Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 129 Recording Basics   This episode is the first installment in a short series on home recording. In this introduction I discuss the difference between analog and digital, why we record, and talk some about older technologies such as the Edison cylinder and magnetic tape.   I think this background primer will help you even if all you want to do is record your banjo picking on an iPhone app. Do you know what an A/D converter is? If you talk on a cell phone you use them everyday! Do you know how to make your own record player with a sheet of paper and a pin? This fun stuff and more are contained within.   Technical note: I saved this audio file in a larger, less compressed format than I have been using. It should improve the audio quality just a bit but make it a tad slower to download. Let me know if you can hear any difference.    If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 128 Should I Just Give Up?   This episode has two topics. After giving you a rundown of the trials and tribulations of starting up my own bluegrass jam session--with four weeks under our belts-- I answer a listener's question about trying to decide whether to join a band or just sit around playing quietly at home after the kids go to sleep.   I hope that my direct and honest approach does not offend too many people, but by golly, you deserve to be happy too! It is a balancing act and I think I do a better job talking about in the podcast than trying to describe my thoughts here in this description. Just go listen and then let me know if you think I am all wet.    If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the pod

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 127 Nobody Bats a Thousand!   After two years of steady podcasting I have discovered a lot of similarities between the art of podcasting and the art of learning to make good music.   One of the ten similarities I discuss in this show is the fact that nobody gets a base hit every time they step up to the plate. In fact, everybody is going to strike out sometimes. That's all part of the bluegrass game. I hope you enjoy this episode and that it offers you some encouragement and food for thought.    If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-127-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 126 Song Structures   The majority of bluegrass songs and tunes will fall into five categories based upon their structure. There are two main types of instrumentals and three variations of vocal songs. Recognizing these structural differences will help you determine what to do during your solos and to better arrange songs for your band or jam session.   I present audio examples of each structure type. After listening to this you'll never ask this question "Am I supposed to play the verse or the chorus during my break." Enjoy the show!    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-126-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 125 Stall Recovery   The last thing you want to do in an airplane is to stall. You either recover or go into a chaotic spin towards earth. Hearing the warning signs and being able to correct before it is too late is vital for maintaining safe and level flight. The same is true for learning to make music. I'll explain in this podcast.   Contrary to your natural instinct, the solution to counteracting a stall is to push the nose down. Yikes!!! Your reaction will be to pull back on the stick to avoid the sudden stop when you hit the ground! You must gain air speed and point your nose down. Same with music.    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes pag

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 124 Doug Hutchens Interview   In this episode I talk with Blue Grass Boy Doug Hutchens. Doug was working and mowing the grass at Bean Blossom and was in the right place at the right time to become Bill Monroe's bass player in 1971.   Doug's story is fascinating and he has been involved in documenting the history of the Blue Grass Boys and honoring Bill Monroe for many years. There were some technical issues with the recording and Doug has offered to come back on the show at a future date to discuss his time at Gibson and other topics. Enjoy the show!    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-124-sho

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 123 Son of Podcast Shoutouts Back in Episode #75 I ran down a list of the other podcasts I listen to and find interesting. This episode is a repeat of that idea and I shout out the ten podcasts that I have been listening to lately. Before I get into the list I spend some time talking about where bluegrass fits into the over arching umbrella of so-called "country music."   I hope you enjoy the show. And thanks ED!    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-123-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 122 Don't Be Bad   Most folks, when starting out, have a desire to be good; to become a good picker or singer. But I think it may be a better idea to start at the other end of the quality spectrum and work on NOT being bad.   This episode also features the first installment of a special Bluegrass History feature written and presented by my son Jackson.    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-122-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 121 The Power of Small Things   After a quick update about that "pickup gig" I did last Friday night, I launch into a discussion of the power of small incremental change over time. The analogies are all over the board, from the Federal Reserve System, to hair loss, lifting cattle as an exercise technique, and growing tomatoes. Of course, I talk about bluegrass too! Have fun.    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-121-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 120 Pickup Gigs   This episode is a rambling discussion of pickup gigs. Those are the sort of gigs which are done with no rehearsals--just a collection of musicians who show up at the same place and at the same time--and somehow, seemingly by magic, sound like a real band. I tell you my strategy for that sort of gig.   I also answer a listener question regarding learning and performing bluegrass with electric bass instead of an upright. I have been asked by several people recently whether or not my Bluegrass Bass Instruction Course can be used with electric bass and it certainly can.   This discourse takes the usual Ranger Brad Style of meandering turns and touches on the need to have some understanding and appreciation of Bill Monroe, the size of catfish in the Flint River, the nocturnal feeding habits of large carnivorous reptiles, and the question "Should you have a crop duster bomb your home?" Have fun.   Technical note: I noticed a couple of tiny "dropouts" in th

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 119 Two Vital Tools   This episode is a discussion of the two most important tools in playing bluegrass instruments. I suggest ways to think about them and ways to care for and improve them. Have fun.   Technical note: You'll hear a touch of "white noise" in the background at times but it is actually a gentle, much-needed rain coming down on the tin roof of my barn.    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-119-show-notes.html   GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 118 To Plug or Not To Plug   In this episode I discuss the pros and cons of electric amplification in the bluegrass world. I compare simply using microphones versus "plugging in" by using transducers, magnetic pickups, or internal mics.   I get into outboard gizmos like preamps, direct boxes, guitar amps, wireless rigs and effects devices and their usage in the bluegrass realm.    If this podcast helps you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-118-show-notes.html   GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music.

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 117 Crutches and Training Wheels   Anyone who has ever sprained an ankle or broken a leg knows how valuable a crutch can be. Learning to ride a bike is made easier by using training wheels. But, eventually, you must throw them away!   In this episode I discuss the use and misuse of various crutches and training aids in learning, jamming and performing bluegrass. I hope you enjoy this episode.   I also give a quick shoutout to my Patreon supporters and my recent GrassTalkRadio supporters. Thanks friends! Without you this would not, could not happen. Thank you.   If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page. Grab a cigar and glass on cognac on the way in.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode s

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 116 Motivations for Music   There are many reasons for picking up an instrument and trying to get some musical sounds out of it. In this episode, I present my theory that music is not about the sounds you make. That's just a part of it. It's about the people. The connections. The communication.   Maybe I am completely "full of it", in which case I encourage you to do your own thinking, but I do think you should give these ideas a bit of a spin in your own mind. Who knows? I might have said something that makes perfect sense.   I also give a shoutout to my Patreon supporters and my recent GrassTalkRadio supporters. Thanks guys and gals! Without you this would not, could not happen. Thank you.   If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter or you can join "the club" over on my Patreon page.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradley

GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 06   Insert Coin, Press Play - In this short bonus episode I am asking for your assistance. I have created a Patreon page which makes it easy for you to help keep the wheels greased here at GrassTalkRadio headquarters.   Speaking of quarters, that's all it takes! You can probably dig around in the belly of your washing machine or under your driver's seat and find a handful of quarters. Fifty cents an episode (chump change) is only $2 a month. Do whatever your pocketbook allows.   If your power is about to be turned off, I don't want your money. But, on the other hand, if you are on your 3rd high dollar mandolin and the dividend checks just keep coming in, maybe you could chip in a bit more than the average bear.   If you think the show is worth listening to then I hope you will consider becoming a Patreon supporter. I shot a video explaining more and you can sign up here:   www.patreon.com/bradleylaird   There is a video I made from my back porch which explains

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 115 The Need For Speed   This past weekend I played a Kentucky Derby Party gig on bass with The Pluck Tones. That, and that screwy contested result, got me thinking about speed and the need for speed.   Then, out of the blue, I got an email from a fellow who stated he was struggling to keep up with the speed demons in his bluegrass jam. This podcast is a full response to his email with tips for how to keep up when the tempos get insanely fast.   If these thoughts and ideas help you I hope you will keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter.   You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-115-show-notes.html   GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music--the music which takes a mournful theme and sets it against a speedy, upl

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 114 Tie Up Loose Ends   In this episode I talk for a bit about my leap of faith in you and then I get on with a list of ten things you can do to tie up some loose ends.   There are always things awaiting your attention and perhaps today is the day to make your own list of 10 things that you have been meaning to do. Take care of them and, when you've checked off all 10, you'll sleep better that night.   You can help keep this show going and growing by becoming a GrassTalkRadio Supporter. The question is: Will you? I hope that you will.   If you enjoy the show you can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.   Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-114-show-notes.html   GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play bluegrass music–a participation sport which only survives through the activity of the fans who also pl

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 113 More To Life Than Bluegrass   I intended this episode to be a short, 10 minute, explanation of why I couldn't put up a full length podcast today. I was going to talk about my bandwidth limitation struggles, etc. But, when I started I just got to talking about some things very important to me--and which I hope are important to you--and I just rambled on for 40 minutes.   Then I tried to upload it. It was TOO long. Should I wait until the first of the month? I don't want to wait for the reset of my upload space. So, I bit the bullet. Stuck the ol' Minie ball between the molars and clicked "upgrade". I am counting on YOU to help me make this podcast continue. I'll talk more about this later and explain how you can help. For now let me describe this episode:   This show talks about the broader world of music, how we learn, why you shouldn't stand to close to a raging flood going down a drainage ditch, and how there is more to life than bluegrass. I know. You thought I wou

GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 112 Creative Thanks   I set out this morning to answer some listener emails and I got to talking about a very thoughtful gift I received this week from a listener. I'll tell you all about it. I never got to those emails.   I also talk about automotive parking brakes, the old shareware days, my Egyptian hieroglyph font and a sweet little letter I got in the mail. The episode also includes a mini-review of McClung's mandolin arm rests and a Frank Ford pegwinder crank.   Take the time to do little things for the folks in your life who make your life better. Pick a dandelion and hand it to your wife and tell her she is beautiful. Stuff like that.   Pet a dog. Say something nice to a tree. Find the right kid and give him a walking liberty half dollar and tell him about how money used to be real silver! Give a promising picker one of those tortoise shell picks you've been hoarding. After you stop looking at your stock portfolio and checking your bank balance, these are the

GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 05   Bluegrass Bass Learning System - In this bonus episode I announce the completion of a project 40 years in the making.   It can help you if you want to learn to be a better bass player or it can help that lousy bass player you suffer with. Do yourself a favor and point that dude or dudette to my course.   Read all about it on my own website here. Or, if you want to download it, just click here.   GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--where carting a dog house bass around, and playing it well, is sometimes appreciated!