I can't believe it - a Christian site with Bluegrass!

[Christownsme]

Hey,
This site is awesome! You get to talk about the Lord and still talk about banjos.

I play banjo, actually, winning the IL State Fair Competition 7 times. I play in a band with Ashley Lewis, a 23 year old singer/songwriter and mandolin player from north east of me.

Bluegrass has been a long time influence in my life. Grew up listening to Flatt and Scruggs records, and learned the banjo by ear. Then the call to play in a band from Nashville, TN came along, and I accepted. For 8 years or so I'd travel the US abroad and Canada and central Europe four times.

I find out that the longer I've been a Christian, the more selective I am in what I enjoy playing. I like instrumentals, because you don't worry about words. But some of those songs are just as bad as any other genre. So I really like clean songs or gospel songs.


Well, take care..

 

[mysterE]

This may sound odd but my learned techniques are blues and rock. The other musicians on my worship team have accused me of sounding bluegrass or country on more than one occaision. Maybe I should persue that style. Any suggestions of where to start?

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Been in bluegrass for about 35 years now myself. Presently with the Cedar Junction Band that's the "House Band" at the Venus, TX Opry. I play 5-string, Autoharp, these days with a little 12-string on the side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBRc8k6x_A4

South Dallas has a Good appetite for "grass", and the Cowboy Churches do a LOT of it in their services.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Ask around - Music stores are a good start, or go to Do something, Learn something, Share something, Change something - Meetup and search on "Bluegrass" to see if there are any "jams" in your area. Generally "Jams are a REALLY good starting point, and when you get comfortable with the genre, then you'll wind up in a band if you choose to -

NOTE: Electric instruments (and drums) are GENERALLY not welcome in 'Grass jams (With the exception of Bass) so be sure to bring an acoustic "axe".

 

[Mark1976]

Wow, you must be one super banjo picker. I play banjo, too. I have a Gibson Mastertone Earl Scruggs signature. I imagine you play Gibson Mastertone, as well. My main instrument is guitar, and I was able to pick up the 5 string without too much difficulty. Lately I've picked up the Native American Flute. I am halfway through making a CD of Christian songs, accompanying myself on guitar, my Martin. I hope someday someone from Nashville will want to distribute my CDs. Who knows.
My banjo picking is more or less advanced intermediate to advanced, but not over the top advanced like you must be.
Well, God bless and enjoy.
Mark

 

[Banjo Jim]

Picker here too. So glad to see bluegrass here too.
Christownsme - I know exactly what you are talking about in selecting songs to play. I'm almost to Bluegrass Gospel only stage.

Check out Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. Solid Gospel Bluegrass right there.

Good to know there are pickers on here.

 

[pandjlocke]

I try to do some pickin' myself. Really getting into Bluegrass Gospel. It just has the right feel.

 

[JamieRedhead]

A bluegrass country fan all the way from the UK here!

 

[Clickster]

I have been getting more and more into Bluegrass.

 

[SnoogumsBoogums]

I too was brought up around Bluegrass. And I love old country music I think the banjo rocks

 

[SyntheticPaper]

I love bluegrass, one of those genres that I can put on at any time and enjoy it thoroughly.

 

[If Not For Grace]

I love a 5 string