GTR-164 - Western Red Interview

GTR-164 - Western Red Interview

Author: Bradley Laird August 26, 2020 Duration: 49:09
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 164   Western Red Interview   Think you don't like country music? Well, considering what I hear on "country" radio today, I tend to agree. But, if you dig back just a bit you will find that bluegrass is country music!   Today I present something a little different. It has long been my contention that bluegrass, honky-tonk, western swing, and old-time country are all branches of the same tree. Think: back stage at the temple. I mean The Grand Ole Opry!   You know, that alley-way where Melissa slugged Bessie Lee. That alley Jimmy Martin strutted across to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge to douse his disappointment in another PBR. All those folks were hanging out in the same place. Musically and culturally.   To discuss these concepts, I invited a fellow podcaster and radio personality, Western Red of the If That Ain't County podcast, on to the show. I trust that you will enjoy our chat.   Your interest in bluegrass will be enhanced by listening and supporting what Red is doing. You may even go out and buy an Emmons 8 string, 4 pedal steel guitar--with a '66 Fender Twin Reverb amp-- like I did in 1978! Wish I never sold that thing! (I was young and stupid. Now I am just old and stupid. If you have a pedal steel laying around I would appreciate you packing it up and sending it to me.)   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!

If you've ever picked up a mandolin, banjo, or guitar with a curiosity about bluegrass, you know the journey is equal parts joy and frustration. Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio-Bluegrass is a companion for that path, hosted by musician and teacher Bradley Laird. This isn't a lecture series; it's a practical, encouraging conversation from someone who understands the hurdles. You'll hear discussions on technique, from fundamental rolls and chops to more nuanced phrasing, alongside commentary on the history and spirit that defines the genre. The focus is on tangible progress, whether you're figuring out your first G-run or refining your backup playing for a jam session. Episodes often feel like a one-on-one lesson, breaking down songs and concepts into manageable steps while addressing the common mental blocks that can slow a player down. The goal is to build not just competence, but confidence and a deeper appreciation for the music. Tune into this podcast for a mix of straightforward instruction, thoughtful analysis, and the steady motivation needed to keep your practice meaningful and enjoyable. Bradley Laird's approach demystifies the process, helping you move from simply playing notes to genuinely making music within the bluegrass tradition.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass
Podcast Episodes
GTR-194 - David Mathis of Gallagher Guitar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 194 David Mathis of Gallagher Guitar Gallagher guitars, made in Tennessee, were first brought to the attention of guitar players when the legendary Doc Watson chose a D-50 Gallagher in the la…
GTR-193 - They Said It Couldn't Be Done [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:18
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 193 They Said It Couldn't Be Done Bill Monroe only made one minor mistake in the creation of Blue Grass music. That is the trying, and later elimination, of the accordion in his ensemble. Wel…
GTR-192 - Harmony [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:19
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 192 Harmony Harmony is the interaction between two or more different tones or pitches. Bluegrass music is nothing without harmony. (So is humanity by the way.) In this episode I walk you thro…
GTR-191 - Host a Jam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:54
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 191 Host a Jam Over the years I have been to lots of jam sessions and have organized and hosted quite few too. If you are starved for bluegrass pickin' I will explain how you "take the bull b…
GTR-190 - Matt Hutchinson Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:06
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 190 Matt Hutchinson Interview Here's a guy who loves bluegrass. So much that he is willing to create a podcast so you have someone to pick with! What's not to love? In this episode I strike u…
GTR-189 - Life Is Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:36
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 189 Life Is Good In this episode I talk about how you can dive in to your solo, play like dog squeeze, feel totally humiliated and still get a round of applause. It's one of the hidden benefi…
GTR-188 - A Man's Entitled To His Opinion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:38
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 188 A Man's Entitled To His Opinion 200 episodes and over 100,000 downloads. Not bad! This short episode is just to let you know I am still kicking. I have taken a little, well deserved break…
GTR-187 Beach Balls & Train Wrecks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:51
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 187 Beach Balls & Train Wrecks In this episode I talk a bit about the "Beach Ball Effect", I get interrupted by a friendly sales call, give you a short garden update, and then dig in to the t…
GTR-186 - Edumacation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:14
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 186 Edumacation Are Fun! In this show I respond to a couple of emails I received and discuss education and how we learn. Have fun and I trust you take this "in the spirit in which it is inten…
GTR-185 - Cancel This! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:33
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 185 Cancel This! All I am saying is listen and make up your own minds. Cancel me if you must. Or, stick with me and the bluegrass way. Enough already! I have heard so much sub-par bluegrass s…