Back in the fall of 2007 we told you about the Appalachian Music: Roots and Influences concentration being offered at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. At the time we reported that former Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys’ guitarist/lead singer, Dave Haney, was heading up the program. We also reported that he had tapped Scruggs style banjoist Eric Ellis as the program’s first Artist in residence.

Now, we’re pleased to bring you the news that the Haney has received a $7,250 grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, for the purpose of recording a CD to preserve the contributions Eric Ellis has made to bluegrass music.

The university’s new service is reporting:

In addition to Ellis’ banjo playing and baritone vocal harmony, participating musicians on the CD will include David Johnson (fiddle), David Haney (guitar), Nick Chandler (mandolin), Billy Gee (bass), Bobby Hicks (fiddle), and possibly Tony Rice (guitar).

This sounds like a project we’ll want to hear!

Fiddle master Bobby Hicks spent some time at the Berklee College of Music in Boston earlier this month, just prior to the Joe Val Festival. Berklee professor (and banjo instructor) Dave Hollender sent along a brief report on the master class Hicks convened for fiddlers at the school.

Bobby spent about three hours playing with and coaching Berklee students who attended the master class on 2/12. The main focus was on how to play fiddle on bluegrass songs – breaks, backup, etc. He emphasized the importance of playing in tune, knowing the melody really well, and the fact that it is the bow that really gives players their own voice.

He demonstrated some great twin fiddling with Mike Barnett, a student who studied with Bobby before enrolling at Berklee.

It was clear that Bobby had a great time and the session ended with he and a large group of students playing some fiddle tunes he had recorded years ago with Bill Monroe – with Bobby and everyone else grinning from ear-to-ear.

        

Megan Lynch sent along details about her two 2009 FiddleStar instructional camps, held in Ridge Top, TN – just north of Nashville.

The adult camp is scheduled for April 30-May 9 and, in addition to Megan, will feature legendary fiddler Bobby Hicks as guest instructor. Stephen Mougin will offer a vocal workshop over this same weekend, included in the camp tuition.

The youth camp will run June 29-July 3 with Daniel Carwile assisting with the teaching chores.

Rates are available for on or off-site registration, and there is a special rate for parents to stay on-site during the youth camp.

You can find further details at FiddleStar.com.

The Kruger Brothers have been a fixture on the folk and Americana circuit for the past ten years – since they moved to the US from their native Switzerland in 1997.

Jens Kruger in particular has established himself as one of the most technically advanced banjo players in the history of the five string, and his brother Uwe is no slouch on the guitar. With bassist Joel Landsberg, they perform regularly as a trio all over the world.

The Krugers make their home now in North Wilkesboro, NC, not far from the annual Merlefest site. They have immersed themselves in the traditional music and culture of the Appalachian region, and their original tunes show how they have incorporated themes of their new home into the lush and complex instrumental music they compose.

Despite their demonstrated virtuosity, they have not received the same sort of acclaim in bluegrass circles as they have elsewhere. But that may be about to change.

Staring this weekend at the Carolina in the Fall festival, which they host in North Wilkesboro, The Kruger Brothers will unveil a more accessible, familiar sound featuring a couple of bluegrass heavyweights. Mandolinist Adam Steffey will be on hand and may do a number of future dates as his schedule allows.

“I’ve gone down to Wilkesboro a couple of times in the past month or so just to jam a little with the Krugers. They are talking about booking a few shows next year as an aside to their regular shows, with an emphasis on some more traditional sounding tunes. My involvement in this is totally contingent upon my schedule with Dan Tyminski. I may be able to do a few dates with them, or none. It’s really too soon to tell.

It’s a blast playing with them, though, because not only are they all superior musicians, they are the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.”

Also on hand this weekend will be fiddle legend Bobby Hicks, who will also join the Krugers on stage.

“I’m working the festival with them this weekend, and I’m doing a couple things in Florida next year. I’m not a regular member of their band as of yet. But you never know what might happen.

They are some awesome musicians.”

Let’s hope someone records the shows.

HT: Ted Lehmann