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Brittany Haas: Fiddling "Force of Nature"!

Send us Fan Mail Fiddler Brittany Haas is "a musical force of nature" says Chris Eldridge. From The Republic of Strings at age 13, through Crooked Still, The Dave Rawlings Machine, Hawktail, and now The Punch Brothers, she is a huge talent, that covers many genres, with brilliance and boundless happy energy. She discusses her classical upbringing, her mentors Darol Anger and Bruce Molsky, her attachment to her 5-string fiddle that is shedding its varnish, the challenges of learning the Punch Brothers' repertoire for their big 2026 tour, and even her least favorite key to play in! (C#major). A gem of a person and interview!

Gene Lowinger: Tales From the Road with Monroe, '64 - '65

Send us Fan Mail This is a fascinating look into the realities of travelling and performing with Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, back in the mid-60's. Gene Lowinger, who played fiddle with Monroe, is well known for his exciting live performances of Monroe's classic "Uncle Pen". He was on the bus with Monroe and Peter Rowan when they wrote "Walls of Time", and then fought over whose song it was! Gene has unique stories of Monroe, who respected his fiddle playing and stood up for him as he faced anti-Jewish prejudice from some "good ol' boys". Bill demanded a lot, and loved to challenge his band by changing song keys, and calling out tunes that they had never played before! Great stuff here!!

Josh Williams: Honoring Tony Rice

Send us Fan Mail Josh Williams is one of the premier bluegrass musicians of our time. 3-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year, a virtuoso on banjo, fiddle and mandolin, he also has one of the best voices in bluegrass/country music. This conversation was heartfelt and emotional at times. It started with Josh talking about his family, and missing his dad Tony. Then it naturally turned to the other Tony in his life, the legendary Tony Rice, with whom Josh played for 5 years, and shared a friendship for twenty. Josh is eloquent and thoughtful. He shared lots of Tony Rice stories and fond memories, some funny, some painful. Josh remained in awe of Tony until the end, and you can feel the love and sadness in this conversation. He still misses him. As we all do.

David Peterson: High Lonesome Voice of Tradition

Send us Fan Mail David Peterson is called the caretaker of traditionl buegrass and country music for a reason. He's an independent recording artist who cherishes the early music traditions. His powerful voice has a mountain quality, that is full of Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin and Hank Williams' blues. He needs no microphone. A Boston native, he moved to Nashville 30 years ago, and has become an iconic and well loved performer, both solo and with his band 1946. Dave always marched to his own drum. His more famous peers, like Stuart Duncan, Vince Gill, David Grisman and Sam Bush, love to record live with him, gathered around a single mic. His albums are joyful and powerful and full of gospel. He's a unique voice in this fast-paced music world.

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