Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass

GrassTalkRadio.com - Special Episode 2   Special Episode - Jam Tracks 3   This short episode is to announce the release of new material on my site. As promised, I have completed Bluegrass Jam Tracks #3. It is a collection of 68 MP3 tracks covering 10 songs/tunes at multiple tempos. I had a number of requests from folks who have collection #1 and #2 asking for specific tunes. I have answered those requests in this edition.   As a listener to GrassTalkRadio you can get a discount if you decided to download the collection. It's all explained in this micro-episode. Save some bucks and, in these strange times, have someone to pick with!   Note: The special listener discount coupon code is only valid through August 31, 2020 so don't fiddle around too long!   If you want to download those 9 free tracks I mentioned in the episode, read the full descriptions of all of my jam tracks, or just start downloading, point yer little browser here:   http://www.bradleylaird.com/tracks/index.html Ya'll take ca

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 163   The Dobro Pioneers   Bill Monroe said that a Dobro sounds like an old tin bucket! That's one thing Bill and I disagree on. I think he was just sore because Lester and Earl left him, dropped the mandolin and added Josh Graves. (In later years, Bill and Josh were good friends and I think the tin bucket comment was dropped.)    Dobro is a big part of bluegrass music and in this episode we listen to samples of some of the pioneers who brought "that old hub cap guitar" into the bluegrass world, including Josh Graves, Mike Auldridge, Tut Taylor, Curtis Burch, Jerry Douglas and a few more.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptio

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 162   Dog Days of Summer   The dog days of summer are upon us. In this episode I catch you up on the bluegrass happenings around the Kingdom of Lairdonia and tell you a little story from my first real job. Then I get to the heart of the episode: "Lessons From The Dawg". Not him. Real dogs! You'd be surprised what you can learn from watching a couple of dogs. And, amazingly, how it relates to pickin' bluegrass.   In this episode I mentioned the book "Mandolin Song Book" which is here.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 161   Lizzy Long Interview   Today I had a chance to catch up with Lizzy Long and discuss how she learned to play, what it's like to play with Little Roy Lewis, her new album on Vine Records "Dreaming Again", and her stories of time spent with Earl and Louise Scruggs.   Be sure to scope out her new album here: https://117group.com/award-winning-roots-artist-lizzy-long-releases-her-sophomore-album-dreaming-again/   You can find Lizzy's schedule and bio here: lizzylong.com     Here is a video from the 2006 Earl Scruggs Tribute that Lizzy and I talked about. You can see Lizzy at 8:54! You would be amazed at some of the names of banjo players in that crowd that you would recognize!   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   My full website is located at http

This episode describes the Treasure Hunt. Find a gold coin by digging around on www.bradleylaird.com and get a massive discount off any instructional material in the store. Listen to the episode, find a gold coin on my site, and cash in with an insanely huge discount before July 31, 2020. Happy hunting!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 160 Make Hay While The Sun Shines   Today, for perhaps the first time I really get into grass! Real grass--the kind my donkeys eat-- and talk about hay making, baling and why you will not be able to play your bass fiddle for two days due to sore hands if you spend the day totin' hay bales by the string!   This episode also includes information about my brand new checkout process system which should eliminate some of the problems folks have reported attempting to make a purchase using PayPal. The new system is up and running and humming right along. You can give it a "dry fire test" by visiting my online store at www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   I also give you a mini-report on the jam session I held here at the barn, grumble a bit about the state of the bluegrass world, and try to offer up some encouragement.     In the last episode I talked about: Bluegrass Jam Tracks #2. You can hear some free sample tracks here. And, as I said in today's episode, I am working on Vo

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 159 Tab Vs Standard, Et Al Today, after the usual introductory baloney, I discuss the merits of tablature versus standard notation. Then I take the topic further by discussing 3 more ways to learn to play music. I hope you enjoy the episode. Have fun!   In today's episode I also talked about a cool page on the internet you should check out with a directory of the top bluegrass podcasts. You will find it here on blog.feedspot.com.   I also make another brief mention of my newest creation: Bluegrass Jam Tracks #2. Try them out. You can hear some free sample tracks here.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.  My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, vi

Today's episode is a mish-mash of thoughts running through my head. First I talk a bit about the garden and the rural roots of bluegrass--and bugs! Then, I tell you about a real life "Little Girl and The Dreadful Snake" tale and how those reptiles which have been attacking my chickens and their eggs. After that I chill out and read you another listener email, describe the new jam track collection I just created. I also do a little shout out to the Mandolin and Beer Podcast and, in particular, the Matt Mundy interview episode. Then I finish up with a little plug for my son Jackson's new 4 song EP which you can download here for free.  

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 157 Chord Progressions In this episode I talk about chords, chord progressions and jam tracks. Having an understanding of the "Chords By The Numbers" idea can be very useful both in backup and lead playing. Ride along as I do my best to explain.   Links to the various resources I discuss in the episode are listed on the show notes page at grasstalkradio.com   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 156 Survival Strategies In this episode we hear an audio submission from a fellow listener. Then, I share 8 ways I have attempted to stay sane in this time of no picking, no festivals, no shows and very little fun!   I also discuss my downloadable book "The Mandolin Song Book". If you listen to the show you will learn how to work out the puzzler and get a 25% discount. All you have to do is identify the famous mandolin player pictured on the cover of the book. You can get all the details here on the show notes page here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-156-show-notes.html   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons!   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of a

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 155 The Mail Bag In this episode I catch you up on what's been happening around the Principality of Lairdonia (very little) and then I dive into the mail bag a read a slew of listener emails. Have fun!   You will find the garden photos and other show notes for this episode here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-155-show-notes.html   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.  My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses... plenty to keep you busy!  

GrassTalkRadio.com - Bonus Episode 10 Mando Workshop This bonus episode is in two sections. The first part talks about "workshops", what they are, how they tend to go down, and my experiences being on both sides--sitting in the audience or presenting the program.   The second part is almost like sitting through one of my mandolin workshops. Download the free 18 page "handout" and follow along! It's almost like being there. You'll learn my version of Franz Liszt's hand exercises to increase your finger control and flexibility and a lot more!   You can download the fabled 1988  "workshop booklet" as a PDF here so you can follow along. The hand exercises and everything else I mention is in the PDF. Grab it!   The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/bonus-episode-10-show-notes.html   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by vi

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 154 The Banjo Masters At the request of a listener and patreon supporter I put together this hour long romp through the albums I consider to be essential listening for all bluegrass banjo players.   In the episode I also mention my book The Flint Hill Scrolls. You can read about it and download it here.   If you play another instrument there is plenty to listen to here for you too! Have fun and thank you Henry for the very good question.   The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-154-show-notes.html   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.  My full website is located at http://www.bradleylaird.com. There you will find free lessons, free videos, jam tracks, full descriptions of all of my books, video lessons and courses...

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 153 Hunkering Down After the old one-two punch of lockdown followed by storms which knocked out the electricity, I thought the clouds were parting. Then, 45 minutes later the internet went out and stayed out. I am right now at the McDonald's parking lot in Americus, Georgia uploading this for you.   In this episode, after I vent all of my frustrations, Jackson reads another email from a fellow listener named Henry and I talk about growing potatoes and other such nonsense. Pardon the short description and the lack of an episode specific graphic. We are getting bad vibes sitting here and scamming the free wifi so I'll add the show notes page if and when the internet comes back on at home.   The show notes for this episode are at: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-153-show-notes.html   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing b

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 152 Ad Lib Thoughts I started this episode three times. Each time I hit record I began wandering off on little rabbit trails and I would hit stop, gather my thoughts, and then begin anew. I have an idea that I am not the only person with that type of thinking processes right now.   In this episode, after a quick email from one of your fellow listeners (who only had one simple question) I talk about breathing and its relation to relaxed playing, I talk about the ultimate master of focused, laser beam concentrated picking (the pickle jar effect), how fear can harm your playing abilities, and I give a little shout out to the Josh Cole Bluegrass Podcast.   Keep your chin up, folks!   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.  My full website is located at http://www.brad

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 151 The Underground Tape A little humor is in order. To wit, I present you with what I consider to be the classic underground tape, handed from picker to picker over decades, of Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt burying the hatchet and ending their longstanding feud.   Smile folks. This too shall pass.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 150 Tristan Scroggins Interview This episode features a conversation with mandolinist Tristan Scroggins discussing the differences between Old-Time and Bluegrass jam sessions, his new book of fiddle tunes for mandolin, how to get over fear of taking solos and more. Additional show notes and links to Tristan's website and his new book are found here.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 149 Ear Training How can you improve your solos? How can you take breaks on songs you don't know? How can you express yourself better through your instrument and with your voice? Get started with "ear training!"   Grab your instrument (it doesn't matter what you play!) and try playing along with the sample ear training exercises I present.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Bonus Episode 09 Do Me a Favor   "Breaker breaker one nine. How 'bout a radio check? Come back."   After over 150 episodes I am doing a radio check, so to speak. I want to hear from you. Send me an email if you are listening to this show. It will only take a few minutes and I would really appreciate it.   If you like this podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 148 Dynamics Often skimmed over with beginning students, and sorely needed by many long-time players, the art of employing dynamics can add a great deal to your musicianship and sound.   As a prelude to this discussion I update you a bit on keeping "the farm" operational, report from a recent gig, and a job I did running sound for the 3 Redneck Tenors act. Fun stuff.   In the heart of this episode I attempt to explain the concept, the terminology and give you a road map for improving your dynamic abilities.   The outro music is a demo recording of a good bluegrass gospel song called "Final Hour", written by Randy Godwin and Darryl Wilson. My job was to stand in Randy's closet and play banjo and mandolin. As I recall, Randy played the bass and guitar parts.   If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Thank you, patrons! You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at