FROM B.A.N.D - THE BLUEGRASS ASS'N OF NORTH DAKOTA

START THINKING ABOUT GETTING YOUR CAMPER READY FOR THE MISSOURI RIVER BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL AT CROSS RANCH, NEAR WASHBURN, ND JUNE 17 & 18TH.

OWL CAFE CORRECTION & UPDATE

The YBA has issued a correction for the Owl Cafe in Laurel this Saturday, 2-27-2016.  The Maverick String Stretchers WILL be playing at the Owl after all. In my not at all humble opinion these dudes  are simply the best bluegrssy pickers in this area - even though they sadly lack a fiddler. Mike
Blohm's banjo makes the difference (and Doug Habermann's energy on the bass doesn't hurt either.)

As mentioned earlier, Saturday breakfast bluegrass at Kennedy's on 24th West has open dates coming up.  These are 2 hour gigs, while the Owl's are for 3 hours. That basically means two 45 minute sets which isn't all that long. If your  group would like to perform call 406-696-2020 during business hours or contact YBA secretary Mark Millard.  I would be happy to assist as well.  I can easily drive to Kennedy's to talk with the management.

RALPH STANLEY BIRTHDAY

MORE FROM THE IBMA:

Happy 89th Birthday to Dr. Ralph Stanley!
The bluegrass icon was born deep in the mountains of southwestern Virginia on this day in 1927. Of course, his story as a bluegrass banjoist and tenor singer is legend, both with his brother Carter as The Stanley Brothers, and later on his own with the fabled Clinch Mountain Boys.
IBMA Hall of Fame member Melvin Goins of The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers worked with Dr. Ralph both with the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys. He fondly remembers those heady days of music, and, it's not surprising that a lot of fun accompanied the music.

"Ralph would get sore from the [long] bus rides and say, 'Melvin, come over here and jump on my bones so I can get on stage and look fresh,'" Goins told us this morning from his home in Kentucky. "So, I'd go over there and just 'waller' him real good, pound on his arms and shoulders until he said,'Enough, Melvin! I believe I'll get along real good now.'"
This photo shows Goins with Dr. Ralph, circa 1967, with a very young 2015 IBMA Hall of Fame inductee Larry Sparks on lead guitar and vocals, and the great Curly Ray Cline. Great memories!
Thank you for the music, sir! The world loves you!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ue3NDIrhGzU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ralph Stanley Be Ready to Go

This song was recorded about 1968, when Ralph had just reformed the Clinch Mountain Boys (which was in 1967). This is called be Ready to Go. The Band here fe...

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FROM THE YBA THE LATEST WORD

This week in billings bluegrass.
FRIDAY - Jam at the Elks. 7 pm. However, they will be having an event downstairs so ask that we play upstairs in the ballroom.
SATURDAY MORNING- Hillbillings will be playing at the Owl Cafe in Laurel, and Spur of the Moment will be playing at Kennedy's in Billings.

 ROGER'S NOTE:  The Mavericks had been scheduled at the Owl.  It looks as though they are still having trouble getting all the band together.

 

BILL KEITH - MASTER OF THE MELODIC BANJO

Kenny Baker heard Bill Keith playing back stage at the Ryman and told Bill Monroe about him. Bill said it wasn't "their kind of music," but Kenny prevailed and Bill Keith became a Bluegrass Boy.  They proceeded to record several of Keith's tunes including, "Sailor's Hornpipe."  Melodic banjo players play ALL the notes in every song, while that is not strictly true in general Scruggs Style banjo.

The IBMA has just released the following:

Many consider the great Bill Keith to be second only to Earl Scruggs himself when it came to banjo picking.
The IBMA welcomed Mr. Keith into its Hall of Fame on October 1, 2015, during its annual Awards Show ceremony in Raleigh, North Carolina. Though he was unwell at the time, he was able to appear in person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on that special night, where he made a stirring speech of gratitude for his life and career in music. Bill Keith died on October 23, 2015.

DON RENO FROM THE IBMA

Born today, 90 years ago, Don Reno was one of the greatest banjo innovators and was an exceptional all-around musician. He played with Bill Monroe before entering into his famed partnerships with Red Smiley and Bill Harrell. His style of banjo playing incorporated many guitar techniques, including the single-string approach that is the foundation for many of today's progressive players.
To celebrate Don's birthday, watch the pilot of the Kroger TV show featuring Reno & Smiley. At about 16:15 into the video, you will see and hear a terrific demonstration of Don's banjo style on Arkansas Traveler.

Reno and Smiley and The Tennessee Cut-Ups Kroger TV Show Pilot

 

FROM YBA PRESIDENT EDD TREMBLY

YBA Members,

 

Mark your calendars  for 4/22-4/23. Friday 22nd will be the YBA Spring Showcase and Saturday will be an 80th birthday party for Larry Larson. I'm sure there will be great music at both events. I will keep you posted.

 

Edd

FACEBOOK POST BY CHRIS THILE

"Happy 92nd Birthday to most of my favorite mandolins in the world!"

Can it be any, but a Lloyd Loar Gibson F5?  There are many very good mandolin pickers today, but none are any better that Chris Thile.

JOHNNY CASH - "BITTER TEARS" 9 PM PBS

No bluegrass, but MT PBS will present Johnny Cash and his role in the struggles of the American Indian tonight. 2/19/2016 at 9 pm.

MAYBE TELECAST LATER ON MT PBS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bluegrass Underground Featured in National Prime Time PBS Special  On Friday, Feb. 19, PBS will showcase The Best of Bluegrass Underground, a one-hour special featuring the finest performances from the first five seasons of the nine-time Emmy©-winning Americana music series. Airing at 10:00 p.m. EST on PBS stations nationwide as part of PBS Arts Friday night programming (check local listings), The Best of Bluegrass Underground features a mix of Americana's hottest young performers (Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show), iconic artists (Lucinda Williams, Vince Gill, Doyle Lawson, Widespread Panic) and rising stars (Sarah Jarosz, Davina & The Vagabonds).  It's a bucket list venue and this is bucket list television!" Read all about the show and how to watch!   Bluegrass Underground has become an international destination for adventurous music-lovers, covered by media around the world.    The Best of Bluegrass Underground lineup: *           Old Crow Medicine Show:  "Carry Me Back To Virginia" *           Lucinda Williams: "Something Wicked this Way Comes" *           Vince Gill: "One More Last Chance" *           Jason Isbell:  "Live Oak" *           Sarah Jarosz: "Book Of Right On" *           Andrew Bird: "Danse Caribe" *           Lee Ann Womack: "The Way I'm Living" *           Widespread Panic:  "Pilgrims" *           Davina and The Vagabonds:  "I'd Rather Go Blind" *           Johnnyswim: "Hallelujah" *           Doyle Lawson: "Blue Train"   Bluegrass Underground on PBS is made possible by Nissan, TN Tourism, Acceptance Insurance and the City of McMinnville,Tennessee as well as Ascend Federal Credit Union and French's Shoes and Boots.  Click HERE to see a list of all the markets broadcasting this epic special.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PBS's Season VI of Bluegrass Underground will be filmed April 1-3, premiering in September, 2016.  We still have  limited tickets to see the Season VI taping live. Curious to see who is playing our Season VI of Bluegrass Underground on April 1, 2 & 3, 2016? Then Drop by to find out now. We appreciate your support of Bluegrass Underground. Thank you. Sincerely, The Bluegrass Underground Family www.bluegrassunderground.com Please support our sponsors who make this show possible:

THE POPE AND THE COUNTRY SINGER

Multi-Platinum Selling Country Music Artist and Catholic Convert Headlines ‘Two Nations, One Faith’ Papal Telecast Event
 

EL PASO, Texas (February 18, 2016) – It was a communion of technology, faith and worship at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso Wednesday, Feb. 17. Before Pope Francis delivered a blessing to a crowd of approximately 45,000 at the Two Nations, One Faith Papal Telecast during his historic Mass across the border in Juarez, Mexico, multi-platinum selling country music artist Collin Raye inspired event-goers on a world stage. As the headliner of the prelude to the anticipated telecast, Raye shared his personal testimony of faith and performed his inspirational music from his album, His Love Remains, the top rated "Praise and Worship" CD on Amazon in 2012. Raye, who converted to Catholicism at the age of 23, is a 10-time Male Vocalist Of The Year Award nominee and multiple No. 1 country hit-maker with songs like “Love, Me,” and “In This Life,” captivated the melting pot of diverse cultures with his moving performance of songs like "Give Me Jesus," "Here I am Lord," "How Great Thou Art," and his top five single, "Love Remains," which Raye said he always viewed as a hymn when he recorded it in 1995. Raye performed alongside rising singer Andrea Thomas. The two sang "How Beautiful," before Thomas electrified the Sun Bowl with "Ave Maria," sung in the traditional Latin. “I was so blessed to be able to donate my time and talent for this beautiful event. The Pope’s visit to the border was unforgettable,” he said. Days prior to the worldwide broadcast, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of The El Paso Catholic Diocese said, “We want to demonstrate [through this event] to The Holy Father that our two nations, and our two sister cities, embody ‘Two Nations, One Faith.’ Pope Francis’ visit to this region will be a historic moment for these communities, and give a voice to the often voiceless, especially children and families who are at the center of the critical issues facing the border.” A frequent inspirational speaker at Christian and Catholic events, Collin Raye often tells the poignant story of losing his granddaughter Haley to a rare neurological disorder, and the challenges that come with understanding God’s will in traumatic loss. He testifies through the process, God has faithfully led him to see things envisioned for his life now, which he could not see before. “God has a larger purpose. Rarely is he going to do what you want him to do – and thank God for that,” Raye said. “If my life has taught me anything that I want to share with people –we all can learn to be still and listen to God when we pray… just say, ‘Lord, just do whatever with me. Utilize whatever of me you can,’” he added. In 2011, Raye released his first inspirational album, His Love Remains, which quickly shot to No. 1 on Amazon for inspirational and religious music. It is a compilation of unique renditions of classic hymns as well as originals, written by Raye, like “Undefeated,” “I Get What I Need,” and “Love Remains.” For more information on Collin Raye, please visit CollinRaye.com. For more information on Two Nations, One Faith, visit twonationsonefaith.com.   # # # About Collin Raye Collin Raye’s searing ballads and electric performances have been captivating country audiences for more than 25 years. With 16 No. 1 hits, 24 top 10s and ten Male Vocalist Of The Year nominations, Raye has clearly emerged as one of the great voices of our time. The De Queen, Arkansas native rose to fame in 1991 with the timeless number one hit, “Love, Me.” In 1994, his music video for “Little Rock,” led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from addicts seeking help. “Not That Different,” was a song that pleaded for tolerance, and “I Think About You” (awarded as “Video Of The Year” by the Academy of Country Music in 1997) exposed exploitation of women and children. His latest album projects include His Love Remains, his first inspirational hymns album, as well as Still On The Line, a tribute album to Glen Campbell. In 2014, he released his moving autobiography, A Voice Undefeated. He has topped the charts with songs such as “In This Life,” “I Can Still Feel You,” and “That’s My Story.” He is currently performing across the U.S. on The Big 25 Tour. For more information on Collin Raye and upcoming tour dates, visit www.collinraye.com.   Suggested Tweet: .@CollinRaye inspires on world stage #TwoNationsOneFaith #Mass

NEW E-MAIL FROM YBA

THE LATEST FROM YBA SECRETARY MARK MILLARD.  AND I WAS CONFUSED!

Weekly Update Weekly Update!

Friday - NO JAM at the ELKS LODGE.  I REPEAT. NO JAM AT THE ELKS LODGE.

Saturday Morning - Bluegrass music at the Owl Café in Laurel.  Spur of the Moment is playing.

ALSO - for those of us bound Billings Saturday mornings!! A new local joint is hosting a Bluegrass Breakfast.  Every Saturday at Kennedy's (1520 24th St. W.) Breakfast is served from 7:30-10:30 with live bluegrass music from 9-11. Music this week provided by our very own Hillbillings.  It is a nice joint.  The new blugrass series is being coordinated by Mat R., the manager, and former owner of Heartstrings Gallery.  Definitely worth checking out!

Also, next Wednesday night Jeff Scroggins and Colorado will be back playing bluegrass at the Pub Station.

ROGER: Well the above is quite correct.  The bands and dates for the Owl & Kennedy's were not those  on my calendar or earlier posts.  After talking to Mat & John Letcher in Laurelthey have been verified. The Hillbillings will perform this Saturday Feb. 20th at Kennedy's. Mat needs to schedule a band for March 5th.  You can reach him at 406-969-2020 during business hours.

I personally have some concerns regarding having enough groups to play two gigs for Saturday breakfast crowds. If  any reader-pickers are interested in forming a band contact me on facebook or at gdaefiddler@q.com

The coming schedule for the Owl Cafe is:

February 20      Spur of the Moment
                27       Maverick String Stretchers

March      5        Hillbillings
               12        Memory Lane
               19         Spur of the Moment
               26        Maverick String Stretchers

April        2       Highway 302
                 9       Hillbillings

GRAMMY NEWS FROM THE IBMA

Congratulations to The SteelDrivers, whose album "The Muscle Shoals Recordings" just won the GRAMMY for Best Bluegrass Album!! And congrats to each of this year's nominees: Dale Ann Bradley, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Ralph Stanley & Friends. Thank you for representing bluegrass music in a big way!!

The SteelDrivers - Long Way Down

From the new album "The Muscle Shoals Recordings," more information on: www.TheSteelDrivers.com Amazon: http://smarturl.it/SDMuscleShoalsCD iTunes: http://sm...

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NEW JAM SITE & FIDDLE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP

FROM YBA PRESIDENT EDD TREMBLY:

YBA Members,

Trent our Web guru has added a Montana Fiddle Camp Scholarship form to our website. If you know of someone who could benefit from a week at fiddle camp please have them submit this form for consideration.

Eleanor Griffith a YBA member is starting a bluegrass Sunday jam beginning in March. It will be at the Hope United Methodist Church from

2:00 - 4:00 PM. I'll keep you informed.

Once again keep those dues coming in.

Edd

ROGER'S NOTE: Eleanor Griffith is a very nice lady and friend of mine for many years.  The Sunday afternoon jam she is starting should be of special interest to pickers from Billings Heights and those living east and north of Billings.  Hope Methodist is located at 244 Wicks Lane.  Wicks runs east to west and perpendicular to Main and Lake Elmo Drive.  It is near the north portion of the Heights.  This jam may also be of interest to those who have trouble making the Friday 7 PM YBA Elks jam. I can think of at least six YBA pickers who live in that area and you don't need many more to have a fun jam.  We did that for years in Laurel on Tuesdays with the late Mike Rolison as host. 

WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN - AGAIN?

It has just been announced that MT PBS will air a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Friends special on Saturday evening, March 5th.  This should be a great show with bluegrass stars including Vince Gill, Allison Kraus, Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas among the country artists performing.  I am not a big fan of the Dirt Band itself as their few performance successes were simply covering the hits of others like Jerry Jeff Walker and Buddy Holly.  The two Circle CDs were a different story as they featured not the Dirt Band itself, but other great performers doing their greatest hits.  It appears they will follow this approach with the TV special.  You can bet a CD/DVD will be forthcoming as well.  Don't miss it on March 5th.

FRIDAY ELKS JAMS REALLY GROWING

Last Friday's jam at the Billings Elks Club was attended by more than 20 pickers.  Scott Moore's opening tune took nearly 10 minutes to go entirely around the circle with everyone getting a break. It is necessary to modify that usual jam approach when there are so many musicians. I left after the first hour - there were three other fiddlers who represented that instrument quite well.  Also I vary away  from bluegrass during two traditional periods each year, Mardi Gras time (Fat Tuesday) with Cajun tunes and St. Patrick's with Celtic music.  I am especially interested in stressing Cajun music as only the Bebe LaBeouf Band from Bozeman is playing that musical genre in Montana (at least to my knowledge.)  We have had good success in encouraging Celtic groups, which were not around Billings 25 years ago, as several have formed in the intervening time. I continue to try and master Cajun fiddle techniques as taught by the great Michael Doucet as well as some Cajun accordion as advocated by Mark Savoy and Dirk Powell. None of this is easy at my advanced age, but is good exercise for older minds as well as bodies. (I should also admit that another reason for sneaking out of a Friday jam is to watch a couple favorite TV shows, even though I can google them at a later date).    

MANY GOOD PICKERS RAVE ABOUT STEVE KAUFMAN'S WORKSHOPS

 

Register This Weekend

 

Classes Offered for Beginner through Advanced

Lead and Rhythm Guitar

and Beginner Mandolin

 

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Steve's Online Group Lessons - Live

 

New Classes Start this

Monday through Thursday

Six-Weeks - Live Online Group Lesson Sessions

Guitar and Mandolin Pickers

 

 

You can register now. Like RIGHT now. Our teaching system is so seamless, you can also register up to 10 minutes before class.

 

Many of you know my fun and jam packed instructional style through my best selling Homespun and Mel Bay instructional materials. 

 

These classes are going great and and are lots of fun for all. You may learn more with my lessons than other instructors and one of the reasons is I remember what it was like when I was at whatever stage of playing you are at. I remember the frustrations and I remember how I overcame them.

 

I am available now through these Live Online classes to help and guide you over the humps and hurdles that you must get over in order to play and have more fun.

 

Register today! Get started now. (See Details Below or click HERE).

 

If you've ever wanted to get started playing guitar or mandolin, here is the perfect time to start.

Total Beginners through Advanced can benifit from my classes (we hope) so register today.

 

These classes are Live. We use Go To Training for the classes. These are not skippy or jumpy Skype lessons.

1. You get the class recorded and posted to YouTube to review.
2. You get a PDF of the class materials,
3. You get short videos of me playing your lesson downloaded through DropBox.
4. You also get 100% support either through GoToTraining or through me.

Eight New Classes Offered

Six Weeks of Classes - One Hour a Week

Less that $30 per session -  A Quarter the Price of Private Lessons with Steve

Register For Beginner Guitar Rhythm 101
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Monday, February 15

Register For Intermediate Guitar Rhythm 103
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Monday, February 15

Register For Lead Guitar Beginner 101
Click HERE
Start Date - Tuesday, February 16

Register For Lead Guitar Upper Beginner 103
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Tuesday, February 16

Register For Intermediate Lead Guitar 201
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Wednesday, February 17

Register For Mid Intermediate Lead Guitar 203
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Wednesday, February 17

Register For Beginner Mandolin Lead and Rhythm-SessionInfo and Register HERE
Start Date - Thursday, February 18

Register For Upper Intermediate Lead Flatpicking Guitar

NOTE: Only register for this class if you have completed Steve's 201, 202 and 203 Classes
Info and Register HERE
Start Date - Thursday, February 18

Register Today for February Live Group Guitar and Mandolin Lessons!

 

Register HERE

 

You will feel like you are the only one in the room. Totally Live and Interactive Classes

 

For Info See Below

 

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New One Time Class Offered

I've also scheduled another Tunes and Technique class for Guitar. It will be the first Saturday in March. Simply called"Rhythm Guitar - Backing up a Singer. Backing up an Instrumentalist. What to do and not to do".

Catchy title, huh?

March 5 at 11am-noon EST.

Only $40. 

You will get:

The One-Hour Class Youtube Link to review the class after the fact.

MP4 Videos of the lessons played and explained via Dropbox

PDFs of the lesson materials

This is a Live and Interactive Hour of Back-Up information and practice techniques.

 

Register HERE

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Notes and Letters from Past Participants.

 

I'm really enjoying the lessons. I like the way you are using the tunes as vehicles to teach us concepts that we can then use universally in our playing rather than teaching a particular way to play a particular tune.  I have already signed up for the next set.

JM from Bowmanville, Ontario

Steve- I've really enjoyed the lessons.  I thank you for all of your work! The lessons were well presented, thoughtfully progressive and a great way to learn from the comfort of my own cluttered computer room ! I would and have recommended you guitar series . Thanks 

PG from Rome, GA

Great class tonight.  I really appreciate how you show us where else these substitutions could fit, i.e. E blues, etc.  One of my many challenges is that when I hear a song, especially if I like the break, everything else sounds “wrong”.  You are really helping me break out of that closed-mindedness.  Thanks.

JM from Reno, NV

Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed and learned from your class.  You are the best!  

I have taken lessons from several teachers over the years but none have specialized in bluegrass. I felt like I was being bogged down with a lot of material that really didn't relate to  bluegrass. It was so refreshing to see that all the material you taught was spot-on for bluegrass. I can play all the material pretty well now but need to work on increasing the speed and memorizing it all. Excited to see that I will end up with a great collection of tunes I can play with and for family and friends.

JK from Delta, UT

Hi Steve. 

One of the things I really appreciate about this instruction is that there is so much support. The you tube video as well as written tab and standard notation for every song was a real plus.When you gave us “add ons” you helped us document the ideas. This relieved tension related to needing to remember everything at the moment and made the class much more relaxed. I was able to   absorb more at the time as well as go back and refresh from the video.

In all it was a very good experience and I look forward to the next class for rhythm guitar and lead guitar. 

Best wishes,

Nancy B from Tucson, AZ

I really like the classes. At first thought it might be too basic (I've been playing for quite some time) but am discovering that your course material is deceptively difficult. And I've also come to realise that knowing chord shapes and 'noodling' around is NOT the same as actually knuckling down and learning a song. 

Already I feel that my strumming is much better as I'm much more confident and sure ‎with my right hand. The flicking water technique is very good. 

LP from Ontario, Canada

Hi Steve

Just thought I’d share my initial thoughts on the online training.

I think it’s working great. I really appreciate being able to get the insights of someone of your calibre as far away as Australia. One of my great frustrations over nearly forty years of struggling with guitar is that it is very hard to find someone who structures their instruction in a logical and progressive way. I like your 101-102 approach. It helps me feel like I will progress if I follow the course and practice every day.

My project over the last three months or so has been trying got get down fiddle tunes from your first parking lot pickers Book and CDs, then play along with your bluegrass play-along CD (Four-Hour Bluegrass Work-Out). I really enjoy it and have 15 down now but I can only play the slow versions. I crash at 180-190 BPM. My long term goal is to get up to 240 so I can play fiddle tunes at speed.  I nearly fell off my chair when you said you can play at 400 BPM!

Of course now I’m trying to concentrate on the proper technique, I've slowed down but I guess someones you need to slow down first  to speed up. So it’s good to go back to the simple songs and picking exercises to get the technique correct.

Anyway thanks! I’m loving the course.

Thanks again,

SS from Kingston, Australia 

Just finished the second of Steve Kaufman's online video classes. Great stuff!. 

It's not really like a workshop, but more like one on one with Steve. 

It's in real time and you can ask questions in real time but you can still have the video on file as a reference. 

Very enjoyable.

JS from Mechanicsville, TN

Thanks again.  I love this song (Kentucky Waltz).  But it is harder than it sounds!  I am really enjoying these online lessons.  I have most of Steve's books and have been to one of his workshops (Townsend, TN), but for some reason, these online lessons seem to be helping me more than anything I have done.  I guess it is the focus and having the lesson on youtube to view several times during the week.  But also, these audio files you send are great to play along with over and over. 

Thanks again and again,

KH from Waleska, GA

I'm really enjoying the classes! Loving the song choices, too. Looking forward to continuing in 102 classes.

KL

I'm looking forward to Lead tonight. I've never heard Jesus is Coming Soon. What a great beginners tune with chord variety etc.

Thanks and I must say thus far your online classes have been Home Runs!

JM from Davis,Ca.

 

Rhythm 101.  A great experience.  As you know I have been playing for some time now, but I really gained a lot out of this class.  I'm not sure if all of your students realize just how much information and instruction is provided through this approach.  I plan on using this information with Finale to change keys (as needed) and BPM to develop practice tracks.  It is one thing to play these pieces at a slow speed, but once I get them memorized (off the paper) I will be able to play to the audio, increasing my speed.  That in itself is about two years or more of enjoyment and a significant addition to my repertoire.  I also anticipate that I will be closer to being able to play rhythm to songs that I don't know - on the fly!

 

The use of bass walks, seventh chords, alternate chords, learning the chord progression 4 measures at a time, and "tricks" that you provided were great - just what I needed at this time in my journey.  The individualized input is also great - "Chuck's right hand death grip" (I'll work on that).

 

I'm looking forward to Rhythm 102 - see you soon and once again Thank you.

Chuck B - Durand, IL

What Folks Say About Steve

“As a professional guitar teacher, Kaufman has perfected his teaching skills as much as his picking technique.”  Bluegrass Unlimited

“Kaufman patiently teaches and extols the virtues of melodic guitar playing. He also shows that you don’t need an electric guitar and an amp. to be electrifying on the guitar.”  The Music Paper

“Kaufman has a low key, friendly way of presenting his material and he is usually clear in stating his ideas.” California Traditional Music Society

“Kaufman is a formidable player, and the accomplished flatpicker can use his books for guitar contests, for technical exercises, or to develop picking speed and fingerboard knowledge.”  Acoustic Guitar

“Steve Kaufman is great; the boy can pick. He knows what good music is.” Doc Watson

“Kaufman is a monster player. Fluid at any speed and in all registers, he also commands a fine sense of melody which imbues his improvising with a lushness that eludes many flashy guitarists.”  The Chicago Tribune

“Kaufman’s playing is spectacular. His speed is astounding, more so because he never sacrifices tone, never lets his notes blur together. He makes his acoustic guitar a versatile, expressive lead instrument.” Arkansas Gazette

“Steve is one of the best young flatpickers in the country. And along with his flair for the hot and flashy, he has some additional ammunition like power, clarity and musical taste.”  Dan Crary

“The tone and phrasing is excellent and most important- the melodic sense is superb. You certainly set some high standards for all of us to aspire to.”  John Hartford

Join Us for Web Group Lessons.

 

 

NY FANS OF ABC's NASHVILLE TV SHOW OUT THERE?

I watched a few early episodes, but it got too soapy for my interests.  I also didn't think the music was that great. but that is just me being me.  Anyway a new character is now being announced:

Alicia Witt joins the cast of ABC's hit show, Nashville Click here to read more from Entertainment Weekly Revisionary History out now UPC 766397464428 | Alicia Witt Music 003 "A gifted musician." –Scott Simon, NPR (Nashville, TN) January 25, 2016 – Singer, songwriter, classically trained pianist and acclaimed actress ALICIA WITT has announced her role as Autumn, a strong-willed country music icon, in the newest season of the ABC show, Nashville. The official description of her character notes that "Autumn" is, "a respected singer who’s paid her dues and who’s managed to both cross over to pop, and thrive in the era of bro country. Autumn can do it all, and does, because she’s dedicated her life to it. Women want to be her and men want to be with her. Never married, but perpetually involved, Autumn struggles to find real love in her life. When you’re as famous as she is, it’s hard to find men who aren’t threatened by her, or sold on the fantasy.” The role is fitting  for Witt, who teamed up with Ben Folds at RCA Records to record and produce REVISIONARY HISTORY, an album of poignant, piano-driven pop rock that draws comparisons to Billy Joel and Carole King. Revisionary History, Alicia's first full-length studio album, was released on May 5th through Compass Records. In addition to her role in Nashville, 2016 will also bring a showcase at South By Southwest. For more information on her performance in Austin, click here. Stream tracks from the album Request media opportunitiesDownload press materials Listen to Alicia Witt's interview on NPR Weekend Edition

FROM THE YBA SECRETARY

Howdy members,

Here is a quick update on weekly bluegrass happenings in Billings

Thursday night - The Kitchen Dwellars are playing at the Pub station. Heres a clip of them playing Salt Creek https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1jj-FCYsTY
Friday -Jamming as always. Come on down to the Elks! (Note, there will be NO JAMS Friday the 19th.  Please spread the word).

Saturday Morning - The Hillbillings will be playing at the Owl Cafe for breakfast.
ALSO, please please help us spread the word for the Montana Fiddle Camp Scholarship. Good times for sure (it will be the first year that i'm attending).
Your Secretary,
Mark Millard