Podcast
Bluegrass Jam Along
Hosted by Matt Hutchinson · EN
"Bluegrass Jam Along is a great, great podcast" - Chris Eldridge
The IBMA Award winning podcast for anyone and everyone who loves bluegrass.
Every week we feature interviews with musicians, writers, instrument makers and other key figures from the bluegrass and string band world, plus regular news and new releases.
Guests include Alison Krauss, Sierra Hull, Tim O'Brien, Wyatt Rice, Jerry Douglas, Sarah Jarosz, Jarrod Walker and David Grisman.
For more info visit https://bluegrassjamalong.com
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Kristina R. Gaddy - Go Back and Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas for Fiddle and Banjo
Jan 1600:48:43Tap to summarizeMy guest this week is Kristina R. Gaddy, who returns to chat about her new book, a collaboration with Rhiannon Giddens, called Go Back and Fetch It: Recovering Early Black Music in the Americas for Fiddle and Banjo.The book picks up on the research Kristina did for her previous book Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History (you can hear our conversation about that here). Crucially though, this volume doesn't just present a series of tunes as research pieces, it includes both banjo transcriptions and standard music notation, so people can play the music and give it a place in the current repertoire.We talk about why so little music was collected from black people in the Americas (fewer than 10 songs before 1861 were collected in the United States that we definitely know are from Black musicians); why these tunes were collected and how; how the way they were collected (and who did the collecting) shaped what was gathered and much more.As always, it was fascinating talking to Kristina.You can find out more about Go Back and Fetch It (and buy the book) via the University of North Carolina Press.For more on Kristina and updates on her research, follow her on Instagram and Substack Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates:InstagramFacebook- Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Bluegrass Briefing - January 2026
Jan 700:13:06Tap to summarizeWelcome to this month’s Bluegrass Briefing, a monthly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsHighlights from the first 500 episodesInspiration for Musicians episodeNews and announcements - church street news Dawg at 80 on NugsBilly Strings Tiny Desk ConcertNPR Tiny Desk ContestOld Settler’s Music FestivalReleases (The Grass is New)Sam Grisman ProjectCarolina Chocolate DropsAlasdair Fraser & Natalie HaasMichael Daves EPScroll on BuddyIs Bluegrass Too Fast?Other bitsFull list of interviewsCollings GuitarsHappy picking.Matt Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Highlights from the First 500 Episodes - Alison Krauss, Wyatt Rice, Bryan Sutton, Gabe Witcher, Brittany Haas, Chris Eldridge, Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins and Mike Marshall
Dec 1701:24:31Tap to summarizeIf you were listening last week, you'll know that my interview with Trey Hensley about Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall was the 500th episode of Bluegrass Jam Along.To celebrate I thought I'd put together an episode with a few of my highlights and favourite moments from those first 500.You'll hear from:Alison Krauss, on two different car journeys with Tony RiceWyatt Rice, on recording Church Street BluesBryan Sutton, on the journey all musicians go onGabe Witcher, on leaving Punch BrothersBrittny Haas, on joining Punch BrothersChris Eldridge, on Bela Fleck's Drive albumBryan Sutton (again), on Doc Watson and his influenceSarah Jarosz, on her album Blue Heron SuiteSara Watkins, on I'm With Her's Wild and Clear and Blue and Mike Marshall, on playing with Tony Rice and what he learned from other musiciansThis journey has been a lot of fun and I can't wait to get stuck into the interviews I already have lined up for the next set of episodes.Thanks to all my guests and to all of you who've listened over the past four and a half years.If you want to hear a bit more about my journey with the podcast, check out this interview I did with Daniel Patrick from the Mandolins and Beer podcast.Finally, if you know anyone who you think would like this episode, please share it with them!Matt Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Trey Hensley Celebrates Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall
Dec 1000:57:36Tap to summarizeWelcome to the 500th episode of Bluegrass Jam Along!My guest this week is Trey Hensley, who joins me to celebrate the very first record he bought - Flatt and Scruggs at Carnegie Hall.This historic album was a pivotal moment for bluegrass and also served as a personal intro to the music for many fans.We chat about why Flatt & Scruggs' performance at Carnegie Hall, on December, 1962 was groundbreaking, the initial skepticism from the press, the audience's enthusiastic reception and some of the famous (and soon to be famous) face in the crowd on the night.We also talk about the pivotal role Lousie Scruggs had, not just in getting this performance recorded, but in putting Flatt and Scruggs (and bluegrass music) in front of a new, younger audience.This one was a real treat!For more info on Trey check out www.treyhensley.com===If you're a Flatt and Scruggs fan and missed the Earl Scruggs 100th birthday episodes I put together last year (including Trey as a guest!) you'll find them here:Earl Scruggs 100th Birthday Tribute:Part 1 - Tony Trischka, Kristin Scott Benson and Alan MundePart 2 - Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Tim O'BrienPart 3 - Trey Hensley, Kyle Tuttle (Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway) & Willow OsborneJim Mills on Earl Scruggs and pre-War Gibson banjosJerry Douglas celebrates Earl Scruggs' 100th Birthday Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!) Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Celebrating 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner' with Eric Skye
Jan 29, 202501:00:52Tap to summarizeMy guest on the podcast this week is Eric Skye, who joins me to celebrate the album 'Phillips, Grier & Flinner'.Released in 1999 on Compass Records, it marks the first collaboration between bassist Todd Phillips, guitarist David Grier, and mandolinist Matt Flinner and features three original tunes from each.We chat about how Eric first discovered the record and why it means so much to him, plus what's so special about these three musicians and this collection of tunes. We also chat about the album's sound and why listening is such an important part of making (and understanding) music.This was a fantastic conversation to get to have and it's always a pleasure talking to Eric.You can buy 'Phillips, Grier and Flinner' on CD or as a digital download in mp3,FLAC or WAV via the Compass Records websiteFor more info on Eric's music and production services, check out ericskye.comThe Chris Thile and David Grier bootleg we discuss in the episode is available via sugarmegs:Part 1Part 2 SetlistHappy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Bluegrass Briefing - January 27th 2025
Jan 27, 202500:08:23Tap to summarizeWelcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.Pod newsDaniel Kimbro interviewApple PodcastsSpotifyNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Dawg at 80Sierra Ferrell tour datesEarl Experience Banjo CampReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistScroll on BuddyMartin Guitars Billy Strings signature modelsOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Daniel Kimbro - Story Songs, Murder Ballads and a New Solo Record
Jan 22, 202500:55:26Tap to summarizeMy guest this week is Daniel Kimbro. Daniel is the bass player in Jerry Douglas's band and plays with Jerry in Transatlantic Sessions and The Earls of Leicester. He's also part of the trio Harley Kimbro Lewis and joins me this week to chat about his first solo record Carpet in the Kitchen. This was a fun conversation that touches on story songs, fishing, murder ballads, collaboration and finding a sense of place in music, plus lots of chat about how Carpet in the Kitchen came together and the musicians Daniel chose to accompany him on the record. Loyston, the first single from the album, is out now. You can listen here.For more info check out Daniel's website and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.Happy picking,MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Bluegrass Briefing - January 20th 2025
Jan 20, 202500:10:36Tap to summarizeWelcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.News and Announcements (Church Street News)Sierra Hull - pre-order/pre-save the new recordBluegrass in La Roche infoReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Bluegrass Briefing - January 13th 2025
Jan 13, 202500:13:39Tap to summarizeWelcome to this week’s Bluegrass Briefing, a weekly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episodeNews and Announcements (Church Street News)Chris Thile’s AcousticampStation Inn bookBluegrass Hall of Fame - John Hartford DaysReleases (The Grass is New)The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistOther bitsSign up for emails https://bluegrassjamalong.com/contact/The Grass is (mostly) New 2025 playlistFull list of interviewsPeghead NationUse the code ‘jamalong’ for a free month of any courseHappy picking.MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
Transcribe →Dan Gutstein - 'Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane'
Dec 11, 202400:54:45Tap to summarizeMy guest this week is author Dan Gutstein, who joins me to chat about his book 'Poor Gal: The Cultural History of Little Liza Jane'.The book traces the history of one of America's most recorded folk songs, from its origins amongst enslaved people on southern plantations, through the Civl War and minstrelsy, to the folk revival and beyond. On its journey Little Liza Jane, and its variants, was performed and recorded by a huge range of artists, including Del McCoury, Nina Simone, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Alison Krauss...and David Bowie.It's a fascinating subject, which could have filled several episodes!You'll find more info on Dan and the book (including links to buy a copy) at www.dangutstein.com/#/littlelizajaneThere's a great playlist of Liza Jane recordings on Spotify if you want to check out some of the versions we discuss in the episode.You'll also find info on the ongoing film project Dan talks about at www.lizajanemovie.comHappy picking!MattSend a message to Bluegrass Jam Along! (Don't forget to include your name so I know who you are!) Support the show===Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)- Sign up to get updates on new episodes - Free fiddle tune chord sheets- Here's a list of all the Bluegrass Jam Along interviews- Follow Bluegrass Jam Along for regular updates: Instagram Facebook - Review us on Apple Podcasts
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