Bradley Laird's Grass Talk Radio - Bluegrass

GTR-074 - Feedback Loops

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 074

Feedback Loop - In the world of music performing, feedback is the devil. But in the world of learning to play, feedback is vitally important. In this episode I discuss the varieties of feedback you will encounter and which you can rely upon and which you might be better to ignore. I also talk a bit about the qualities one should look for when seeking someone to build an instrument for you and how that logic can be applied in seeking instruction. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-74-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-073 - The Great Wheel

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 073

The Great Wheel - In this episode I lead you through a thought experiment to help you better understand time and the operation of the "bluegrass machine". I preface this with a revelation of the process I go through to create each episode and then go deep into the complex gear train of a fully functioning band.  I then present my Great Wheel Theory. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-73-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-072 - Lemme See That Mandolin

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 072

Lemme See That Mandolin - This episode is another installment in my series talking about what I check for when examining a student's instrument. In addition to talk about mandolins I also tell some stories and discuss proper protocol when handling someone else's instrument. You also learn Bill Monroe's particularly pithy protocol. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-72-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-071 - Nature

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 071

Nature - This morning, with no real plan, I was reminded of the importance of our connection with Nature. To quote Butch Robins (speaking about Bill Monroe and his creative process), "If something happened in his conscious surroundings, such as a bird flying by or a dog barking, he would make sounds within the music flowing from him that reflected the action he had just ingested with one of his five senses."

After some rambling pre-dawn social commentary, I turned the show over to Nature herself. Sometimes the best way to recharge your battery is to un-plug. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-71-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-070 - Bluegrass on Vinyl

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 070

Bluegrass on Vinyl - In this episode explain why I love vinyl records, big home stereo systems, and album covers. Then I race through a tour of 400 pounds of bluegrass records which have influenced, entertained, mystified and inspired me. I also try to make you feel guilty (just a little) when you listen to records on YouTube instead of showing up at a performance and carting home some swag, merch and physical recordings.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-70-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-069 - Pickers Paradise

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 069

Pickers Paradise - This past weekend I practiced what I preach. My wife and son were off on a year-end 5th grade school field trip and I did what any devout bluegrasser would do. I loaded up and took off to a weekend bluegrass festival.

In this episode I recount my experience, talk a bit about some of the bands I saw and heard, and describe the poor man's teardrop camper that was my humble abode for the weekend.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-69-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-068 - Lemme See That Bass

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 068

Lemme See That Bass - This is the second episode in a series describing the things I look at with a student when they first walk in the door dragging an instrument behind them. We need to make sure the beast is set-up so that it can be played without torture and we want it to sound good.

In this episode I talk bass fiddle, shot bags, leather feet, the "every third doorway" rule and a lot of other fun stuff. Even if you don't play the bass, you know a bass player and you need to show 'em some love. They make you sound so good and you need to thank them and throw them an extra twenty.

That lousy $50 bucks you each got paid at the last gig will buy you a steak dinner and two new sets of strings. Your poor sucker bass player will need 4 gigs just to get some new strings. Quit dissin' da bass player!

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-68-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!

GTR-067 - Lemme See That Banjo

Lemme See That Banjo - As a teacher I have seen folks walk in the door with every kind and condition of instrument. Usually there are half a dozen simple things which need to be corrected to get the instrument in a reliable, playable condition. In this episode I walk you through the process with a banjo.

This episode also includes a short technical update regarding the Mandolin Treasure Chest. A listener suggested a nifty solution to unzipping really large files.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

Links to the free videos and books I mentioned are here on the show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-67-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest (and most difficult to define) music in the world!

GTR-066 - An Insomnia Cure

An Insomnia Cure - In this episode I suggest some exploration of keyboard instruments as a learning and understanding tool with music theory. Things which are so scrambled up on banjos, mandolins and guitars are laid out so beautifully and logically on a piano keyboard.

My wife has often joked that I should market my podcast as a cure for insomnia. I think she may be on to something! I kid you not, when I was listening back to this episode I was out like a light before the half-way mark. So, if you are having trouble sleeping, put this on, get comfortable, and you'll sawin' logs in no time flat! On the other hand, if you want to learn something from this episode, I suggest a couple of double-espresso shots right before listening.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

Links to the free videos and books I mentioned are here on the show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-66-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest (and most difficult to define) music in the world!

GTR-065 - Practicing Alone

GrassTalkRadio.com Episode 065

Practicing Alone - How can you make the best use of your time woodshedding at home? Jams are great fun and there is a lot to be learned there too, but there is no substitute for getting in some quality practice time alone. In this episode I weigh the options, talk a tiny bit about metromones, playing along with records, using practice tracks, hiring a professional band to live in your basement and other more practical ideas.

If you enjoy the show you can support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.

For additional goodies, be sure to scope out the show notes here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-65-show-notes.html

GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass--the greatest music in the world!