2016 SHOWS ON WAMU'S BLUEGRASS COUNTRY
Jan. 2-8/16: New California Bluegrass
Recent releases from the Left Coast, encompassing bluegrass, old time, and a few in-between-the-cracks.
Jan. 9-15/16: Across the Tracks
Lots of new old time, an international set, a couple more from NorCal, and a featurette on Danny Paisley’s latest.
Jan. 16-22/16: Happy Boxing Day/O Canada
Originally broadcast on Boxing Day, a survey of bluegrass and old time music in Canada (where Boxing Day is, indeed, celebrated). Music from British Columbia, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
Jan. 23-29/16: 2015 IBMA Awards Show
Live from Raleigh on Oct. 1st, highlights of the annual gala — plus a few extra tunes by the two newest Hall Of Fame members, Bill Keith and Larry Sparks.
Feb. 1-5/16: Way Down In Our Soul
(Mostly) field recordings from the late '60s and early '70s released on County Records that are largely responsible for the revival and growth of old time music ever since. Essential!
NOTE: All selections are from Legends Of Old-Time Music: Fifty Years Of County Records (County)
Feb. 15-19/16: Matters Of the Heart
Still in the Valentine’s Day glow, a collection of heart songs that includes recordings from 1953-2000 and encompasses a variety of bluegrass styles (including the Big Three) and themes.
Feb. 22-26/16: Bluegrass Cabins
Originally broadcast on the anniversary of Fiddlin’ John Carson's 1923 recording of “Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane," generally considered the first commercially-successful release of old time country music, an investigation of that song (with later versions by Bill Monroe and The Boxcars), along with a number of other bluegrass "cabin” songs.
Feb. 29 - March 4: Fuhgeddaboudit!
Remembering some great songs about ... forgetting.
March 5-11/16: Winter Membership Campaign - Calling Songs
Thanks very much for your support!
March 5-11/16: Winter Membership Campaign - Money Songs
Thanks very much for your support!
March 14-18/16: Epic Similes & More
Guest co-host Allegra Thompson explores a variety of approaches to love and such — and introduces us to a new band.
March 21-25/16: Happy Anniversary (Remembrance Of Things To Come)
In celebration of the 47th anniversary of bluegrass on WAMU, selections from bluegrass LPs released in 1967.
NOTE: All releases, indeed, from 1967.
March 28 - April 1: The Boys Are Back!
Guest co-host Todd Gracyk presents some of his favorites from the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
April 4-8: What's Goin' On
Musical previews of upcoming Bay Area events, with a special emphasis on the Father's Day Festival.
April 11-15: Trouble Round My Door
Guest co-host Todd Gracyk presents some of his favorites by Red Allen, originally released 1957-1969, and including live recordings, obscure 45s, radio shows, and a few classics.
April 18-22: Across the Tracks
New releases (one of which is placed in context), advance singles, and selections from a wonderful new book.
April 25-29: What’s Goin’ On
Musical previews of upcoming concerts. More instrumentals and old time than usual, and one set devoted to contemporary interpretations of Carter Family songs.
May 2-6/16: Rockin’ ‘Grass
Bluegrass treatments of songs made popular by Chuck Berry, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Grateful Dead, and others.
May 9-13/16: Front Country ‘Grass
Guest co-hosts Jacob Groopman & Melody Walker stretch the boundaries with some of their recent faves.
May 16-20/16: Leah’s Picks
Guest co-host Leah Wollenberg explores the blues, a variety of fiddlers, hot guitar players, and some Celtic connections.
May 30 - June 3/16: Gearing Up For Grass Valley
Musical previews of some of the 35 bands performing at the 41st Annual Fathers Day Bluegrass Festival presented by the California Bluegrass Association.
June 6-10/16: Happy Birthday, Clarence!
Originally broadcast on what would have been the late Clarence White's 70th birthday, a brief sample of his amazing music with the Kentucky Colonels and on home recordings. “It’s certainly open to debate, but to me, the most innovative and influential acoustic guitarists of the 20th Century were Segovia, Django, and Clarence. All three utterly revolutionized how acoustic guitar was played and changed forever how it would be used in modern music.” - David McCarty, Flatpicking Guitar Magazine
June 13-17/16: Blue In the Blue Ridge
A memorial tribute to James Alan Shelton, one of the truly good guys in our music whom we lost two years ago. Includes selections featuring his lead guitar as a member of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys as well as from several of his wonderful solo recordings.
June 20-24/16: A Celebration Of George Shuffler
An overview of the music of George Shuffler, featuring his innovative bass and guitar playing with the Stanley Brothers from their recordings for Columbia, Mercury, and King, as well as a 1961 live performance. George is also heard playing the mandolin, singing lead, tenor, and baritone, and as the composer of several tunes. "I remember Tony Rice saying onstage at a festival once, 'If not for George, none of us would be doing what we're doing.' He invented a whole style of guitar playing people have been emulating for 50 years, which is pretty dadgum impressive." (Laura Boosinger)
June 27 - July 1/16: The Bluegrass Barrister: Charlie Sizemore
A celebration of the only(?) bluegrass musician to play the Grand Ole Opry and deliver his college's commencement address during the same year. Includes music from his years as lead singer/guitarist with Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mt. Boys (and conversation with him about that), his Rebel albums in the '90s, and a generous sample from his two albums for Rounder. "Don't try to operate heavy machinery or start your taxes while Charlie is singing. You’ll just get hurt." - Ron Thomason.
July 4-8/16: R.I.P. Dr. Ralph
A memorial tribute to the one and only Ralph Stanley via a sampling of the many live recordings Ralph has released with brother Carter and the Stanley Brothers, and as leader of his own band, (Dr.) Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys. White doves will mourn in sorrow, the willows will hang their heads.
July 11-15/16: Time Changes Everything, part 1
The first of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
“Time” as a title track (Kathy Kallick Band, Lou Reid & Carolina, New Vintage) and a reminder to leave (Del McCoury Band, Good Ol’ Persons, Larry Sparks). Show and mini-series theme from Larry (and Bill Monroe).
July 18-22/16: Time Changes Everything, part 2
The second of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
Music from the ‘20s (Jimmie Rodgers), ‘60s (Dillards, Benny & Vallie Cain), ‘70s (Lewis Family, Goins Brothers), ‘80s (Tony Rice), ‘90s (New Coon Creek Girls, Gibson Brothers), and more recent releases.
July 25-29/16: Time Changes Everything, part 3
Aug. 1-5/16: Time Changes Everything, part 4
The final of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
In which we stray to the not-so-bluegrassy (Peter Rowan, American Nomad, Will Putnam, and, of course, the Time Jumpers) as well as some contemporary originals (Chris Brashear, Alice Gerrard, Front Range, Dwight McCall).
Aug. 8-12: Across the Tracks
NOTE: All music from 2016 releases.
Aug. 13-19: Between Rock & A Hard Place
Guest host: Allegra Thompson
Aug. 20-26: Jump Up & Go
Guest host: Leah Wollenberg
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2: The Legacy Of the Carter Family
Sept. 5-9: Across the Tracks
Sept. 12-16: Happy Birthday, #73987
Originally broadcast on the anniversary of the date (July 9, 1923) that Lloyd Loar signed off on the F5 mandolin made under his supervision that Bill Monroe played for most of his career, this show now serves as a celebration of the week of Big Mon’s birth. Songs and tunes selected by Neil Rosenberg, Martino Coppo, Tom Bekeny, Tom Rozum, Jody Stecher, Skip Gorman, Mike Compton, John Reischman, Butch Waller, Ed Neff, and PeterT.
- All selections by BILL MONROE & THE BLUE GRASS BOYS and, except as noted, available on various Bear Family releases. Recording dates for each selection are included.
Sept. 19-23: Big Mon’s Mando Legacy
Sept. 26-30: Something Auld, Something New
Guest host: Leah Wollenberg
Oct. 3-7: BOTMC Previews
Host: Allegra Thompson
Oct. 10-14: James King Memorial Tribute
Oct. 17-21: New Old Time
Host: Todd Gracyk
Oct. 24-28: Across the Tracks
Oct. 31 - Nov. 4: Live On Arrival
All tracks from Live On Arrival (Bluegrass Signal)
Nov. 5-11: What’s Goin’ On
Musical previews of upcoming events in Northern California; updated and complete list of concerts, festivals, and much more here: www.bgsignal.com.
Nov. 12-18: Carter Family ‘Grass
Host: Allegra Thompson
Bluegrass (and a few old time) versions of Carter Family songs.
Nov. 19-25: An Interview With & the (Mostly New) Music Of Kathy Kallick, part 1
A track-by-track discussion of the music on the Kathy Kallick Band’s Foxhounds, plus some related topics and music.
NOTE: All tracks, except as noted, from the KATHY KALLICK BAND: Foxhounds (Live Oak/15)
Nov. 26 - Dec. 2: An Interview With & the (Mostly New) Music Of Kathy Kallick, part 2
A track-by-track discussion of the music on the Kathy Kallick Band’s Foxhounds, plus some related topics and music.
NOTE: All tracks, except as noted, from the KATHY KALLICK BAND: Foxhounds (Live Oak/15)
Dec. 5-9/16: A Few Old Memories
Guest host Kathy Kallick presents a few of her favorite bluegrass women from recordings done between 1934 and 2013. Originally broadcast on International Women's Day.
Jan. 2-8/16: New California Bluegrass
Recent releases from the Left Coast, encompassing bluegrass, old time, and a few in-between-the-cracks.
Jan. 9-15/16: Across the Tracks
Lots of new old time, an international set, a couple more from NorCal, and a featurette on Danny Paisley’s latest.
Jan. 16-22/16: Happy Boxing Day/O Canada
Originally broadcast on Boxing Day, a survey of bluegrass and old time music in Canada (where Boxing Day is, indeed, celebrated). Music from British Columbia, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
Jan. 23-29/16: 2015 IBMA Awards Show
Live from Raleigh on Oct. 1st, highlights of the annual gala — plus a few extra tunes by the two newest Hall Of Fame members, Bill Keith and Larry Sparks.
Feb. 1-5/16: Way Down In Our Soul
(Mostly) field recordings from the late '60s and early '70s released on County Records that are largely responsible for the revival and growth of old time music ever since. Essential!
NOTE: All selections are from Legends Of Old-Time Music: Fifty Years Of County Records (County)
Feb. 15-19/16: Matters Of the Heart
Still in the Valentine’s Day glow, a collection of heart songs that includes recordings from 1953-2000 and encompasses a variety of bluegrass styles (including the Big Three) and themes.
Feb. 22-26/16: Bluegrass Cabins
Originally broadcast on the anniversary of Fiddlin’ John Carson's 1923 recording of “Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane," generally considered the first commercially-successful release of old time country music, an investigation of that song (with later versions by Bill Monroe and The Boxcars), along with a number of other bluegrass "cabin” songs.
Feb. 29 - March 4: Fuhgeddaboudit!
Remembering some great songs about ... forgetting.
March 5-11/16: Winter Membership Campaign - Calling Songs
Thanks very much for your support!
March 5-11/16: Winter Membership Campaign - Money Songs
Thanks very much for your support!
March 14-18/16: Epic Similes & More
Guest co-host Allegra Thompson explores a variety of approaches to love and such — and introduces us to a new band.
March 21-25/16: Happy Anniversary (Remembrance Of Things To Come)
In celebration of the 47th anniversary of bluegrass on WAMU, selections from bluegrass LPs released in 1967.
NOTE: All releases, indeed, from 1967.
March 28 - April 1: The Boys Are Back!
Guest co-host Todd Gracyk presents some of his favorites from the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
April 4-8: What's Goin' On
Musical previews of upcoming Bay Area events, with a special emphasis on the Father's Day Festival.
April 11-15: Trouble Round My Door
Guest co-host Todd Gracyk presents some of his favorites by Red Allen, originally released 1957-1969, and including live recordings, obscure 45s, radio shows, and a few classics.
April 18-22: Across the Tracks
New releases (one of which is placed in context), advance singles, and selections from a wonderful new book.
April 25-29: What’s Goin’ On
Musical previews of upcoming concerts. More instrumentals and old time than usual, and one set devoted to contemporary interpretations of Carter Family songs.
May 2-6/16: Rockin’ ‘Grass
Bluegrass treatments of songs made popular by Chuck Berry, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Grateful Dead, and others.
May 9-13/16: Front Country ‘Grass
Guest co-hosts Jacob Groopman & Melody Walker stretch the boundaries with some of their recent faves.
May 16-20/16: Leah’s Picks
Guest co-host Leah Wollenberg explores the blues, a variety of fiddlers, hot guitar players, and some Celtic connections.
May 30 - June 3/16: Gearing Up For Grass Valley
Musical previews of some of the 35 bands performing at the 41st Annual Fathers Day Bluegrass Festival presented by the California Bluegrass Association.
June 6-10/16: Happy Birthday, Clarence!
Originally broadcast on what would have been the late Clarence White's 70th birthday, a brief sample of his amazing music with the Kentucky Colonels and on home recordings. “It’s certainly open to debate, but to me, the most innovative and influential acoustic guitarists of the 20th Century were Segovia, Django, and Clarence. All three utterly revolutionized how acoustic guitar was played and changed forever how it would be used in modern music.” - David McCarty, Flatpicking Guitar Magazine
June 13-17/16: Blue In the Blue Ridge
A memorial tribute to James Alan Shelton, one of the truly good guys in our music whom we lost two years ago. Includes selections featuring his lead guitar as a member of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys as well as from several of his wonderful solo recordings.
June 20-24/16: A Celebration Of George Shuffler
An overview of the music of George Shuffler, featuring his innovative bass and guitar playing with the Stanley Brothers from their recordings for Columbia, Mercury, and King, as well as a 1961 live performance. George is also heard playing the mandolin, singing lead, tenor, and baritone, and as the composer of several tunes. "I remember Tony Rice saying onstage at a festival once, 'If not for George, none of us would be doing what we're doing.' He invented a whole style of guitar playing people have been emulating for 50 years, which is pretty dadgum impressive." (Laura Boosinger)
June 27 - July 1/16: The Bluegrass Barrister: Charlie Sizemore
A celebration of the only(?) bluegrass musician to play the Grand Ole Opry and deliver his college's commencement address during the same year. Includes music from his years as lead singer/guitarist with Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mt. Boys (and conversation with him about that), his Rebel albums in the '90s, and a generous sample from his two albums for Rounder. "Don't try to operate heavy machinery or start your taxes while Charlie is singing. You’ll just get hurt." - Ron Thomason.
July 4-8/16: R.I.P. Dr. Ralph
A memorial tribute to the one and only Ralph Stanley via a sampling of the many live recordings Ralph has released with brother Carter and the Stanley Brothers, and as leader of his own band, (Dr.) Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys. White doves will mourn in sorrow, the willows will hang their heads.
July 11-15/16: Time Changes Everything, part 1
The first of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
“Time” as a title track (Kathy Kallick Band, Lou Reid & Carolina, New Vintage) and a reminder to leave (Del McCoury Band, Good Ol’ Persons, Larry Sparks). Show and mini-series theme from Larry (and Bill Monroe).
July 18-22/16: Time Changes Everything, part 2
The second of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
Music from the ‘20s (Jimmie Rodgers), ‘60s (Dillards, Benny & Vallie Cain), ‘70s (Lewis Family, Goins Brothers), ‘80s (Tony Rice), ‘90s (New Coon Creek Girls, Gibson Brothers), and more recent releases.
July 25-29/16: Time Changes Everything, part 3
Aug. 1-5/16: Time Changes Everything, part 4
The final of a four-part exploration of bluegrass songs about … TIME.
In which we stray to the not-so-bluegrassy (Peter Rowan, American Nomad, Will Putnam, and, of course, the Time Jumpers) as well as some contemporary originals (Chris Brashear, Alice Gerrard, Front Range, Dwight McCall).
Aug. 8-12: Across the Tracks
NOTE: All music from 2016 releases.
Aug. 13-19: Between Rock & A Hard Place
Guest host: Allegra Thompson
Aug. 20-26: Jump Up & Go
Guest host: Leah Wollenberg
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2: The Legacy Of the Carter Family
Sept. 5-9: Across the Tracks
Sept. 12-16: Happy Birthday, #73987
Originally broadcast on the anniversary of the date (July 9, 1923) that Lloyd Loar signed off on the F5 mandolin made under his supervision that Bill Monroe played for most of his career, this show now serves as a celebration of the week of Big Mon’s birth. Songs and tunes selected by Neil Rosenberg, Martino Coppo, Tom Bekeny, Tom Rozum, Jody Stecher, Skip Gorman, Mike Compton, John Reischman, Butch Waller, Ed Neff, and PeterT.
- All selections by BILL MONROE & THE BLUE GRASS BOYS and, except as noted, available on various Bear Family releases. Recording dates for each selection are included.
Sept. 19-23: Big Mon’s Mando Legacy
Sept. 26-30: Something Auld, Something New
Guest host: Leah Wollenberg
Oct. 3-7: BOTMC Previews
Host: Allegra Thompson
Oct. 10-14: James King Memorial Tribute
Oct. 17-21: New Old Time
Host: Todd Gracyk
Oct. 24-28: Across the Tracks
Oct. 31 - Nov. 4: Live On Arrival
All tracks from Live On Arrival (Bluegrass Signal)
Nov. 5-11: What’s Goin’ On
Musical previews of upcoming events in Northern California; updated and complete list of concerts, festivals, and much more here: www.bgsignal.com.
Nov. 12-18: Carter Family ‘Grass
Host: Allegra Thompson
Bluegrass (and a few old time) versions of Carter Family songs.
Nov. 19-25: An Interview With & the (Mostly New) Music Of Kathy Kallick, part 1
A track-by-track discussion of the music on the Kathy Kallick Band’s Foxhounds, plus some related topics and music.
NOTE: All tracks, except as noted, from the KATHY KALLICK BAND: Foxhounds (Live Oak/15)
Nov. 26 - Dec. 2: An Interview With & the (Mostly New) Music Of Kathy Kallick, part 2
A track-by-track discussion of the music on the Kathy Kallick Band’s Foxhounds, plus some related topics and music.
NOTE: All tracks, except as noted, from the KATHY KALLICK BAND: Foxhounds (Live Oak/15)
Dec. 5-9/16: A Few Old Memories
Guest host Kathy Kallick presents a few of her favorite bluegrass women from recordings done between 1934 and 2013. Originally broadcast on International Women's Day.