Joe Walsh: Mandolin Master, Teacher, NE Bluegrass Hub

Joe Walsh: Mandolin Master, Teacher, NE Bluegrass Hub

Author: Bluegrass stars December 31, 2024 Duration: 52:08
Send us Fan Mail Mandolinist, band leader, singer, songwriter, teacher, and now father, Joe is the hub of bluegrass in New England. He has played with, and taught, virtually all the young stars of contemporary bluegrass. In our interview, Joe talks about many of his contemporaries, his mandolin playing and singing, teaching, and of course how it feels to have a baby daughter at home.

Tucked away in Hamden, Connecticut, the Got 'Grass? podcast is where the heart of bluegrass beats. Host Chris Wuerth, from the GuitartownCT concert series, pulls up a chair with legends and rising stars of the genre for conversations that go far beyond the stage. While the music is the foundation, these discussions weave through personal history, the cultural commentary embedded in the songs, and the often hilarious, always candid stories from life on the road. You'll hear about the influences that shaped a sound, the historical moments that defined a career, and the quiet reflections that happen when the instruments are finally back in their cases. This isn't just a series of interviews; it's an intimate gathering where the voices behind the strings share their journeys with eloquence and a deep sense of connection. Each episode of this podcast feels like a backstage pass to the real stories, offering listeners a genuine understanding of the people who create the music. The tone is warm, engaging, and often surprisingly funny, mirroring the community it represents. For anyone curious about the souls behind the solos, Got 'Grass? provides a rich, listening experience that celebrates bluegrass in all its authentic, human complexity.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 83

Got 'Grass?
Podcast Episodes
David Grier: Guitar Genius Marches To His Own Drum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:23
Send us Fan Mail David Grier talks about his childhood, growing up with Bill Monroe and Clarence White playing music in his house, his approach to practicing, a couple of things he learned from Tony Rice, his development…
Rob Ickes: Taking Dobro To A New Level [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:28
Send us Fan Mail Rob Ickes talks about his affection for, and playing with, The Tony Rice Unit, his time with Earl Scruggs, his take on country music today, and, amazingly, how much he doesn't know about playing the dobr…
Jason Carter: Life, After a LIfe with Del McCoury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:53
Send us Fan Mail Jason Carter has played fiddle with The Del McCoury Band for 30 over years. He has won 3 Grammys, and 5 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year awards. He is also a member of The Travelin' McCourys, and is engage…
Mark Schatz: Bassist to The Stars of Bluegrass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:17
Send us Fan Mail Legendary bassist who played 5 years with with Tony Rice Unit, plus Nickel Creek, Tim O'Brien and John Hartford. Mark now tours with Bela Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart. He talks at length about his time pla…
Luke Bulla: Lyle Lovett's Favorite Fiddler! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
Send us Fan Mail Luke Bulla is one of the best fiddle players of his generation. A Grammy winner with Ricky Skaggs, 15 years with Lyle Lovett, and has performed with every A-list bluegrass star. He discusses growing up i…
Rhonda Vincent: She Really is The Queen of Bluegrass! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:03
Send us Fan Mail Rhonda Vincent has won more awards than just about anyone in bluegrass, from IBMA and SPBGMA to the Grammys. She is called The Queen of Bluegrass for good reason! She leads her hard driving bluegrass ban…
Todd Phillips: Stories of Dawg, Tony Rice and More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
Send us Fan Mail Bassist Todd Phillips was a founding member of The David Grisman Quintet, The Tony Rice Unit, and The Bluegrass Album Band. Our conversation provides a unique and wide ranging inside look at the history,…
Justin Moses: Is There Any Instrument He Can't Master? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:06
Send us Fan Mail Bluegrass star Justin Moses expounds on his early years, his time with Ricky Skaggs and Dan Tyminski, touring the world with Bela Fleck's "My Bluegrass Heart", and of course his marriage and performing c…
Doyle Lawson: A Bluegrass Legend, if Ever There Was One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:23
Send us Fan Mail This is a long and fascinating interview. Doyle reminisces about performing and recording with Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, J.D. Crowe, The Country Gentlemen, The Bluegrass Album Band and of course Quicksi…
Phil Rosenthal: Muddy Waters are Seldom Scene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:33
Send us Fan Mail Phil Rosenthal was the lead singer and guitarist for The Seldom Scene from 1977-1986. He talks freely about his hiring by the Seldom Scene in 1977, and his abrupt and bitter firing by the band in 1986. H…