The Bristol Sessions and Beyond, with Ted Olson

The Bristol Sessions and Beyond, with Ted Olson

Author: Matt Hutchinson December 6, 2023 Duration: 1:04:28
Bluegrass Jam Along
MusicArtsInterviewsPerforming

My guest this week is Ted Olson.

Ted is Professor of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University.  He's also written liner notes and essays for some wonderful projects, including “Doc Watson – Life's Work: A Retrospective,” and the fantastic  “Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs Of Jane Gentry and Mary Sands” by Martin Simpson & Thomm Jutz.

Ted joins me to talk about three wonderful projects he worked on for Bear Family Records, celebrating three key recording sessions that took place in East Tennessee in the 1920s and '30s - The Bristol Sessions, The Johnson City Sessions and The Knoxville Sessions.

Bear Family put out a multi-CD box set for each of these, which Ted did extensive research and  provided some wonderful essays and liner notes for. Each set is also distilled into a single CD release.

We talk about why The 1927 Bristol Sessions, which brought The Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers to the attention of the world, came to be known as the 'big bang' of Country music, why that label doesn't sit quite right with Ted, how the sessions came about, what was happening in the world of commercial recording at the time and why the legacy of those recordings is so important, plus much, much more.

It was a fascinating conversation and put those recordings in a whole new context for me, both helping me understand their importance, but also (thanks in part to the wonderful transfers and re-mastering, as well as the incredible liner notes) helping me realise there's just some great music in there too!

You'll find the single CDs here:

Bear Family CDs

and the box sets here:

Bear Family box sets


Happy picking!
Matt

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Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)


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Hosted by Matt Hutchinson, Bluegrass Jam Along is an IBMA Award-winning conversation that feels like pulling up a chair in the middle of a lively, expert picking session. It’s built for anyone with an ear for the intricate stories and sounds of bluegrass and old-time music, going far beyond just the recordings. Each episode brings thoughtful interviews with the people who shape the scene, from legendary performers like Alison Krauss and David Grisman to the skilled instrument makers and writers whose work forms the foundation. You’ll hear from voices such as Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, and Sarah Jarosz, discussing craft, history, and the personal journeys behind the music. Alongside these deep conversations, the podcast weaves in updates on new releases and notable news, keeping you connected to the evolving string band world. The result is a rich, weekly listen that offers both education and genuine camaraderie, mirroring the collaborative heart of a jam itself. Tune in to this podcast for an authentic and engaging exploration of the music, hosted by someone deeply embedded in its community.
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