Quote from a friend of mine that I thought is so true I had to share it. I've studied many instruments and genres at varying levels of intensity and skill, and bluegrass guitar is the only one that's really brought me to the brink of insanity. The guitar wasn't meant to be played this way. It resists us at every step by the awkward hand mechanics, the string gauges that are too light for drop D but too heavy for regular tuning, the impossibility of clean, true amplification at a gig without feedback... infinite suffering.

Some of my favorite groups have been in the studio recently, so I thought I’d ask which ones y’all are excited about!

I’m excited for:

• Missy Raines and Allegheny - it’s Missy, does more need to be said?

• Special Consensus - it’s their 50th anniversary album, and has quite a few alumni on it.

• Jigjam - my favorite bassist Dan Eubanks did the bass tracks so I’m excited to see what he came up with

• I think there was one or two others, I can’t recall right now.

Hello all,

I’ve recently gotten into irish traditional/folk music - bands like the Bothy Band, Planxty, etc for those familiar. Are there any bluegrass musicians whose music is more directly inspired by/similar to this style of music?

Hey y’all! I usually play guitar, but I want to start getting into playing fiddle as well.

I took violin lessons (classical) for a couple years in the past, so I have the basic fundamentals down, like how to hold the bow, reading sheet music (to a degree), etc.

Just wondering if any of y’all had resources for learning tunes that have been helpful to you. Whether it be books, videos on YouTube, etc.

Please let me know! Thanks!

https://youtu.be/yBKEriW-Zsc?si=afzbLvJMiR9-wYSE

Idk if that worked but if it didn’t I can repost if you’d like

(Guitar) Im thinking David Grier / Jake Eddy type stuff. Usually when playing with a band youre playing rhythm, then when it comes your time you take a break, and afterwards go back go playing rhythm. Solo flatpicking is like combining all of that at once. I havent found a lot of resources out there other than just listening to it. Nobody seems to really be giving lessons on “solo flatpicking “. Im basically just looking for any advice I can get. I just cant quite seem to connect what exactly it is I should be doing to fill up that sound when playing by myself. Thanks

Hey everyone! Random one for you—my fiancé and I are getting married in Telluride at the beginning of June and are looking for a Colorado Based band to play the opening party/dinner on the Friday before the wedding.

We’re looking for a fun band where we can do some contra/two-step/swing dancing and have a good western time!

Curious if anyone would have any good recommendations of good local bands in the southern Rocky’s or anywhere else in the state!

Thank you!

I’ve always been fascinated by the raw energy of Bill Monroe’s version of Mule Skinner Blues. It’s a two-chord powerhouse with yelling, yodeling, and relentless drive—a stark contrast to the polished ballads of the 1940s.

Learning to perform it myself was a challenge, especially mastering those long yodeling notes. Thanks to some vocal training from Megan Jean (of Megan Jean’s Secret Family), I finally found my confidence, and now it’s one of my favorite songs to perform.

I’d love to hear from others—what makes this song such a timeless classic for you? Do you have a favorite version or artist who’s performed it?

I don’t remember the exact context. I was jamming with my banjo buddy tonight and he jokingly said something about being sensitive. Then I blurted out, “I’m not sensitive, I’m high and lonesome!” 🤣

Set your alarms for 2 o'clock Sunday (MST) for a 'favourites' of 2024 edition of Fervor Coulee's Rootsicana & Bluegrass on CJSR 88.5 CJSR.com fea. two hours of incredible music from albums fea. here: fervorcoulee.wordpress.com/2024/12/13/f... & fervorcoulee.wordpress.com/2024/12/10/f...

The first hour is roots and the bluegrass begins at 3:00. Would love to have you listening!