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-184 - The Art of Quitting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:14
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 184 The Art of Quitting I have spent much airtime here discussing the starting of things. Jams, bands, lessons, etc. But there comes a time in the natural curve of things that we must give it…
GTR-183 - First, Tune That Thang! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:06
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 183 First, Tune That Thang! After a wandering diatribe I eventually get to the topic of the day and discuss tuning. Real solid tuning! I talk about how to get an instrument in tune so it will…
GTR-182 That Ain't Bluegrass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:15
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 182 That Ain't Bluegrass In today's episode I discuss that most difficult topic of deciding just what is and what is not bluegrass. After a bit about what I think IS bluegrass, I take the eas…
GTR-181 Bob Knysz Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:21
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 181 Bob Knysz Interview This episode will introduce you to one of the movers and shakers in the mandolin world. Bob Knysz is an accomplished bluegrass musician and is also a founder of the At…
GTR-180 - Tony Williamson Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:09
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 180 Tony Williamson Interview Join me on this wide-ranging conversation with Tony Williamson. We discuss mandolin world addiction, mandolin family instruments, Bill Monroe and the "power pose…
GTR-179 Megan Chowning Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:57
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 179 Megan Chowning Interview I always enjoy swapping stories and notes with other teachers. But this is no ordinary teacher! In this episode you will meet champion fiddler, professional music…
GTR-178 The Bluegrass Way of Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:45
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 178 The Bluegrass Way of Life After a bit of talk about starting seeds for the garden and an Amateur Radio event, I bring you Heather's (see episode 177) response to my advice regarding my Pe…
GTR-177 Personal Feedback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:16
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 177 Personal Feedback Teaching yourself via online lessons, books and videos can be incomplete without the feedback from a teacher. In this episode I demonstrate my Personal Feedback Solution…
GTR-176 - In The Press Room [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 176 In The Press Room I am taking a bit of a break from bluegrass in this post-Christmas week. This week I present the second episode of my "other" podcast, never released, just to help you f…
GTR-175-In A Giving Mood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:32
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 175 In A Giving Mood In the spirit of Christmas I am in a giving mood. I have a hoard of freebies and discounts that I am tossing from my sleigh. I also discuss a super cool little Pick Pocke…