The mandolin division at Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments is a place of legends. Names like Lloyd Loar and Charlie Derrington are ever present in the minds of mandolinists. Danny Roberts, of the Grascals, has also served a stint with Gibson in recent years.

The latest addition to the staff at Gibson OAI is mandolinist, producer, and luther, David Harvey.

David Harvey, master musician and producer has joined the Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments Division (GOAI) as master luthier.

In David’s new role he will oversee the mandolin production and be an active participation in all quality control matters. David will also conduct clinics and dealer events throughout the country and will play an integral role in the presence of Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments in the Bluegrass community worldwide.

David has an extensive background in instrument construction and repair and has served many bluegrass stars as the ‘go-to’ guy for needed repairs and set up.

You can read the full press release here.

Brance told us in early February that mandolinist Davide Harvey would be leaving his position with The Claire Lynch Band.

Claire has just posted an open letter which David wrote to fans and friends of the band, to share the reasons why he had reluctantly come to the conclusion that he had to make this move. These include the demands of his position at Gibson, and a desire to be at home to spend time with his young daughter.

“Folks, this isn’t farewell‚Ķ.our music community is small and it is a comfort to me to know that my family and I will see you at music events from time to time. I have many projects in the works‚Ķ.I have started production on Moody Bluegrass, Volume II, and will hopefully release a solo project in the near future. I also plan to continue live performances as I can.”

Read David’s letter in full on Clair’s site.

Claire Lynch is currently auditioning mandolin players to fill the role being vacated by longtime band member David Harvey. Harvey has been a member of the band for the last thee and half years and has contributed significantly to the band’s sound in that time. He has recently announced that he will be leaving the group this spring and the search is on for his replacement.

The band is now auditioning mandolin players… additional skills on fiddle preferred. Vocals (low tenor to Claire’s lead) a must.

Those interested in the position must be willing to tour extensively, as evidenced by the band’s tour schedule, and must also be capable of performing in both traditional bluegrass style and outside the “bluegrass box.”

Inquiries concerning the gig should be directed to: clairelynchband@gmail.com

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Our guest on this episode of The GrassCast is Claire Lynch. In the interview John and Claire discuss her history in bluegrass music, talk about her band members, and discuss her newest CD, New Day. The discussion leads to previewing three of the tracks off the CD, one of which was written by Claire. The conversation turns to songwriting and what makes a good song in her opinion.

Those of you who enjoy Claire’s music should find this interview intersting. If you’ve never heard Claire before, this is a good chance to preview her music and see what you think.

Direct Download: ep50_claire_lynch.mp3 (It’s a big one – 18MB)

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Additional links:

clairelynch.com
missyraines.com
jimhurst.com