She was in attendance with her husband, Terry Baucom, and sent us this report.

“Terry was an instructor, along with Tom Adams, Mike Scott, Jim Rollins and Bill Emerson. Josh Goforth worked with the old time players on clawhammer and Tom McKinney was on hand for banjo set-up. There were over 50 participants this year.

A Faculty Concert was held on Friday evening, where I was honored to join the instructors as bass player and tenor singer, as Tom Adams played guitar and sang lead and Terry baritone. That was a lot of fun and was followed by a big jam session with the students. On Saturday night, Bill Emerson & The Sweet Dixie Band performed.”

The event must have gone well, as event producer Rod Johnston has already made plans to do it again in November, 2010.

This one features Katy Daley interviewing Terry & Cindy Baucom.

Click here to view the embedded video.

He will continue to play banjo on the Mountain Heart with Tony Rice shows, and will also be on banjo for shows with Mashville Brigade when they tour starting next year.

Bauc told us that he really enjoyed working with Dale Ann, whom he considers to be a great friend.

“It was a nice variation for me working up her material, and it was a great creative time, but I really wanted to get back to playing more hard driving stuff. That’s more my style.”

Baucom mentioned that he hoped to be able to be available for more banjo clinics and workshops, such as the North Carolina Banjo Clinic where he will be teaching in November.

Mashville Brigade started as a Tuesday night gig at Nashville’s Station Inn with a rotating group of Music City sidemen. Jim Van Cleve is on fiddle, Darrell Webb on guitar, Ashby Frank on mandolin, Aaron McDaris on banjo and Randall Barnes on bass. Each works with a national touring band, and the Tuesday shows became a fun way to pick together on bluegrass chestnuts they all knew and loved.

After the release of a Rural Rhythm CD, Bluegrass Smash Hits Volume 1, and the resulting radio play, the guys have decided to take the show on the road, and will be available for limited live appearances during the 2010 season. Given his busy schedule with Rhonda Vincent, McDaris was unable to commit to any Mashville shows, and as no one can mash down on traditional bluegrass like Terry Baucom, he was an obvious choice.

Booking for the Mashville Brigade shows is being handled by Ashby Frank, who can be reached by phone (615-290-5533) or email for further details.

The Mountain Heart with Tony Rice shows are managed by Mountain Heart and Keith Case & Associates.

The album celebrates the contributions of Galyean, a legendary performer from western North Carolina who had worked with The Stanley Brothers, Hylo Brown and Charlie Monroe. All of the songs are ones Galyean has written, performed by such stellar Virginia/North Carolina artists as Junior Sisk, Terry Baucom, Johnny Williams, Jimmy Haley and Rick Allred.

Cullen was discovered in 1965 at the storied Fincastle bluegrass festival, where he won the banjo competition with a spirited rendition of Midnight Ramble. That ‘65 live audio is included as on the tracks on the new CD. He had been recorded before in 1984, with Bobby Harrison on the Folkways album, Old Time Bluegrass from the Virginia-North Carolina Border.

Judith Burnette of WBRF tells us that Cullen’s son Mickey Galyean will be with her in the studio during the 8:00 p.m. hour while they highlight the music from Born Into Bluegrass. Mickey performs with his own bluegrass band, Rich In Tradition.

“I’m hoping Cullen will be well enough to join us in celebration, as well. He has been in the nursing home for the last several weeks for rehab. He had a serious bladder infection and was hospitalized a couple of times because of that.  He wasn’t very mobile before this illness, and was even less so after the hospital stays.  Mickey told me he has been able to walk from the bed to the bathroom, and from a wheelchair to his bed so that is an improvement.”

Cullen was able to be in the studio for some of the recording of this project. He plays his banjo and sings baritone on Bluegrass Time, he sings baritone on Days of Grey and Black, Judy Lou and Blue Ridge Mountains.”

WBRF broadcasts at 98.1 FM from Galax, and can be heard over a wide area in Virginia, North Carolina Tennessee and West Virginia. They also simulcast online at www.blueridgecountry98.com.

Born Into Bluegrass – The Songs of Cullen Galyean is scheduled for release on October 1.

It was a terrific show, and this memento of the performance is a classic. It was created by Jenny Conner, a photographer and web developer based in southwestern Virginia.

She took a great many shots of the stage from the same location, and when she looked at the photos of Baucom, this slide show suggested itself.

Click the thumbnail above to see her tribute to The Duke of Drive.

As Jenny said on her site…

“Why I love to photograph banjo players: They NEVER MOVE.”

His latest CD, B-Natural, has just been released. It’s a self-produced project with 12 new Sizemore compositions with Terry Baucom on banjo, Jimmy Haley on guitar, Ron Stewart on fiddle and Mike Bub on bass. Alan Bibey also adds some lead guitar and harmony mandolin parts.

The CD title comes from the lead track, a sly reference to the stylistic innovations that Herschel introduced to bluegrass mandolin some years ago. The mandolin style that Bill Monroe developed quite commonly involved playing in the key of B, but Monroe’s playing was position-based and often relied on stock licks and phrases. Sizemore found a way to play complex melodies in B, an unforgiving place for uncapoed stringed instruments, and it won has him quite a stable of admirers among his peers.

What Herschel introduced is now standard fare in the bluegrass mandolin repertoire, and it’s a sad fact that many young 8-stringers have little awareness of the straight line that runs from Herschel Sizemore through Sam Bush, Alan Bibey and Adam Steffey.

Of course, he plays comfortable in most any standard bluegrass key, and his new tunes demonstrate a variety of the breakdowns, reels and waltzes for which he is known. The sound here will be quite familiar to long-time Sizemore fans, with straightforward, no frills arrangements and crisp, clean playing all around. Here are a few audio samples:

Monroe’s Dream is one Herschel wrote a few years ago, reflecting on his old friend Bill Monroe. Big Mon was always a supporter of what Herschel was doing with teh mandolin, and Herschel has always believed it was because he wasn’t copying Monroe’s music, but making his own statement with teh instrument.

Derrington Express is dedicated to another dear friend, Charlie Derrington, formerly with Gibson in Nashville. Charlie was killed by a drunk driver almost exactly 3 years ago (8/1/06) while he was riding his motorcycle near his home.

B-Natural was produced with support from The Virginia Foundation For The Humanities. Ordering in enabled from Herschel’s web site.

Though they had been acquainted for some time, Terry had not performed with Dale Ann much until this past January when he backed her on several shows during the Pickin’ All Star Bluegrass Tour. While that show was on the road, she asked Bauc about doing some shows with her, and he has been traveling with the band since February.

Gena Britt, who had been playing banjo with Bradley’s group, had to bow out as the tour schedule picked up for 2009. She and her husband, Tim Tew, are currently working with Mark Newton.

Current members of Dale Ann’s band include Baucom on banjo, Tim Laughlin on mandolin, Brandon Godman on fiddle, and Roscoe Morgan on bass with Bradley on guitar.

Cindy Baucom tells us that Terry has really enjoyed working up Dale Ann’s material, and in enjoying his time with her on stage. According to Cindy, Terry says that Dale Ann “couldn’t sing off-pitch if she tried!”

Cindy also related that Dale Ann had recently shot a music video for the title track of her new CD, Don’t Turn Your Back, due for release on Compass Records May 19. Both Terry and Cindy will be featured in the video.

Bradley will be hosting a CD release party on May 16 at The Station Inn in Nashville.

We’ll have a preview of Don’t Turn Your Back soon. It’s a dandy.

The 2008 show features interviews with Blue Highway, Alison Brown, Steep Canyon Rangers, Vince Gill and The Infamous Stringdusters along with Christmas bluegrass music from Bill Monroe, Rhonda Vincent, Josh Williams, Ricky Skaggs and many others.

To get the download, the stations should contact Premiere Radio Networks (818-377-5300) for a user name and password.

More details on the 2008 Knee Deep In Bluegrass Christmas Special can be found online.

The event was hosted by Rod Johnston of Village Productions. Instructors included Tom Adams, Graham Sharpe, Mike Scott and Terry Baucom. Banjo students from across the country participated in the two-day event. Instruction was given for players at all levels from novice to advanced as the instructors rotated hourly throughout the classrooms. The Steep Canyon Rangers wrapped up the event with a performance Saturday evening at the Burnsville Town Center.

Following the success of this clinic, Johnston already has plans for other banjo clinics in the future, with possible expansion to other instruments as well.

This is a walnut banjo, and the first Deering model to be introduced with the new rim and lightweight tone ring designed by Greg Deering and Jens Kruger. Deering has also created a new inlay pattern for the Baucom model, which Greg describes as a regal design.

Terry was understandably proud to receive the first Baucom Model at the Deering Showcase Tuesday night (9/30).

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Deering Banjos at this stage in my career. Greg and Janet have provided me with a professional level instrument that is well suited to my style.

I feel fortunate to be included in the Deering Banjo Family.”

Deering will have more photos and details available soon on their web site.

The Detroit News ran an article yesterday about careless and distracted drivers, and the danger they present on the road. They give several real world examples and then give several that just can’t be true, like this one.

Typically, a driver crooning love songs into his cell phone while strumming a banjo also will be weaving, speeding or slogging along too slowly. Assuming his driving is adequate, he might get cited anyway for not keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

With a careless-driving citation, the banjo player “might actually win if he tried to fight it,” McKelvey says. It depends on how a judge interprets the definition, “a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property.”

Of course he’s being “careless” and “negligent” by strumming a banjo rather than learning a 3-finger roll!

NOTE: Terry Baucom is not in the habit of driving while playing the banjo, but he is in the habit of playing the banjo with drive!

Festival organizers tell me the event was a success and plans are already underway for next year.

The lineup for the festival was an impressive list of both regional and national bluegrass acts. Saturday night included a special All-Star Jam including Terry Baucom and Wes Golding, both of whom were members of Boone Creek when the debut album was released 30 years ago. Baucom and Golding were joined on stage by long time musical collaborator Lou Reid, and relative newcomer Josh Williams.

I wish I could have heard that! Cindy Baucom sent along this photo taken by Mike Lane.

The festival is more than just bluegrass music, it’s a celebration of traditions of the Carolinas. In addition to some great bluegrass music, there will be food, displays, a children’s area, craft show, merchandise vendors, open mic, jam sessions, camping and more.

The line up of bluegrass acts for the festival are:

• Steep Canyon Rangers
• Cadillac Sky
• Lou Reid and Carolina
• Kenny and Amanda Smith Band
• Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain

Besides all these great bluegrass groups, there will also be a special Allstar Bluegrass Super Jam featuring Terry Baucom and Special Guests-including Wes Golding, Josh Williams, Lou Reid, Wayne Winkle and more.

Tickets for the weekend, if purchased in advance, are $40.00. At the gate, the tickets will be $25.00 per day. Children 10 and under will be admitted FREE. Rough camping is available for $5.00 per day.

Tickets will be available at ETIX.com (not yet listed) and a number of businesses across the region

Vendor spaces cost $20.00 per day until 3/31/08, after 3/31/08 they will be $25. Vendor space includes one comp admission.

For additional information, call 1-800-891-0350, or visit farmfestnc.com

Christmas time is one of the most favorite times of the year for Terry and me. Every year we enjoy watching holiday movies, listening to our favorite Christmas songs, shopping, decorating and spending time with those we love most.

Christmas Eve is spent with Terry’s family in Monroe, North Carolina. His mother is a wonderful cook. We enjoy all kinds of treats from her kitchen. Terry’s favorite, though, is the coconut cake she always makes from scratch. I enjoy hearing stories from Terry’s Father about their rabbit hunting when Terry was young…and the first Christmas he asked for banjo in 1962. Terry has two sisters, who join us, with their families for this annual get-together on Christmas Eve.

Terry and I exchange gifts late Christmas Eve. He tells me one of his most memorable gifts from me, was the guitar my Father built for him a few years ago. He also surprises me with some cool things, too, however, the most important thing to us is reflecting on our blessings of the past year and spending this special time together.

Christmas Day is spent with my family. I grew up in Ashe County, in the mountains of North Carolina. We always had a real Christmas Tree and a Christmas Play at Church. These days, Christmas Day is filled with a great meal with my children, Mom, Dad, Brothers, Aunt and Uncle. An afternoon ‘Christmas Jam’ always follows with Terry, Dad, my Brothers and myself. The kids spend the afternoon playing the latest video games on the XBox. We are truly blessed with family, friends, music and health.

To all our friends in Bluegrass, we wish to send out a special wish for the happiest of holidays. We look forward to an exciting 2008!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

I’ve got to give credit to all the band members for being such professionals. The sound was something less than desirable in the front of house, and I understand it was the same way in the monitors. The band pressed on though, and played a great set in spite of the poor environment they found themselves in. I know just how hard it is to play, let alone entertain, under such circumstances, but Kenny and Amanda delivered as fine a performance as one could hope for.

Their recent gospel album was just nominated for a Grammy and they performed a number of songs from that recording, along with some material from previous CDs.

And what a treat it is to see this band with Terry Baucom driving the 5! Cindy Baucom was also present for the evening and I enjoyed getting to visit with her.

My only complaint is that their set was to short, but what can you say when it’s free? As we were leaving though, the band treated us to an impromptu a cappella performance the entry way of the building. WOW!

This band is always entertaining, and getting to see them live just reinforces what you know after listening to their CD, these guys are good!

Here are a few more photos I took at the show.

All regular affilate stations will receive this special holiday show automatically, but Cindy tells us that the show is also available to stations that don’t normally syndicate the show. Interested stations may request a copy of the Knee-Deep In Bluegrass Holiday Show by calling 800-891-0350.

The DVD is hosted by Terry’s wife, and award winning DJ, Cindy Baucom. Cindy and Terry review his history with the banjo and the various bands he has played with over the years, then get right to the picking. Terry teaches many of the classic tunes he has recorded during his distinguished career, including Can’t You Hear Me Calling, Gold Rush, Sally Goodin, Blue Night, White House Blues, and Nobody’s Love Is Like Mine.

The instruction takes the form of an introduction to the tune, including discussion of when Terry recorded it, followed by the actual recording from the original record, and then Terry breaks it down at a slower speed showing you the fingering and explaining hard to play licks. The real value here, as with any instructional DVD, is getting such a good look at his hands close up while he talks you through it step by step.

After the instruction, Terry plays the tune at two different tempos with the cameras focused entirely on his hands. By using the angle button on your DVD remote you can quickly switch between his right and left hand, choosing which should be the prominent image, while the other is inset in a smaller window. You may also choose to see the two hands side by side at equal size.

Terry played his new signature model Sullivan Banjo for the entirety of this DVD.

Terry and Cindy will have the DVDs available for purchase at their booth (#92) during the World of Bluegrass Week (IBMA), or you may purchase it online from the John Boy & Billy Online Store.

* By way of disclosure I should tell you that Brance filmed and edited this DVD at his studio.

Later today, Cindy will join WWB station manager Gracie Muldoon at 1:30 p.m. to talk about her own bluegrass radio show, Knee Deep In Bluegrass, which airs weekly on more than 50 stations throughout the US. Cindy was named as the IBMA Broadcast Personality Of The Year in 2005.

Next Friday, September 7 at 1:30, Gracie will have Terry Baucom as her guest to discuss his new signature model banjo, made by Sullivan. He’ll probably also be talking about his soon-to-be-released instructional DVD for banjo.

Terry has been prominent in several of the most groundbreaking bands in bluegrass, being a founding member of Boone Creek, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out. He just recently left Doyle’s band after a return stint of more than 4 years.

Visit WorldWideBluegrass.com to hear both of the Baucoms with Gracie, where they stream bluegrass 24/7 online.

The story is appropriately titled “The Banjo That Changed The World.” The article weighs in at a hefty 18 pages. For those of you who aren’t keen on a lot of reading, don’t worry, fully 8 of those pages are dedicated to high quality photographs. If you’ve ever held a copy of Fretboard Journal in your hand, you’ll understand when I say the photographs are spectacular.

The ten pages of text are well worth reading though, so don’t skip them just to look at the pictures! With lots of history, stories told in the first person by Earl himself, and remembrances from other players and historians, the writing is just as good as the photography. This article is a must read for all fans of Earl Scruggs.

Scruggs isn’t the only bluegrass personality featured in the issue though. Another article of interest is a lengthy piece on guitar player, and fiddle expert, David Bromberg. Again, this article is complete with stunning photos, first hand interviews, and lots of history.

A shorter, but equally interesting, article about Old Growth Rims (built by Sullivan Banjo) devotes plenty of discussion to the hardships of trying to work the old hard-rock maple, from the floor of an 1870 factory, into banjo rims. These rims are available for after market purchase, but also come standard in Sullivan Banjo models such as the new Terry Baucom model.

First let’s talk banjo. With Joey Cox leaving the band at the end of June, banjo legend Terry Baucom, the legendary The Duke of Drive, will be stepping up to the mic for the remainder of the summer. Recognized for his hard driving, traditionally-styled banjo playing, Terry brings a depth of experience to the stage. I spoke with Terry on the phone earlier today and he told me he was excited about the chance to pick with Kenny and Amanda for the rest of the year.

Kenny’s got the drive to his guitar playing that just makes it fun to pick the five over it! It’s gonna be a jamming good time and I can’t wait to get started.

Terry did say however, that he was already committed to a number of shows with The Mark Newton Band prior to Kenny’s call, and will be honoring that commitment. Kenny has yet to announce who will be filling those dates in Baucom’s absence. Due to his renewed dedication to teaching, recording his own solo CD, and a series of instructional DVDs, Terry will only be filling in with Kenny and Amanda for this season, and not on a permanent basis.

The Red White & Bluegrass Festival in Morganton, NC will be Terry’s first gig with the band, on July 3, 2007.

Now on to the mandolin… With the departure of Jason Robertson from the band, Kenny & Amanda called up a young local mandolin picker they thought was ready for the gig. Enter Aaron Williams. At the age of 15, Aaron is a force to be reckoned with on the mandolin, having recently won the 2007 Merlefest mandolin contest. Kenny produced a solo album for Aaron not that long ago and was so impressed at the time with Aaron’s musicianship, he Aaron that if they ever needed a mandolin player, they’d give him a call. He never expected it would be this soon.

Kenny and Amanda have been heroes of mine since I started playing, and I have long admired their music and musicianship. Amanda’s voice is just so clear and sincere, you can’t help but to believe every word. And Kenny has such a taste to what he does; everything he plays sounds perfect, like it was made for the song. They are the coolest people you could ever want to meet, and have been so good to me. I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to play in such a creative band with such great people. It’s a dream come true.

I’ve known Aaron, and picked with him on occasion, for several years here in the Southwest Virginia area. He’s a disciplined young picker whose future in bluegrass is bright. His parents home school him and have said that he will be allowed to keep playing even during the school year as long as he keeps up with his school work. Of course that means working extra hours, but I’m sure he’s up to the challenge.

Be sure to visit Kenny & Amanda Smith’s tour schedule to find a show near you where you can hear the band with the new additions.