ll only list the facts. First of all, the Lord has guided BMP because everything
has fallen into place and we have watched good things unfold that we didn’t even dream would happen. In 1999 we created
Gospel Music Profiles magazine – interviews with southern gospel music artists. After two years into publishing the magazine we decided to change venues and begin a bluegrass music magazine. After much encouragement from J.D. Crowe and
promoter/banjo player/singer Dean Osborne the first issue of BMP came out in March 2003. Since then we’ve continued to
improve the look of the magazine as well as listen to what our readers like and want.
BA: What were your goals when you started? Have you met those?
Lori: Our original goal was to produce a top quality bluegrass music magazine with a personal touch. We wanted our readers
to be able to say ‘I didn’t know that about him/her’ after reading BMP. Looking back, it turned out we have been setting goals
continuously to improve our magazine. So far we have met every goal and we aren’t done yet.
We are branding our company. Our company is Bluegrass
Publications and Bluegrass Music Profiles is the only publication we publish right now. Stay tuned. Kevin: My main goal with
BMP has always been to interview and write about artists. I love
it more than anything else and would love to do this the rest of
my life. BA: How did you arrive at the name, Bluegrass Music
Profiles? Kevin: It stems from our first magazine – Gospel Music Profiles. We liked the idea of having a music magazine that
profiled artists.
BA: Have you met any of your heroes in Bluegrass? Who?
Lori: I’m not sure heroes is the right word, at least for me since
I’m not a musician. For me, I have really enjoyed meeting so
many talented artists, promoters, instrument makers, business people, and fans. I also love meeting our subscribers.
I’m touched when they tell us they really enjoy reading BMP. It
means a lot to us since we work so hard on producing a good
product.
Kevin Kerfoot with Tommy Ramone IBMA 2008
Jerry Butler of Carolina Road touched us so much when he
walked up to us wearing a BMP t-shirt – wow! We love it when artist
shows their support for BMP – if anyone sends us a photo reading BMP or wearing a BMP t-shirt we’ll publish it.
After being in the industry for five years we have met just about everyone but one of my biggest highlights was being invited
to Earl Scruggs’ house. He was so kind to us. I’ll never forget it.
I am a big fan of Dailey & Vincent and was happy to see Jamie again this year at IBMA’s Fan Fest and congratulate
him and Darrin on their seven IBMA awards. I met Roni Stoneman recently. She is so sweet. Kevin: The number one
highlight is getting to know J.D. Crowe personally. There’s J.D. the international bluegrass banjo legend and then there
is the man I’ve had the opportunity to visit at his home many times. I treasure the times he’s made us a pot of coffee
and we’ve sat for hours talking about his bluegrass memories. Another thrill was becoming friends with Josh Graves –
having the opportunity to visit him and his wife at their Madison, Tennessee home and listen to Flatt & Scruggs records
while he told stories about the recording sessions. One time I went to visit with Josh while he and Kenny Baker were
performing at a festival in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Kenny asked me to hold his fiddle while he went to the bathroom.
I looked down at this fragile, historic piece of wood – the fiddle he used all those years as a Blue Grass Boy with Bill
Monroe. I felt like I was sitting at the center of the bluegrass universe. Another great day was when Lori and I visited
Earl Scruggs at his home in Nashville. He was such a nice man and we had a great morning asking him every question we could think of. One unexpected meeting happened at this year’s IBMA Fan Fest when I spotted Tommy Ramone near the BMP booth. Tommy is now part of a bluegrass duo called Uncle Monk but in the seventies he drummed
for The Ramones, one of my favorite groups back then. It was very exciting to meet him and he even subscribed to
BMP.
BA: Is there anyone that you haven’t interviewed or met that you want to?
Lori: We always have an ongoing list of people we want to interview. Alison Krauss is still on the top of our list. Outside
of bluegrass music, I would love to meet Dolly Parton and Wynonna Judd.
Kevin: I want to interview Tom T. Hall, Doc Watson, Hazel Dickens and every living Blue Grass Boy that I haven’t got to
yet.
BA: Where do you see the magazine in five years?
Kevin: We want to continue growing BMP to be the best bluegrass magazine we can produce.
Lori: I see BMP being a recognized name by bluegrass fans across the U.S. We are working hard to get our name out
there. We will continue to gear BMP to be the magazine that the “fans” want to read. BMP features timely bluegrass
interviews with the artists that are hot and/or upcoming but we don’t forget the bluegrass legends. We want fans to say
I read it in BMP!
Visit BMP online: HYPERLINK “http://www.bluegrassmusicprofiles.com” www.bluegrassmusicprofiles.com and HYPERLINK “http://www.myspacecom/bluegrassmusicprofiles” www.myspacecom/bluegrassmusicprofiles
Lori Kerfoot with Jamie Dailey and Darren Vincent
IBMA 2008
Photos-The Kerfoots
ThebyFifth
String
John Taylor
Instrument breakages are an unhappy episode. However if on the road they can be an occupational hazard,
and sometimes we can be forgiven for the cynical thinking that marking our pride and joy “Fragile” is merely
an invitation to a bored baggage handler to set a new
distance record. Therefore we take precautions, and in
my case that is a custom made Presto case, and packing down the banjo by taking the tension off the strings,
removing the bridge and providing extra padding around
the headstock, neck and so forth.
But it is ridiculous that to get “Fragile” handling we have
to sign a disclaimer admitting the instrument is improperly packed. Given the precautions taken, of course that
is a nonsense but if you don’t sign, the instrument don’t
fly – until such time, of course as a baggage handler
gets a hold of it.
And so it was that recently I arrived back in Canberra to
find that, in accordance with usual practice (and contrary
to what I was told in Perth) my RB-3 was delivered on
the carousel - upside down. Not very auspicious and
when I got the instrument home and started work on
the tune for this edition, the banjo would not tune up
(enough of the jokes already). There was the reason – a
major split in the neck running up from the 1st fretspace
to behind the nut – almost but not quite decapitated –
the Nearly Headless Nick of banjos. Closer inspection
of the case revealed a ding on the headstock end – so
the case had either been dropped from a substantial
height – or it had been used for a throwing event yet to
obtain Olympic certification.
This episode does a happy ending. After making a
rather irate telephone call to an answering machine, I
did get onto someone in baggage handling. She was
professionalism itself and in short order the claim has
been accepted and the carrier will pay the repair cost.
What impressed me most was the genuine motivation to
fix up a customer’s bad experience demonstrated by this particular person. In a time when the national carrier gets a fair bit of bagging, let
the record show that Tracia Milton of QANTAS baggage services in Canberra is an absolute legend and has pride of place in
my private hall of fame.
Lets get onto the tune. This little baby is called
Montgomery Bell and it is by stellar bluegrass
fiddler Aubrey Haynie. You’ll find it, along with
some other cracker tunes and songs on “Doin
My Time”. As with many other tunes this is
another one collected off Donal Baylor – who
plays it on both the fiddle and guitar. The playing of the latter instrument has also inspired
other flatpickers like Fred Dwyer to give it a run.
I worked out the banjo part a couple of year’s
back, largely from dots provided by Donal. I
couldn’t tell you how close to the banjo break on
Aubrey’s album it is, but it is a pretty simple approach, because with this tune, less is definitely
more.
To begin with, you need to drop your 4th string
to C. So you are now in open C tuning and its
pretty good fun to play around with this tuning as you can make some funky and mellow
sounds with that deep C note, although you
can’t go fishing. Throughout the break I’ve tried
to drop in the low C to impart a bassy drone, if
you will, which sets off nicely against the melody
proper. Speed is not important for this tune. It
is not a breakdown and a speed of about 113
bpm should do you nicely. Try and get it too
groove along and impart a little bit of bounce.
Also it is worth considering playing this with the
right hand just that little bit closer to where the
neck joins the head to get a softer/mellower feel.
This is a great little jamming number – hope
you get onto it. Incidentally there is an opinion
that this tune can also be effectively rendered in
the key of A – standard G tuning with the capo
on the second fret. Ignore that opinion. Them
doin’s is foolishness.
(Editor’s Note: John & wife Morag and their two
children, William and Charlotte, live in Canberra,
Washing, about 250 miles from the devastating
fires that harmed so many in February 2009.
The Taylors were unharmed.)
Bluegrass Anonymous
P.O. Box 21281 • Louisville, KY 40221-0281