News, etc.

A couple of tunes have been added to the old time machine, both in the key of D. The first is Rye Straw, also known as "The Joke on the Puppy." Apparently, the canine digestive tract (dogs being carnivorous and all) is ill suited towards digesting rye, hence feeding it to a pup... Read More

I'm a huge fan of everything related to old-time music and Round Peak, NC. The people (Tommy, Fred, Kyle...), the style, the tunes, etc. I think one of the reasons the music from that region has had such influence is because the melodies themselves are so strong. They just seemed... Read More

Another installment in the Clawhammer Core Repertoire Series. This time it's Nail that Catfish to a Tree. The full lesson is available over on the Banjo Hangout. Read More

Another video in the clawhammer tune and tab of the week series. This one is Snowdrop, which I believe is the prettiest banjo tune I know. Read More

I've started a new banjo tune (and tab) of the week over on youtube. For the inaugural edition I chose the "Cluckin' Hen", a tune that I first heard Mac Benford play (on banjo) several years ago, and have been playing ever since. The tune comes from J.P. Fraley, and his gorgeous... Read More

Was just listening to Hobart Smith on the "Blue Ridge Legacy" album and heard the quote below. So I had to stop what I was doing and post it here before I forgot. I've said that when I grow up I want to be Hobart Smith. This quote reinforces that notion. If you haven't gotten... Read More

Howdy folks! Two new tunes have just been added to the old-time machine, and they are: New Five Cent Piece Buffalo Gals They're both in the key of D, so look for them in the D tunes section of the old-time machine. For the lifetime members out there, the backup mp3 downloads and... Read More

For the frailing banjerists out there: I've been writing a "Clawhammer Core Repertoire" lesson series for the Banjo Hangout over the past year, teaching how to play some of the tunes out of the old-time top 20. You can check them out by going here. The latest installment is... Read More

You may have noticed that the old-time jam looks a little different. If so, you're absolutely right! Since launching this site in December of 2011, the response has been overwhelming - in a very good way. And, over time, I realized that making this place all that I wanted it to... Read More