Episodes
Friday Nov 15, 2019
GTR-138 - Humidity
Friday Nov 15, 2019
Friday Nov 15, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 138
Humidity
As bluegrass musicians we all deal with instruments made of wood. Humidity should be understood to keep your instrument from self-destructing. It's not that complicated really. Listen in and I will give you the low down.
The outro music is the tune "Laird's March" written and played by me, myself and I.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-138-show-notes.html
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
GTR-137 - Don't Count Yer Chickens
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
Thursday Nov 07, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 137
Don't Count Yer Chickens Before They Hatch
We all face plans which might fall apart before our very eyes. Sometimes as a result of our own actions and some completely by chance. Sometimes a bit of both. Allow me to elaborate on my strategies for dealing with situations such as these.
I talk about being hired AND fired in under 4 hours as a guitar player. I talk about coming within mere inches of slamming the car into a herd of wild hogs just this morning. I talk about my dashed plans for becoming a quail farmer. I talk about Del McCoury showing up in Nashville at the same time as Bill Keith. Stuff happens and you learn to deal with it! Enjoy the show.
The outro music is the tune song "Swing Low" played by our band Pony Express. Patrons of this podcast can download the entire album as a bonus way of saying thank you for supporting the show.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-137-show-notes.html
Monday Oct 28, 2019
GTR-136 - Class Is In Session
Monday Oct 28, 2019
Monday Oct 28, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 136
Class Is In Session
Close your textbook, get out a #2 pencil. We are having a pop quiz. But before we do let's talk about the importance of the right hand and I'll explain a great way to create custom right hand exercises which will absolutely improve the very tunes and breaks you are working on! It's easy. The "textbooks" I refer to in the episode are Mandolin Master Class and The Flint Hill Scrolls.
The outro music is the tune I wrote called "McDonough" played live at the Red Light Cafe, Atlanta, Georgia with the band Pony Express. Patrons of this podcast can download the entire album as a bonus way of saying thank you for supporting the show.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-136-show-notes.html
Friday Oct 18, 2019
GTR-135 - Stewart Crawford
Friday Oct 18, 2019
Friday Oct 18, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 135
Guest Host: Stewart Crawford
This globe-spanning episode is our first listener hosted show. Stewart Crawford, banjoist in Australia, presents the story of bluegrass down under and outlines some excellent improvisation concepts.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-135-show-notes.html
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
GTR-134 - Paradise and Paradox
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 134
Paradise and Paradox
This episode covers a wide range of topics beginning with my recent return visit to Picker's Paradise. I talk about fried chicken, Col. Sander's Mandolin Band, the R.Q. Jones reso guitar, jamming, some good bands I heard and then I wind up with a little paradox I want you to think about.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-134-show-notes.html
Monday Sep 30, 2019
GTRB-07 - Strike While The Iron Is Hot
Monday Sep 30, 2019
Monday Sep 30, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com Bonus Episode 07
Strike While The Iron Is Hot
In this short bonus episode I am opening a door for you. Listen to the episode and don't wait around. You need to contact me soon.
Whether you are a beginning picker, an experienced performer, a teacher, or perhaps you build instruments or work at (or own) a company producing a product for the bluegrass world... this is your chance. Let's hear what you have to say.
You can be a "nobody" or be a really famous, big-time, hot shot. Both categories have something valuable to say. Podcasting is hot right now and this is a great chance for you to try your hand at it and the grasstalkradio.com audience will hear you.
Listen to this bonus episode and I'll explain and then contact me. Let's put YOU on the air. Contact me before October 15, 2019 if you want to be considered. It costs you nothing but your time and energy and you never know what doors it might open to your future. Besides that it will be fun and interesting!
The show notes for this episode are here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/bonus-episode-07-show-notes.html
If you think the show is worth listening to then I hope you will consider becoming a Patreon supporter.
GrassTalkRadio is a show for people who play or are learning to play bluegrass.
Monday Sep 23, 2019
GTR-133 - Your Questions
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Monday Sep 23, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 133
Your Questions
This week I answer a pile of emails I have received from listeners. We talk banjo strings, what bass fiddle to buy, mandolin barre chords, how long do strings last and a lot more! Luckily, nobody asked "Hey, who cut your hair?" But, there is always next time.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-133-show-notes.html
Monday Sep 16, 2019
GTR-132 - Stage Patter and Talk
Monday Sep 16, 2019
Monday Sep 16, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 132
Stage Patter and Talk
A huge chunk of your on-stage persona is created when you step up to a microphone and say something. Something pithy. Something funny. Something poignant. Make it count. Listen to this episode where I play samples of the greatest bluegrass emcees at their finest. Introducing songs. Introducing the musicians. Yakkin' it up with the little people... the fans who make it all possible!
I have samples here from Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt (one of the best!), Jesse McReynolds, and plenty more to get you on the right path. Samples and ten tips to sharpen your image on stage.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-132-show-notes.html
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
GTR-131 - Capo Talk
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 131
Capo Talk
Capos have been around for a very long time and are extremely useful in playing fretted instruments. It's funny that their use is almost required in bluegrass if you play banjo or guitar. But they are heavily frowned on with the mandolin. If you don't know how to use a capo you can learn here on my website.
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-131-show-notes.html
Tuesday Sep 03, 2019
GTR-130 - Recording Options
Tuesday Sep 03, 2019
Tuesday Sep 03, 2019
GrassTalkRadio.com - Episode 130
Recording Options
This episode continues on the theme I started in Episode 129. In this show I talk more specifically about the options you have for recording. There are four levels beginning with the simple portable recorder, to the portable stereo digital recorder, to digital multi-track "porta-studios" and onwards to computer/software based recording.
I hope this information helps you choose where to begin when you want to record some bluegrass based upon the purposes you have in mind.
The Mandolin Treasure Chest which I spoke about at the beginning of the show is fully described here: http://www.bradleylaird.com/treasure
If you enjoy my podcast I hope you will keep this show going and growing by joining "the club" over on my Patreon page. Or, you can become a GrassTalkRadio Supporter here.
You can also support what I am doing by visiting my online store at http://www.payhip.com/bradleylaird.
Additional information about the podcast is always found here on the episode show notes page: http://www.bradleylaird.com/podcast/episode-130-show-notes.html