GTR-199 Uncle Rico‘s Time Machine

GTR-199 Uncle Rico‘s Time Machine

Author: Bradley Laird November 24, 2021 Duration: 1:19:34
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 199   Uncle Rico's Time Machine   Put the handle between your legs. Set the date on the dial. Don't forget to put the crystal in the clamp. Tell Kip to throw the switch. You will be instantly transported to another time and place. In this case, Motorhead's Bar and Grill on a Thursday night in McDonough, Georgia. Take notes. This has everything: How to cope with 15 free shots for the band, the buzzing of countless neon lights, screaming adoring fans, smashing beer bottle sounds, the snapping of a "smoke eater" machine, a late fiddle player, a fill in bass player thereby causing us to "wing" all of the harmonies since we are missing our tenor singer.  Pay attention to Buddy's guitar playing. Those little mid-range licks put right into the gaps! It is a perfect representation of good bluegrass guitar. David's banjo playing is top notch and different from what you are used to. Mike's fiddle, despite no time to warm up, is truly amazing. Tony's bass playing, even though he is winging it on every tune, proves what a great musician (with "great ears") he truly was. And the tone from my 1985 Carlson Flatiron is better than I have ever heard it. Golden times before everyone lost their minds. Back then, only WE had lost out minds. This episode is dedicated to the memory of my good friend and mentor Tony Terrell who taught me so much about piano tuning, rebuilding and introduced me to so much great music.  It has a drunk bar owner (the guy with the $300 at the end of the night) hassling us to play Free Bird, our answer, including an "alright, wise guy, I'll show you", cynically wicked slide mandolin solo using a Craftsman deep well socket, multiple "guest slots" from folks in the audience, a tear-jerking version of Dixie, Sally Goodin the old time way... It has it all. And despite all of the very obvious flaws, it is a great gig! And they kept us on for 3 more years!  By the way, when I told Harry that we'd play Free Bird in the fourth set, that was a joke. We were only booked for three sets.   Happy Thanksgiving, folks!   And don't forget: Christmas Times a Coming! All you mandolin players need Jackson's eBook Christmas Songs For Mandolin. You still have plenty of time to learn them before the mistletoe is hanging. Granny don't wanna hear no Salt Creek! She wants Jingle Bells! Enjoy the show. ------------------------------------- If you like 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.  I love you all!   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-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…
GTR-174 - Make Something [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:26
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 174 Make Something This episode is meant to encourage you to try your hand at making something. Something that can be fun and useful to your bluegrass picking! I present 16 ideas to get your…