Volume 1, Issue 1 July 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road There were stops last month in California and . At the end of the month the band played a benefit in NC for Jan Johansson. A noted musician and instructor, the benefit was in support of a needed heart transplant. Sugar Grove, Music Fest ‘n Sugar Grove festival in early July. will be there, and the Krugers will join him on stage. Then, after a stop in Johnson City, Tennessee, they’ll be back close to home for some shows in NC as well as a concert in the open-air at the Blue Ridge Music centre in Galax. ►

In the News Jens and Bobby Hicks! Uwe took this shot during a show, literally between the notes. A Double Time Music has added an good friend, Hicks has retired from touring but nevertheless makes time to play with the online shop featuring in-press CDs, Kruger Brothers at every opportunity, either on Jens’ porch or in concert, as here, just outside DVDs, and apparel. The shop is Asheville, NC. available from the link on the Kruger homepage. ● On the 15th of May the Kruger Brothers, Deering “Courage” Goes to # 1 band was featured on Nashville Public and Taylor Si Kahn’s Radio’s Bluegrass Breakdown with “Courage” was the top album of May Dave Higgs. ● In early June, Jens joined aid school programs th 2010 at Folk The Waybacks in Chattanooga in a On June 11 , a full house packed a Alliance version of the Merelfest Album Hour, benefit concert held at Cuyamaca College International. The this year presenting ’ Abbey to support shop programs at local high org charts what folk Road in its entirety. The show featured schools. Deering and Taylor DJs have been a symphony orchestra, Jens, and Joan sponsored the concert in benefit of the playing each month. Si also hit #1 on the Osborne and John Cowan on vocals. In industrial arts programs in the East artist list, charting above , a glowing review, one critic noted his County school district of San Diego. Jackson Brown, and Mary Chapin only criticism was that “Jens Kruger These programs gave both Bob Taylor Carpenter. Released this spring, produced wasn’t spotlighted as much as I would and Greg Deering their first opportunities by Jens and featuring his arrangements and instrumentation, the CD is a collection of have liked.” (John Wilson, to build their lutherie skills. The concert featured The Kruger Brothers and Taylor songs about real people, many of whom Si Chatanoogan) ● Two titles from the Guitar virtuoso Doyle Dykes. met through this work organizing. “It’s a Kruger backlist, Behind the Barn and thank you to everyone from whom I learned “The evening was wonderful,” says Behind the Barn Volume 2 are now who courage means,” he says. “There is a available in download from iTunes. ● Uwe, “we got to play with Doyle and his reason I start [the CD] with a song about a Plans are underway for added dates in daughter Haley.” Labrador retriever who thinks he can fly. NC as well as a trip west in the fall of Since they began, the benefits have Because one of the ways we can live this this year. Dates are still being added; helped raise more than $350,000 to life richly is by attempting the impossible.” email Joel at [email protected] support shop classes, teachers, and For the chart, click on http://www.folkalliance.org/FolkDJChart/ta with venue or event suggestions. ► students. bid/85/Default.aspx www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 1 July 2010

First Person Singular: complex—as opposed to folk songs On the Web which can be pretty bare—but what we try to do is write the song, make it not Learn clawhammer with Jens Uwe on writing songs: too complicated, but instead of having a beginning with the first of three video solo that runs over the melody or the lessons sponsored by Deering Banjo: how he began, and why he chorus, we put like a separate keeps going complimentary composition between http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6 8l8YNRU7BU&feature=related the verses and the chorus. Like in “Writing songs is a double edged sword “Carolina in the Fall,” there’s a riff WoodSongs show 567 features The for me. In one way I think that most of instead of a straight solo. I get to play Kruger Brothers and is available in audio the good songs are already written ... on the solo after the riff, but it gives the or video podcast at: the other hand, there are certain things song a different quality. I don’t have to http://www.woodsongs.com/showlist that I want to sing about that I don’t write as many words because I know .asp find any songs for. I started writing that Jens’ composition will enhance the songs when I was in my 20s. It was a words that I wrote and give them a way for me to learn the language and to direction. This way of writing songs is “Appalachian Mist” sung in French at have a deeper understanding of the very satisfying because we get to make the Cook Shack: English language. I’m a big fan of the something completely new. I really like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3 English language, in a way ... German that aspect of what we do.” aArI2kqBc4 is a very strict language, but in English you can work more to paint pictures. Another Great Year

“I did workshops back in Switzerland at in Branson! a festival. They approached me and Each year thousands of people come out to see the band asked if I wanted to be part of this at Silver Dollar City in Branson, including members of singer/songwriter festival up in the the fan club who dropped in from Oklahoma. The mountains, and I said, yeah, I’d like to Krugers played 15 shows in a row, and packed the do that. So they gave me a tent and then house with 800 people at every show. “There are a lot I had workshops with the artists that of people who plan their vacations around the came to the festival. I had people at my performances,” says Uwe. “There are people from all workshops like Brooks and Dunn, Kris over the world who meet in the line to the Kruger Kristofferson. They would come to show,” many of whom come back show after show. perform at the festival, and then I would “It’s a wonderful time.” Uwe says that, across all the have them in my tent. Since I had to shows, they only repeated 6 or 8 songs. Amazing. translate the questions, I pretty much made up all the questions myself, and

so at least once a year I had this Jens’ New Banjo! incredible lesson in how to write songs. Silver plated, including the tone ring, carved heel, details all over the “One of the things I learned from Kris place. Uwe calls this a “really a Kristofferson is that you should just special banjo.” It’s one of a kind as write as much as possible—that it’s an well. Jens developed the banjo with art like playing music, you have to Greg Deering, and it’s the first practice. He said, don’t expect to come Eagle II to be completely out with anything that makes sense until overhauled to Jens’ specs. It has no you’ve written about a thousand songs. lacquer, just a slightly stained, linseed oil finish. Greg himself did And so I took that advice, and I’ve been the carving on the heel. ► writing songs and throwing most of them away. I write 10 songs and 9 of them I don’t even finish. Some times I

get something and I think, ‘well, this might make sense.’ I take it over to The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is edited by Jens’ house and then we work on it, he Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or just helps me put the melody to it. ... and hellos to [email protected] or via the web at www.glenherbert.ca To subscribe or then we’ve found this wonderful way of unsubscribe, visit www.krugerbrothers.com. putting little snippets in between. Some of Jens’ compositions are more www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 1, Issue 2 August 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road The Krugers have been spending some time closer to home lately, with shows at Sugar Grove, Music Fest ‘n Sugar Grove as well as a show at the Blue Ridge Music Centre in Galax. On July 24 they provided the concluding concert a series “Blue Ridge Traditions” offered by the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center in Old Fort, NC. On August 7 they’re at the Stechoah Valley Centre, as part of the Appalachian Evening Summer Concert series. A big gig coming up in September: The Mountain Song Festival in Brevard, NC, is an annual benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, NC. The festival takes place the weekend of Joel and Doc at Sugar Grove along with Richard Watson and Charles Welch. This year marks Joel’s September 10. They’ll be there on the th Saturday along with the 20 anniversary with the Kruger Brothers. Band, Darrell Scott, the Steep Canyon Rare Kruger CDs Rangers, and others. ► Send a list of Discovered in Swiss your favorite KB Basement! songs ... and win You’ll think I’m a CD! kidding, but it’s true: Seventy-five copies of In the News There are going to be 20 songs on the the Appalachian Barn upcoming Best Of The Kruger Orchestra CD have Two new CDs are set to release this Brothers CD due for release in been languishing since fall: a Christmas with the Kruger October. But ... which? Send us a list the early 90s, lost and forgotten in the Brothers will feature new recordings of of what you think they should be, and basement of the band’s one-time label in old favorites as well as some surprise the person with the list closest to the Switzerland. Recently discovered, they twists, too (it is a Krugers album after actual selections made for the disc will are the last copies of the disc, ever, and all); October will also see the release of win a signed copy. will be made available through the a Best Of CD. (See article this page) ● “Vote on what you want to see on Kruger’s online store to newsletter If that isn’t enough to satisfy your that CD,” says Uwe. “We have an idea subscribers. Nice! Kruger jones, you also have a chance to what we want to put on there, but it’s “It’s a real antiquity” says Uwe. own a real piece of Kruger history: the the weird stuff that we want to find Recorded in 1989, and featuring Christa last copies of Appalachian Barn out about, what people really like of on bass, the album was the first Orchestra will be sold off on the the other stuff” beyond “Carolina in recording to feature Jens and Uwe the Fall,” “Forever and a Day,” and Kruger’s online store (see the homepage together in what would become the the other (brilliant though they are) for the link to the store). ● On July 24 Kruger Brothers format. Uwe credits it obvious choices. the KB played for an audience that for some of their early success, included North Carolina senator Oh, they need a title too, so, let us know your ideas. Send entries to including some of their first live shows Richard Burr. ● The new recording [email protected] The as well as the inspiration for a radio studio is nearly complete, and it will deadline is August 20. show called, of all things, the Kruger see a grand opening this fall. ► Brothers Radio Show that was (con’t.)

www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 2 August 2010 broadcast on DRS 3 radio in Basel, which is really nice.” lo and behold, not only did it get Switzerland. The CD will be released at the end of refinished, but it also got a custom paint “We always had a guest, somebody October, and will be made available at job by ,” David’s father. who was touring,” says Uwe of the concerts, through CD Baby, Elderly “Tut has painted a few other things as show. “We’d practice with them in the Instruments, and the Kruger Brothers’ well,” says Joel. “He painted a banjo case afternoon and then play a live program online store. for Jens. He painted one of my cases for with them in the evening on national my electric bass. He made his living as a radio. We did that for four years.” sign painter, back in the day, in addition to The CDs are available to newsletter playing the dobro, and doing musical things, that’s how he fed his family.” subscribers now on the online store. ► Those musical things included playing on the Grammy-winning “The Great A North Carolina Dobro Sessions,” and ’s Joel’s Upright Bass “Aereo-Plain.” Christmas ... in July It’s a bit elusive, Joel’s stand-up bass. You “He actually painted Flatt and Scruggs’ The weather outside really was frightful. don’t see it often, but when you do, you bus way back in the 30s. And then Bill Hot. Muggy. You know, with a few don’t forget it. It looks one-of-a-kind Monroe’s case,” which you now impressive thunderstorms. But despite because, well, it is ... in more ways than can visit along with the mandolin it was days when it was over 100º in the shade one. built to hold at the Hall of Fame. (I’m not kidding) the boys were inside The bass was a birthday singing songs about Santa Claus, snow, “It’s just a fabulous piece of work,” Joel gift from Jens and Uwe, says about the bass (though Monroe’s and warming up by the fire. I mean, what in part to replace a stand- else would you do in Carolina in July mandolin is pretty good, too). “He turned up bass that was left back this ugly duckling into a real swan of a when it’s too hot to go outside? in Switzerland at the time The result is a holiday CD, Christmas bass.” of the move. An “It’s also a wonderful sounding bass.” with the Kruger Brothers. “It will have a Englehardt bass built in the US, it sounded good dozen songs on there that span from You can hear it on Choices, where it also good, but ... the finish had seen better appears in the CD art. swing to classical,” says Uwe. “I’ve really days. Joel mentioned this to David Taylor wanted to do this for some time now. I’m who said that the finish was something he really excited about it. I’m singing most could help out with. of it, but Jens is doing a Bach piece, “So I turned the bass over to David and,

First Person Singular Q: What’s the significance of the title “Jack of the Wood”? Jens: “The name came from the bar in Asheville because they were the first ones to give us a job after Merlefest. They saw us at Merlefest and said would you come down and play at our place. We said of course. So we went down and it was, 1997, it was the first show we played [in North America] outside Merlefest. And people came and we really liked it, and we said, well, if you want to have us back, we’ll come back. So, today it’s the only bar in America that we play. And when we play there it’s usually full and its very celebratory. It’s very exciting, and sometimes the whole bar is very quiet, but they sing “Carolina in the Fall” very loudly along with us. It’s very intense. People being The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is edited by together and celebrating. It’s like a Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or just celebration of something, though maybe There were a few other modifications—a new tailpiece, a new bridge —but it’s the detailing that hellos to [email protected] or via the you don’t know what it is that you’re gets noticed: floral scrollwork on the front, and, on web at www.glenherbert.ca To subscribe or celebrating.” the back, a cherub playing a lyre. unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com .

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 1, Issue 3 September 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road Early in the month is a stop at the Happy Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention in Lenoir, NC. The festival is held on a farm that is the final resting place of Laura Foster, infamously killed by Tom Dooley and immortalized in the song of the same name, “North Carolina's best- known murder ballad.” The festival pays tribute to that story as well as the lore and music of the Yadkin Valley. The KBs will be joined by Bobby Hicks on the Sunday. The Mountain Song Festival in Brevard, NC, is an annual benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, NC. The festival takes place the weekend of September 10. At then end of the month they begin a short western tour with the first stop in Wichita, Texas, for a concert at Midwestern State University. Then, it’s on to the Uwe is a great musician, and he’s a great photographer too. This is a shot he snapped this summer Okalahoma International Bluegrass near his home in Wilkesboro. (And if you have any idea what kind of butterfly this is, he’d love to know. ) Festival. The band is headed off to Switzerland for a few dates in Studio Grand Opening December including an “Appalachian Two New CDs! Christmas Gala” in Sarnen, Scheduled for October th Christmas Magic with the Kruger Switzerland, on the 5 of December. ► The new studio Brothers will be released later this is nearly month. Old favorites and some new complete and if songs, too, make up the collection. you squint at the Though, as with any KBs recording, it photo here you promises not to be like anything can see the you’ve heard before—swing, country, sheetrock for the bluegrass, , it will showcase the interior walls. Informally dubbed the In the News full Americana spectrum, Kruger- “Binary Barn,” the studio has been in the style. “Song of the Mountains” show #514 works since ground was broken almost Thanks also to all the people who featuring the KBs aired on PBS on one year ago. The main floor will house sent in song suggestions, top 20 lists, August 11. ● Two new CDs, Christmas the Double Time offices, a recording and title suggestions for the upcoming Magic with the Kruger Brothers as well space, a small warehouse, and a meeting Best Of collection. As anyone who as a Best Of compilation will be out later area where people can meet and have a tried putting a list together quickly this fall. Stay tuned for details. ● Josh gab. Upstairs will be the editing room as found out, limiting the collection to 20 Goforth will be heading out with the KBs well as Philip’s office. tracks isn’t easy. There are the usual for their December dates in Switzerland, Philip, in many respects, has been the suspects, but as many of you noted, and will be adding and mandolin to driving force behind the construction. there are some great outliers as well. the Kruger sound. ● Jens’ solo album, “The idea is to have a facility where the There were even lots of votes for the The Bridge, is available on iTunes. ● Kruger Brothers can record without the instrumental piece “Behind the Barn” Three songs from Merlefest 2010 are pressure of a clock, you aren’t running up which is a favorite despite not yet slated for inclusion on an upcoming a bill with each hour you are working ... [a having been released on CD. FestivaLink compilation of music from place where] we don’t have the stress of The contest winner, as well as a list this year’s festival. ● The new studio is the time pressure getting in the way of the of the songs to be included in the nearing completion, and will be launched creative process.” collection will appear in the in October. ● An extensive European Despite the absense of a formal studio tour is in the works for May, 2011. ► November newsletter. www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 3 September 2010 setting—there have been other sites, including a desanctified church, where all The Man Behind Uwe’s Henderson the recording has taken place—that the Kruger Sound To say it’s one of a kind is an understatement. philosphy has guided all the KBs projects. To say it’s coveted? That’s an understatement, “We’ve been doing our productions Philip Zanon does everything, it seems, yet too. ourselves from the beginning ... In 1995, his goal is not to be noticed at all when Jens and Uwe recorded Behind the There are lots of great guitars in the world, “At the moment, I guess I’m a studio but only 500 or so Hendersons. And, as Barn they recorded it at the end of his construction contractor” Philip quips house, basically. ... presented in Allen St. John’s book when I ask what his title is. Admittedly, Clapton’s Guitar Watching Wayne On the last album, he does a lot. “This afternoon I’m going to when we recorded Henderson Build the Perfect Guitar, they finish editing the Christmas songs, book may represent the height of art of guitar Josh Day’s drums, flights for the December tour, respond to a we just miked up his making. All are built by one man, Wayne request from FestivaLink, write a contract Henderson, in a shop in Rugby, Virginia drums in Jens’ living for Josh Goforth, order the siding for the room and recorded (pop. 8). studio, and then there’s a bunch of smaller “They are really handmade,” says Uwe him there.” stuff.” Not bad for an afternoon, is it? The studio will of Henderson’s guitars. “There is nothing “For my profession, though, I’d say I’m prefab on this thing except for maybe the centralize operations an engineer.” And whenever we see him, and allow a place to tuning machines.” Henderson famously This is where it will that’s exactly what he is: he runs turns the bridge pins, strap buttons, cuts record and produce sound at shows and otherwise makes the all happen—a shot other’s projects. The the pickguards. He also whittles the necks of what will soon be KBs sound like, well, the KBs. grand opening is and heels by hand with a pen knife. the main recording It’s a job that started informally with scheduled for And, as with many things, perfection area. Jens in 1995 with some recording projects, takes time, and the average for receipt of October 17. ► developing into a full-time position with one of these is somewhere around the 10- the KBs in 1997. He’s been with them year mark. Uwe waited nine years for his. ever since. “I’ve never looked at it as In that time he drove to Henderson’s shop work. It’s just seomthing I really enjoy many times, some times twice a week, just doing, especially when I think of the to keep an eye on progress, and perhaps mission we are on, to make a room full of also to prod the builder along. “If you’re people happy.” not on him, you’ll never get a guitar.” “With any performance, I try not to be It’s number 371, and Doc’s is 369. in the way of the musicians, [yet] to allow “They were both in the same spray booth, First Person Singular them to reach a greater number of people and the necks are made from the same than they could if they were playing piece of wood.” Q: What’s it like being acoustically.”All going well “when they start playing, people don’t even know part of a trio as closely there is amplification. ... If I can be knit as the Kruger unnoticed, and not hindering the emotion of the presentation, but enhancing the Brothers? impact in the room, then I feel like I’m succeeding.” Joel: “It really does come down to that Whenever you go to a concert or listen the whole is greater than the sum of the to a KBs CD, you may not be noticing parts. That’s a great example of what him, but you’re hearing him. And he we are. Each person tries to be the best sounds pretty good, doesn’t he? ► that he can on his instrument but when the three of us come together, that’s where the magic is created. We’ve been On the Web working together for so long that a lot One of the things that may set Wayne of what we do is nonverbal, especially Henderson apart from many other luthiers is the way we communicate on stage. In that he is an excellent player. He plays in an doing so we also try to involve the unconventional style; he uses finger picks, but if audience. We don’t exclude them from you’re not watching his hands, you’d swear he the creative process that’s happening on was flat picking. stage, and I think that’s something that You can see Uwe playing his Henderson guitar with Jens and Wayne in Wayne’s studio The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is edited by people appreciate in our performances. Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or just We’re not playing at them, we’re at the following links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsFd8jAipg8 hellos to [email protected] or via the saying ‘listen to what we found, listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyygKnJO--8 web at www.glenherbert.ca To subscribe or to this.’” unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 1, Issue 4 October 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road On the 1st and 2nd the KBs will be at the Okalahoma International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Then it’s back home for a benefit concert with Sara Bareilles conducted as part of the Wilkes Heart and Stroke Walk. The concert is on the MerleFest grounds at Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC, on Saturday, Oct. 9. The Heart and Stroke Walk was organized in 2006 by Lynn Day of in memory of her husband, Sam Day. The Days’ son, Josh, is the percussionist who tours with the KBs and who was featured on the CD Forever and a Day. Later in the month there is a stop in Chapel Hill, NC, and then on the 30th they will be playing a Halloween concert at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC. ►

Yves Savariaud singing “Envers et contre temps,” a French-language adaptation of the Krugers’ “Appalachian Mist.” This photo was taken at the Cook Shack in Union Grove, NC. The Kruger Brothers Christmas comes In the News sign with Fleming early this year! The Kruger Brothers were signed by Jim Artists Fleming of the Fleming Artists agency. ● Christmas Magic with the Kruger The Kruger Brothers are proud to Brothers will be released later this month. announce their signing by Jim Fleming ● Rehearsals have begun for “An at Fleming Artists. For more than 30 Appalachian Concerto” which will years Fleming has represented some premiere in November featuring the Kruger Brothers and the Blue Ridge of the world's finest and most Chamber Players. ● Live recordings of respected touring artists, and today “Jack of the Wood,” “Don’t Think Twice, their artist roster includes artists It’s All Right,” and “Frosty Morn/The ranging from Ani DiFranco, to Judy Coo Coo Bird/Twin Sisters” are featured Collins, to Tom Paxton. The mission of on Volume 1 of the FestivaLink Fleming Artists is to represent artists Merlefest 2010 collection of live who have something to say through The holiday collection, Christmas recordings from the festival. The Magic with the Kruger Brothers, collection is available through their art; artists who aspire to achieve the highest level of artistry. features new recordings of some FestivaLink at: holiday favorites and some surprises http://flink.livedownloads.com/show.asp?show=5496 ● The new studio will receive a grand too. Not the least of those is a track opening on October 17. ● Uwe is now on featuring Jens on lead vocals on a Facebook, so look for him there. ● Josh version of “Mele Kalikimaka.” It’s a Goforth will be heading off with the KBs delight, as is everything on the disc. for the coming dates in Europe. Among Copies will be available through the them is “A Christmas Gala” on December th web store later this month. 5 in Sarnen, Switzerland. ► www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 4 October 2010

First Person Singular Appalachian Yves Savariaud is the man seen singing Concerto to and playing guitar in the photo on pg. 1. Premiere Nov. 20 From France, Yves is a KB fan and adapts their songs into French. When he “It’s my romantic idea of the arrived at the Cook Shack he had no idea

Appalachians,” says Jens of a new he was about to meet the KBs, let alone chamber piece now in rehearsal. The play with them, let alone sing an

project titled “An Appalachian adpatation of “Appalachain Mist” with

Concerto” was initiated by Nick Maynard Holbrook—the inspiration for the Lampo, a cello player with the Blue song—singing harmony. Yves describes Ridge Chamber Players (BRCP). the event as a fairy tale come true. “He had seen us play, and he always wanted to play music with us.” That How did you first learn about the desire led him to a partnership with the Kruger Brothers? Ashe Civic Center to commission Jens Yves: A friend that I met in France sent for a new piece to feature the Kruger me some CDs he liked to listen to, and Brothers and the BRCP. one of them was Up 18 North. It was a “The theme [of the piece] is sort of caught up with the Kruger revelation for me, especially the tune the discovery of the Blue Ridge Brothers back stage at the Mountain Song “Carolina in the Fall.” SteveMountains Martin andcaught the upAppalachians,” with the Kruger by Festival in Brevard, NC. Martin joined the Q: How do you approach adapting a Brothersthe early back European stage at settlers the Mountain to the Song onstage then song into French? region. “You know, you come from Festival in Brevard, NC. Martin joined the stayed for the Krugers’ set. Needless to Yves: “First of all I listen to the whole Europe and everything’s crowded, you Steep Canyon Rangers onstage then say, he was blown away. The banjo Jens and need to have an immediate emotion come here and you’re alone.” stayed for the Krugers’ set, apparently at is holding is Martin’s prewar Gibson. and a need to transmit what I feel. I feel the “Thisinsistence is just of veryhis wife personal,” who is a says Kruger that my work when adapting is to try to fan.Jens. The “It banjo may Jensnot be is basedholding in is universal Martin’s understand what the writer thinks and prewartruth . .Gibson.. [but] that’s the romantic part feels, and then to try to transcribe that about it. You know, when I listen to into French. I do not translate the songs something like, let’s say, ‘Frosty literally. Morn’ or something, there is a The next challenge is to write the loneliness and something mystic about It’s a ... swallowtail! lyric in rhyme, trying to use as well the it. There’s a [sense of] longing that meaning of words as well as the sounds draws me to the music. ... I want to What a bunch of of the words. reflect some of those ideas that I have lepidopterists you people Q: What in particular draws you to about this place.” are! Given the number of responses, it seems that the music of the KBs? The piece will premiere on Uwe might be one of the November 20 at the Ashe Civic Center few people in Appalachia Yves: “I’m not expert enough in in West Jefferson, NC. ► that is unable to identify the Eastern Tiger English to be touched, at first, by the Swallowtail on sight. The butterflies were lyrics. It’s rather a question of pictured in a photo by Uwe in the last vibrations and emotion. Of course it’s newsletter. also a question of admiration of the The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is not virtuosity and finesse, and sensibility in only common, but is also the state butterfly their playing. There is never a note just of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, and South to fill the space. Each note has its Carolina, and is the state insect of Virginia. importance and is an important part of (North Carolina doesn’t have a state the whole.” butterfly. The state insect is the honeybee.) The first known drawing of a North American butterfly was of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and it was drawn by John White in 1587. The ones in Uwe’s photo Jens and Joel rehearsing with Nick are mostly females, though the one shown The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and in flight is a male, as indicated by the blue edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or Lampo, cellist with the Blue Ridge on the wings. Chamber Players. just hellos to [email protected] or via the Thanks for all your thoughts, interesting web at www.glenherbert.ca To subscribe or facts, and positive IDs. ► unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 1, Issue 5 November 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road The KBs are just back from a few short hops around NC, including a night at the Jack of the Wood pub in Asheville on Oct. 21st. This month they are sticking close to home in order to rehearse in preparation for the premiere of “An Appalachian Concerto” at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson, NC. Early in December they are off to Switzerland for some dates there including the Christmas Gala in Sarnen on Dec. 5. ►

The new studio was officially opened on October 17. There to cut the ribbon were (l to r) Joel, Uwe, Dave Anderson, Philip, Bill Hughes, and Jens. Photo courtesy Skip Vetter. In the News The new studio has opened! The grand Christmas Magic at the The new studio hits all opening open house featured the Krugers the right notes and some musical friends, including online store Nicky Sanders of the Steep Canyon Christmas Magic Natural light streams Rangers. For video of the event see with the Kruger in through tall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqVTVguql0Y Brothers covers the windows framing ● Jens was in Nashville recently to gamut of Christmas views of the trees instruct alongside , Bill music, from the and the mountains. It Emerson, and others at Sonny Osborne’s centuries old “O feels light, bright, and entirely in tune Banjo Camp, Nashcamp. ● The 5th Come All Ye with the surrounding environment. The Annual Wilkesboro Heart and Stroke Faithful,” to show tunes from the 20s and studio may not be a new beginning, but it walk netted $38 000 for medical research. 30s, to a song that was written just this marks a new phase in the life of the The KBs performed at the Creekside year (“The Lights in Our Village”). Kruger Brothers. It will be the home of Stage at Wilkes Community College with There’s some music trivia in here, too: the the Kruger organization, housing the Sara Bareilles in support of the cause. ► collection includes a novelty offices as well as the recording facility. In song written by a fighter ace who flew a way, it’s also a statement of their plan combat missions above France in WWI for the future—the studio, located on a (“Mele Kalikimaka”), a song about large piece of property and surrounded by cowboys written by a Virginian (Steve stunning views of the Brushy Mountains, Weisberg, “Christmas for Cowboys”), is a place to stop, to stay, and to work. ► and a song about snowy weather written during a heat wave in Hollywood, A fitting tribute to the California (“Let it Snow”). Kruger Brothers’ #1 Fan But, of course, it’s a Kruger Brothers album and could easily serve as an Tut Taylor is a education for anyone interested in the vast Grammy winner, the range of musical traditions alive in innovator of a American music today, from Broadway to unique style of Jens and banjo legend Bill Emerson after a bluegrass. playing dobro that banjo workshop at the Okalahoma Christmas Magic with the Kruger served as a model to International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, Brothers is now available through the many, and is truly a Oklahoma. online store, via CDBaby, Amazon, and at living legend in . He’s live performances. ► played with Roy Acuff, , www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 5 November 2010 Norman Blake, , Porter will be some obvious comparisons to European forms. The structure is strictly Wagoner, , and with John Aaron Copland, in part because so few that of classical concerti, with three Hartford as a member of the ground- composers have done as successfully movements and a standard breaking Aereo-Plain band. what he did with American vernacular instrumentation. That Jens uses this form Of course, Tut is also the Kruger musical forms. Like Copland, Jens uses as a setting for traditional Appalachian Brothers #1 fan—the title is self- the themes and instrumentation of themes, and does so with such proclaimed but is also well-earned. He can traditional music to convey new ideas; ease, suggests not only his remarkable be heard on Carolina Scrapbook, Vol. 1 also like Copland, there are lots of facility for composition, but affirms the playing his “Chain Hoist,” “Steven’s familiar sounds and musical passages that idea that these things aren’t really that far Steel,” and telling stories about Tootie and point to various musical traditions, though apart after all. the Crawfish, life in a small town, and none of them stands entirely on its own or And that banjo! The instrument simply what it’s like to ruin a pair Bill Monroe’s for its own sake. has never sounded this sophisticated, prize alligator shoes. Where it differs is in the explicit clear, and jaw-droppingly beautiful Taylor is now the subject of Southern comparisons Jens draws between North before. If you’ve ever had doubts about Filibuster: A Tribute to Tut Taylor, a American musical traditions and the effectiveness of banjo in an entirely recent project produced by Jerry Douglas. classical setting, this piece will dismiss The recording features , Randy them. Kohrs, Cindy Cashdollar, Mike First Person Singular Perhaps I’m biased (of course I am) but Auldridge, , and Jerry Kermit sang, “It Ain’t Easy Being Green.” when I heard selections from the piece, I Douglas, among others, all playing Ok, how about being a Swiss bluegrass couldn’t help but think what an important Taylor’s compositions. band? work this is. Sadly, there are only 300 “Everybody loves Tut,” says Douglas. Joel: “The question that tickets available for the premiere, and if “And not just his personality, him being pops up most often [in you don’t have them in hand now, you such a nice guy, but it’s also the interviews] is, How do two won’t be going—they sold out in days. contribution he’s made to the industry.” guys from Switzerland end For those of us who won’t be there, we “It seems we live in a time when many up playing bluegrass music? can look forward to other productions of pioneers’ works go unnoticed or [are] ... [to me] it seems like a silly the piece as well as a recording on disc, forgotten. We decided it was time to question. There’s nothing new about which could be available as early as this honor someone who has left a definite being from somewhere else. coming spring. ► mark on the advancement of the Everyone in this country was at one instrument we love and treasure.” time or another from somewhere else. All proceeds from the sale o f the disc And the thing is we’re not really a We Get Mail! go directly to Tut Taylor. ► bluegrass band, and music itself is Thanks to everyone for writing in with such a universal thing. questions, ideas, and hellos. There has been The music that we make is the email from literally around the world. culmination of all the influences that Kichisaburo Takeda writes from Osaka, we’ve amassed over the years. Our Japan, that he first saw the Kruger Brothers influences range from everything from live in Frankfurt a few years ago and has been Are you ready for the the music that our parents listened to a fan ever since. He forwarded this photo of the stuff that we grew up listening to. his band—he is the guitar player in the red tie, Appalachian Concerto? You know, we were all children of the second from the left. 70s basically and were all influenced All I can say is: brace yourself. It truly is by all the different musical styles at the like nothing you’ve ever heard before. time. Jens composed the Appalachian ... That is truly what American folk Concerto this fall, finishing up just a few music is about—it’s about creativity, weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to about finding your own voice. Jens hear a sample of it when I was down for often tells the story about when he was the studio opening. It sounds just as you with Bill Monroe in his kitchen that would expect a concerto to and takes the summer sitting and playing banjo and concerti of Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart as mandolin all night long ... and Bill models. Themes are raised, dropped and would say to him, ‘play me something’ interwoven, and move from voice to voice and Jens would play him a lick and among the instruments and across the he’d say, ‘no, no, that’s Earl Scruggs. registers. There are puckish surprises You play me something.’ And he’d along the way, too, especially in Jens’ use play something and he’d say ‘no, no of counterpoint and harmony which The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and that’s Don Reno, I want to hear Jens continually refocus attention and move edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or Kruger.’ That left a very deep imprint just hellos to [email protected] or via the the narrative of the piece forward. on him to go and find his own musical web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or It’s easy to see that when the concerto th voice.” unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. premieres on the 20 of this month there www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 1, Issue 6 December 2010

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road The KBs are off to Switzerland early this month. The main show there is a doozy, a Christmas Gala in Sarnen on the 5th featuring Josh Goforth, master fiddler and scholar (literally) of Appalachian music. Then, it’s back to this side of the pond for a benefit for the Junior Appalachian Musicians in West Jefferson, NC, on the 11th and a concert in Statesville, NC, on the 19th. Into the new year, watch this space (or the website) for dates in Canada, including Toronto and Ottawa. ►

In the News Philip setting a mic in preparation for the premiere of the Appalachian Concerto last month in West Jefferson, NC. The Appalachian Concerto premiered to a very receptive audience (that’s an Appalachian Concerto understatement) on November 20 in West Forever and a Day reaches Jefferson NC. ● Jens inducted into the premieres to ovations, #4 on the folk charts Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. ● In encores, and rave reviews October the KBs topped the Folk DJ The Krugers have entered the folk DJ charts. The charts are based on radio charts for October following some On the night of November 20 the KBs play. ● We were saddened to hear of the extremely well-received performances at shared the bill with the Green Mountain passing of Drake Walsh, a wonderful this year’s IBMA. Here’s the tale of the Chamber Players for a program that musician and inspiration to many in the tape: included the premiere the Appalachian Wilkesboro area and beyond. ● Jens and Concerto. Uwe will be heading into the studio to Top for October 2010: “It was really intense,” says Uwe. “It lend a hand with Steve Spurgin’s #4 Forever and a Day was really one of evenings where upcoming album. ► #11 Between the Notes everything just came together. “Usually you get on stage and present Jens inducted to the Blue Top Songs for October 2010 what you practiced, though here it all Ridge Music Hall of Fame #9 “Forever and a Day” came together that evening. So we had #21 “Down in the Coalmine” (tie) 350 actually watching music being It’s home to Doc #21 “Don’t Think Twice” (tie) made.” Watson, Earl Scruggs, Dan Shearer was one of the lucky ones the Carter Family, the Art is not a competition of course, but just there that night. “At the end of the first Stanley Brothers, and for reference, for the month of October movement, the audience jumped –I mean now the Blue Ridge this sets them ahead of people like, well, literally ‘jumped’—up from their seats Music Hall of Fame there’s Tim O’Brien, Pete Rowan, The and gave a loud, cheering, standing will be home to Jens Steeldrivers, and, at #21 on the album ovation.” At the completion of the third Kruger as well. A chart, Bob Dylan. Not bad company, movement the reception was equally notice of the induction has been made, really. The charts are compiled based on raucous with another prolonged standing though it will be celebrated with a formal the number of plays by 150 folk radio DJs ovation followed by an encore induction ceremony on July 11, 2011. The polled in the US and around the world. performance of the third movement. hall of fame celebrates the musicians and For the full lists, see: “I am very proud to have been in the

music professionals of the Blue Ridge http://www.folkalliance.org/FolkDJChart/tabid/85/Default.aspx audience to hear a preview of what is to region. ► come,” said Larry Combs in an email. Of

www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 1, Issue 6 December 2010 the rich texture of the composition, as the breeze in the leaves of the trees that well as the evening as a whole, he says We Wish You a Merry provide a backdrop for the Watson that “words can’t describe the emotions.” Christmas Theater. It was breathtaking.) So, by all counts, those of us who The Appalachian Concerto is an weren’t there really missed something The holiday season is always a time for important mark in the KBs career, the special. A recording of the concerto, all reflection on the year passed, and what a advent of a truly unique piece of music. going well, will be available in the year this has been. I’ve been delighted to On the business side, the year brought a spring.► begin this adventure with the newsletter, new agent and a new recording studio. and have been floored by all the But as always, it’s about the music and wonderful responses from literally the the people. Thank you for being there, for world over. So, a hearty thank you to sharing in all the moments, the memories, everyone who has been reading the and the music. All the very best to you newsletters and to those who have written and yours throughout this holiday season. in with comments and ideas. May you have a very Merry Christmas This year has seen two new Kruger and the happiest of New Years. ► CDs and lots of spectacular performances. (I’ll never forget hearing “Beautiful Nothing” from the main stage at The Green Mountain Chamber Players Merlefest, with literally thousands of Merry Christmas joined the KBs in West Jefferson and will also people in silence during the break in that be featured in the upcoming recording of the song, the only sounds being the birds and concerto. from the

Remembering Drake Walsh First Person Singular Kruger Brothers What is the collaboration process The Wilkesboro community, and the when songwriting? music community in Uwe: “Sometimes I just particular, was shocked write a simple song. Like, I and saddened to hear of just wrote a country song We Get Mail! the sudden passing of and Jens says ‘yes, that’s Drake Walsh on November 24. it.’ But I never have that Jim Hadden from Anglemont, BC, Canada, Primarily a mandolin and fiddle preconception [that what wrote to ask: player, Walsh began playing banjo when I write is complete]. When he was six years old. The son of Dock I write the songs, I’m completely open Q: “On YouTube, there is a video called Walsh, a professional musician and writer to what Jens has to say, what he likes ‘Kruger-Watch the Clouds Roll By.’ When the of “In the Pines,” he was immersed in the and what he doesn’t like, because we all song ends, Jens rolls into an absolutely music of the region from a very young have to agree on the things that we beautiful piece to end the video. What is the age. want to put out there ... name of the song and could it be added to a In later years Walsh was a member of But Jens also takes criticism from me future album?” when he writes his pieces and I say the Elkville String Band, the house band ‘well, repeat this line here,’ or ‘can you for the Tom Dooley Legend performances slow it down here a little bit’ or the A: The piece is titled “Luminous Waters” from in Wilkes County. “They were the local whole thing is too fast or too slow ... we Music From the Spring. There are many band,” says Uwe of the group that are very open to each other, to each pieces within that larger work that have been included Herb Key, Bill Williams, Jeff other’s criticism, which is always a released in other versions on their own, but Michael, and which often featured Wayne constructive thing. Criticism is always this one isn’t one of them (yet). The video was Henderson in performances and on their for the greater good, so the thing comes taken in May of 2009 during a performance recent CD, Over the Mountain. out as nicely as possible. with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra in “[Walsh] was one of these guys who But I also know that a song is like a Leominster, Massachusetts.

kept the music alive through those times rock in a river; we have to play it over To see the video, click on this link: when nobody cared about it. and over again and, like the rock in the http://www.youtube.com/user/CharlieHend#p/u/13/O8qqrnvYU0c river, it becomes smooth. When I write “Whenever he saw my car down at the pawn shop he would always stop, [songs] I try not to stick too much to come in, grab any old mandolin and just the words, to learn them right away, so sit there and play. We always had such a I can change things and not have to good time together.” sacrifice anything. I can just cross them out and replace them. And then once The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Walsh will be terribly missed by all I’ve done that, and maybe Jens puts a edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or who knew him and those who were new melody over it, it can become like just hellos to [email protected] or via the inspired by his music. ► a completely new song.” ► web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 1 January 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

On the Road After a lengthy flight delay in Atlanta due to severe weather, the KBs finally made it to Switzerland in time for their December dates there, including an evening in Zurich providing entertainment for the Siemens’ year end party (yes, that Siemens, the megalithic technology company). Then it was on to Sarnen for a public Christmas gala. They were joined by Josh Goforth throughout, from the big gigs to a small party in a typically Swiss alpine hotel. In January they’re cooling their jets momentarily and spending a bit of time in the studio to record the Appalachian Concerto. After a few local dates in NC they’re off to Canada in early February. On the 9th they’re at the Arts Court Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario. On the 10th they’re at the venerated Hugh’s Room in Toronto, one of the most important and long-standing clubs in Canada. ►

In the News

Jens and Philip will be at the NAMM friend and drummer set up on a platform show, in Anaheim, CA, January 13-19 ● In Switzerland with the in the back. Reminiscent of an earlier Pretty much as you read this, recording is Kruger Brothers chapter in their career, the Krügers beginning on the Appalachian mixture of American pop, dance, and folk Concerto, to be available in the spring. ● Ever wonder what it’s like to travel with music was a perfect fit for this dinner Barb Heller, a DJ on NCPR and Folk the Kruger Brothers? Don and Kathryn audience of over fifteen hundred. Alley, named Forever and a Day as her Shearer found out in December when they The next day we drove to a charming top pick for the Best of 2010. ► headed off to Switzerland with the band. alpine hotel in Seelisberg overlooking Apparently it’s much as you’d expect— Lake Lucerne where the Krügers and Josh great times, great friends, and great played for a close friend’s sixty-fifth music ... dinner/birthday party. (Do you know about the Swiss fascination with by Dan Shearer American County, Western, and Happy New Year ! Traveling with the Krüger Brothers and Bluegrass music? How surprised we were Josh Goforth on a musical adventure in to witness a lovely young Swiss gal with Wishing that the holiday season brought Switzerland was exciting and busy—three her guitar stepping on stage with the all that you hoped for and then some. All performances back-to-back. The first one Krügers to lead the entire Swiss dinner the best for 2011. was in Zurich for the annual Siemens’ crowd in a rendition of “Country Roads” –The Kruger Brothers employee Christmas event. The band was ... in English!) spread out on a large stage, Uwe on After spending the night in the hotel, guitar, Joel on bass, Jens alternating we left for Sarnen for the special between banjo and electric guitar, Josh Appalachian Christmas Gala featured on between mandolin and fiddle, and a Swiss the band’s web site. What fun! “Krüger www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 1 January 2011 Brothers music” followed by several New life for the Stoughton Jens and Philip to attend standing ovations, impromptu Christmas songs woven into the band’s well-known, Opera House NAMM trade show and a playful version of “Dueling The KBs have Jens and Philip will be on hand at the Banjos.” We two “Americans in Sarnen” occasion to play NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, January got such a kick out of having no earthly some pretty 13-16. idea what the Krügers were saying in- impressive venues NAMM, the National Association of between songs, but we enthusiastically along the way, and Music Merchants, hosts the yearly trade joined the crowd in laughter after each on the 13th of show which serves as a hub for people witticism coming from the stage. February they will wanting to seek out the newest And what a special treat to watch and be checking into innovations in musical products, listen to Josh and appreciate his one of them: the recording technology, sound and lighting. contribution to the music at each venue Stoughton Opera For people in the music industry, or with his fiddle, mandolin, and beautiful House in Stoughton, WI. By any measure, interested in the music industry, it’s the voice. I expect we’ll see more of this it is a stunning venue. largest candy store on earth and is young man on stage with the Krüger Opened in 1901, in the early years the anticipated with the same level of antsy Brothers. ► theatre was a crown jewel of Stoughton excitement that ten year olds anticipate architecture and served as a setting for Christmas.

everything from high opera to temperance Jens and Philip with be with Greg and meetings. The Governor spoke here, Janet Deering at the Deering Banjos minstrels played, and vaudeville touring booth. They’ll be shaking howdy, shows brought entertainment until tastes answering questions, and demonstrating changed and movies displaced live instruments. If you are anywhere near performance as the entertainment of Anaheim in mid January, be sure to stop choice. by and say hi. ► First Person Singular If it was an end of an era, few noticed at the time. The Opera House became the Why do you do it? physical embodiment of a changing world; painted a dull grey, a roof left Uwe: “It’s just a way of untended, the removal of an iconic clock life for me. I like the feel of tower, and soon the hall was my fingers on the unrecognizable for what it had been. instrument, and I like the Inevitably, by the late 70s it was feeling that singing gives abandoned entirely. me. Those may sound like Then the theatre’s fortunes changed. In very selfish things, but there is a magic the early 1980s some citizens of On the Web to playing music [such as] the melding of Stoughton came together to find a way to This will make you wish you’d been at minds when we’re on stage. There is restore the venue to its former glory, and Silver Dollar City last summer—Wildwood something more, my ego disappears and boy did they. It was decades of Flower: I become part of something bigger. fundraising, consciousness raising, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpY0ekvH2Rc That’s a feeling that is addictive. It’s just plain hard work, but the result is something I can’t be without. If I have it something for which the city is rightly There are some nice clips posted as well every day for a week, then maybe I need very proud. Today, the theater is a from a holiday show in December. Here a break for a day or so, but then I get up marvel, once again a crown jewel of the they perform Christmas Island with Laura in the morning, and I get my guitar, and city’s architecture. ► Boosinger on vocals: I’m going to go over to Jens’ and we’re http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ho6saiNa2A&NR=1 going to play all afternoon. ... I just do it. It makes me feel good—it’s my job, it’s To access these videos, click the link or my passion, it’s my ... calling? [laughs] I copy/paste it into your browser. don’t know. Sometimes it feels like a curse when I’ve been in the car for 16 hours. But, seriously, it’s an immensely satisfying experience when we have a nice show and we see those smiling faces and we go out and greet people ... It’s The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and such a satisfying experience to have edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or something like this and to see that people The Kruger Brothers appear at the Stoughton just hellos to [email protected] or via the get something from what we do.” ► Opera House in Stoughton, Wisconsin, on web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or February 13. unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 2 February 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things they have seen”

In the News The KBs are just coming off four sold out shows at the Cook Shack in Union Grove, NC, that included some very nice guest appearances including Si Kahn, Zeb Snyder, and Nicky Sanders. ● The band will be attending the 23rd Annual Folk Alliance Conference this month in Memphis, TN, where they’ll be performing at numerous workshops, showcases, and backing up Si Kahn, who won CD of t he year for Courage, as well as song of the year for “Peace Will Rise.” Jens produced the album and plays all the instruments featured on it, of course including the very distinctive banjo accompaniment on “Peace Will Rise.” ►

On the Road The KBs begin this month with a show in Chapel Hill, NC, presented by Community Church Concerts on Editorial believe—drove on Hwy 18 North! Profile th the 5 of Feb. Then they’re off for a Amazing isn’t it. (Ok, humor me.) two dates in Canada: On they 9th Remember the first But then, this. We were camping Laura Boosinger they’re in Ottawa at the Arts Court on site that year, and I went down the time? To begin a series of profiles of Theatre; on the 10th they’re at night before the festival began to musicians who have played and Toronto’s famed Hugh’s Room. Like national disasters and great wander around and just get a feel for recorded with the Kruger Brothers, They’re back in the states on the deeds, some things you just never what was going on. Under a small Dan Shearer sat down with Laura 11th for a concert at the The Ark in forget ... marquee, in the dark, with only a few Boosinger to talk about life, music, Ann Arbour, MI. On the 13th they people watching, were Uwe and Tut what it’s like to collaborate with the by Glen Herbert just talking and playing. I’d seen play the venerable Stoughton Opera Krugers. House in Stoughton, WI. Thoughts The first KBs recording I ever heard pictures, so I knew who they were, turning to spring these days? Some was “My Cabin in Caroline” which a but of course you could tell from by Dan Shearer early festival dates to brighten the friend included on a disc of material listening as well. There I was, in Laura Boosinger, winder blahs: the KBs will be at that he thought I should know thrall, with no one to turn to and say “The Songbird of something about. I can remember “THAT’S UWE KRUGER AND Merlefest in Wilksboro, NC, from the Smokies”—or as vividly the first time that song really TUT TAYLOR! UWE KRUGER April 28 through May 1. They’re also Uwe likes to call made an impression: I was in AND TUT TAYLOR ARE booked for the Ossipee Valley Music her, “The Carolina Toronto, driving in my Jetta (sigh ... I PLAYING HERE!” So, I just stood Festival in South Hiram, ME, July Songbird”— learned loved that car) and was stopped at a and listened and what I heard was two 22-25. to sing in church and set of train tracks. And I remember friends picking a bit before heading school, harmonizing thinking, good grief, whoever they home—quiet, relaxed, and having lots with the Beach Boys and Beatles. In are, they’re awesome. of fun together. Uwe played “Don’t 1975 she learned claw hammer banjo That song is still one of my Monkey ‘Round My Widder,” from none other than David Holt favourite recordings from the Kruger growling out the chorus and laughing (David Holt and the Lightning Bolts) Brothers, with that delicicously quiet that great laugh of his. I bug him to while a student at Warren Wilson guitar solo, the sound of a hand this day to play that song whenever I College. Since then, she has slapping a knee. That song makes get the chance. combined the two talents in what has greater use of dynamics than many At one point Uwe said of the become a twenty-five year musical musicians display in a lifetime. evening, “It’s like the night before career that includes solo releases as Hey, that’s Philip! Anyone watching the So, yes, I wanted more, and I got it Christmas.” It really was. The next daily podcasts from the NAMM conference well as a thirteen- year stint with a that spring on my way to Merlefest. day I saw the KBs on stage for the in January would have caught a glimpse of swing band. On the drive we wore out Travel the first time, and though there have been Philip Zannon, Kruger sound engineer While Laura and Josh Goforth Gravel and Up 18 North, and we lots of times since then, there’s just extraordinaire. He was sitting in on a have been playing together for years actually—I know, it’s hard to something about the first, isn’t session on new technology in the “Hot as a duet, they became members of Zone.” there?► the Lightning Bolts in 2002 when www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 2 February 2011

David Holt put the band together for The Ark: Ann Arbor’s annual festival this year, and it’s all Deering celebrates 35th the Country Night Gstaad music the funding drive The Ark needs to festival in a little town in Switzerland one-of-a-kind concert keep things going. They get the anniversary at NAMM (not a bad place to start a band). hall money they need, and the city now It’s been 35 years since Deering Those of us in the greater Asheville has a cherished and much lauded began in earnest in the banjo We often think one concert hall is area who appreciate folk, old-time, annual festival. How’s that for business, and they celebrated at the more or less the same as the next. and bluegrass music know Laura and win/win? NAMM conference by unveiling the Not this one. her music well. She is regular at There have been moves, and the 35th Anniversary Model Deering, The Ark is the Merlefest, not only as a performer current location is the third, but the which Greg describes as the most kind of place but as one of the leaders in the banjo mission statement has the same basic beautiful banjo he has ever made. that, if someone workshops and heads up the shape intention it did 1965, with perhaps an There were other reasons to presented the note singing workshop, for which she emphasis on music: “The Ark is a celebrate at NAMM, too. Aside from initial idea to is justly famous. non-profit organization dedicated to having a great showing, they were you, you would Laura met the Kruger Brothers the the enrichment of the human spirit given an award by the Musical say, “Nice idea, but it will never first time the band played at through the presentation, Merchandise Review in recognition work.” Which is all the more Merlefest and later jammed with preservation and encouragement of of their contribution to the industry. amazing that it not only worked, but them at Fiddlers Grove, a local folk, roots and ethnic music and It’s a nice honor for a great company, it’s been working for upward of 40 festival in Union Grove, NC, that has related arts. The Ark provides a safe and the wonderful people behind it.► a long and rich history. years. and welcoming atmosphere for all But it was the Kruger Brothers It began as a pretty simple idea: a people to listen to, learn about, inviting her to be one of the featured number of churches in Ann Arbor perform and share music.” artists on Carolina Scrapbook Vol. 2 came together in 1965 to create a Now in its 45th year, The Ark is that brought their and Laura’s place to, well, just get together. considered one of the top music clubs professional and personal Being the ‘60s, there were a lot of in the world, known for the quality relationship to a new level. Today new ideas floating around, and and breadth of its programming. You whenever the band performs within perhaps this was one of them. But name them, they’ve played here, traveling distance of Asheville Laura soon it was a reality—a place for from Allison Krauss, to Leon joins them on stage to sing solos, young people to gather, talk, sing, Redbone, the venue hosts live music harmony vocals, and to add her whatever. more than 300 nights each year (!), Some students came to perform, clawhammer banjo to the Kruger and this year the program includes sound. lecture, tell jokes—the stage was the Kruger Brothers. ► Ask Laura about her fondest pretty admitting of all kinds of things The Kruger Brothers appear at the The On the Web memory of her association with except preaching and proselytizing, Ark in Ann Arbor, MI, on February 11. How fun is this? Laura Boosinger Kruger Brothers over the years, and which is quite something considering she will quickly say, “I absolutely where the idea came from, to say and the KBs with the Reading love playing banjo duets with Jens.” nothing of the funding. Yes, you classic, “I Love You So Much, It She’s also a great example of the could talk theology, and many did, Hurts Me”: The Deering Jens Kruger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyAq6kV5G2g interconnectedness the Kruger but on any given night you’d be just Brothers have with others, forming a as likely to hear a philosopher, the model banjo Laura singing and playing Jens’ musical family that goes far beyond sheriff, a lecture about the war in banjo on “Lord, Build Me a Cabin”: what happens on stage. Of the Viet Nam, a poet reading poems, The following is an excerpt from the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwRBUSNjKiI&feature=related Deering catalogue copy for the hundreds of examples, here are two shape note singing, or, well and truly, Here are some nice clips from the Tenbrooks/Kruger model banjo. that involve Laura: Philip Zanon whatever. recent dates at the Cook Shack. Some interesting things here about recorded Josh and Laura’s CD, Most Before long, there was lots music, Nicky Sanders of the Steep Canyon the instrument ... and some surprising of All, in Laura’s living room (Jens too, from Iggy Pop (before he was Rangers adds some beautiful fiddle things about Jens. did the mixing); there’s talk of Laura Iggy Pop) to a hootenanny. Again, to “Carolina in the Fall:” singing on Maynard Holbrook’s new being the 60s, folk music had a lot of “The Jens Kruger is the top http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3eV7HWCQBA

CD which Jens is producing. traction, and it was well represented. model of the Tenbrooks line. Si Kahn joined them for Wild Rose of Today Laura lives in Asheville, Run entirely by volunteers, The It is made with violin grade the Mountain: NC, area, though it took many moves Ark was a place where students could maple because of the musical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP27b_OF1gg before she finally settled there. go to find a warm, inviting place to qualities of this wood, and it Zeb Snyder tears it up on “I Know Through it all she identifies closely come together free from drugs, features a radiused ebony alcohol, and academic life. For the fretboard. Jens prefers you Rider”: with the line from “Carolina in the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_RgFV8HTB0 Fall,” saying “folks have opened up performers, it was a place to try out stainless steel frets because the door; for the first time in my life their material. Gilda Radner, for one, of the durability of the To access these videos, click the link I'm not a stranger anymore.” It’s a got her start here in the late 60s. stainless steel. The frets or copy/paste it into your browser. feeling she shares with so many of Times have changed, and at least wear longer before the fans and musicians that have superficially, The Ark has, too. In the needing to be replaced. become a part of the Kruger late 70s The churches who were the Before switching to ► source of the initial funding were no stainless steel frets, Brothers’ family. longer able to provide support. So, Jens, who plays an

what to do? average of eight

Well, then came another idea that hours per day, was

doesn’t sound like a great one: they having his banjos re- The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is decided to raise funds through an fretted every six months. With compiled and edited by Glen Herbert. Send annual folk festival. And that stainless steel frets he has played for comments, ideas, or just hellos to [email protected] or via the web at seemingly bad idea worked too, almost two years before having the www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or Laura Boosinger on stage with the perhaps better than you can possibly banjo re-fretted; getting three times unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. Kruger Brothers at Carolina in the Fall, imagine. The Ark is holding the 34th the playing life out of the frets!” ► 2009. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 3 March 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The KBs attended the Folk Alliance conference in Memphis in mid- February, in part to back up Si Kahn, who’s album Courage was voted the album of the year, and the song “Peace Will Rise” the song of the year. The KBs also hosted workshops and a range of performances during the festival. (See full story this page.) ● Literally as you read this, the recording of the Appalachian Concerto continues in earnest. It will be wrapping up in about two weeks time, and release of the CD is planned for April. ● If you need another excuse to go to Merlefest this year, then this might be it: the KBs will be performing the Appalachian Concerto at Merlefest with the Green Mountain Strings. It’s at 5pm in the Walker Center on Saturday, April 30. ● The KBs are featured this month on Our State magazine’s “Month of Maynard Holbrook picked up the Kruger Brothers at the airport prior to their first appearance at Merlefest, and he’s Music” web feature celebrating the been “on the bus” ever since. Dan Shearer profiles Maynard on page 2. strength and of North Carolina musicians. ● Recording and News conference. Playing behind Si, and the year, and “Peace Will Rise” song production is underway for Si getting recognition for the production of the year at the Folk Alliance Kahn’s new CD, and it will also Krugers make a splash of his disc, shone a unique light on conference, coming in ahead of stars feature Jens’ production and at Folk Alliance the band, netting a lot of interest from like Bob Dylan and Judy Collins. instrumentation. The disc, yet to be promoters and industry professionals. “At the beginning I was totally named, will be out this coming If there is a Super Bowl of folk But of course they shone their own naive,” he says. “I went south to the spring. ● There is lots of radio music, then the Folk Alliance light, too, and their reception, southern civil rights movement airplay these days following on the conference is it. An annual gathering especially after the initial gala, was because all the cool people were success of Forever and a Day and of folk music DJs, journalists, artists tremendous. ► going south.” the showcases at the Folk Alliance and producers from throughout North There was a lot to impress a person Feature conference. An example: “Forever America, the 2011 conference was in those days looking for cool stuff. and a Day” reached #4 on the charts held this past February in Memphis, The Irrepressible What he found was a cause and also a in February at WGLT-FM Normal, TN. The Kruger brothers were on the way to express it: songs and singing. IL 89.1, Peoria, IL, 103.5 FM. ► performance schedule every day of Si Kahn “Singing together can help people the event, including backing Si Kahn prepare to act and take risks,” Kahn at the gala awards ceremony. He’s got an award-winning album writes in his recent book, Creative On the Road “It was our first appearance at the and a new musical. Not bad for a Community Organizing: A guide for Folk Alliance,” says Uwe, “and it retiree, is it? th rabble rousers. “It can change our On the 11 , they play the Historic was the greatest introduction that we Douglas Theatre in Macon, GA. by Glen Herbert hearts, and reinforce our willingness could have hoped for.” to act in the face of fear and danger.” On the 12th they’re at the “Hardly anybody gets to play for “There is a reason I start with a song He writes that many of the songs Townsend Center for the everybody,” as artists more typically about a Labrador retriever who thinks associated with the civil rights Performing Arts at the University of perform for smaller groups spread he can fly,” says Si Kahn about his movement “reached us in a deep, West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. out over the four days of the latest collection, Courage. “Because personal way, even though they are

one of the ways we can live this life in a sense a language we do not richly is by attempting the completely understand, a language impossible.” that can only be translated by the Submissions If that’s the measure, then Kahn’s heart.” life in music and social activism has If you’ve got a good story, some “The great political songs connect definitely been a rich one. His interesting news, trivia, a great photo us across time. Who can stand musical education began in the 60’s ... we’d love to hear from you. Send swaying in a circle with arms linked, on the front lines of the Civil Rights stories, photos or story ideas to singing ‘We Shall Overcome,’ and movement, where he first got the idea [email protected] Backing up Si Kan at Folk Alliance 2011, not be taken back to the Movement to play guitar and sing. This year, his and to the South, whether they were Memphis, TN. (Photo: Neale Eckstein) album Courage was named album of www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 3 March 2011

there in person or in spirit, whether Profile Family Bible, which is often on sale they were even yet born?” at Kruger Brother concerts. When he took up the guitar he Maynard Holbrook While Maynard had his own sought to use song in the same way: A little story of how an airport pick bluegrass band for another fifteen to resolve people to action, to up can lead to singing on stage with years, he first performed with the connect them, to reinforce a a symphony orchestra. Well, ok, Kruger Brothers when they returned willingness to face their fears, and to maybe it’s two stories ... for their second engagement at touch their emotions. And in the 40- MerleFest. The guys were playing at plus years since then, he’s pressed 16 by Dan Shearer a local elementary school when albums and has written songs that Maynard was invited to join them in would be recorded by artists ranging Four chairs on stage what Maynard fondly remembers as from Eddi Reader and Thomas Dolby signals to audiences his first song on stage with the life for them,” remembers Uwe. to Hazel Dickens. (“Aragon Mill” is waiting for a Kruger Kruger Brothers, “Rocky Top.” “There is a humbleness about the perhaps the most covered, and is Brother concert in Since then Maynard, whose in- way Maynard embraces gospel available on iTunes in nearly 30 North Carolina that home music center is surrounded by music, a medium to truly express his different versions.) He has shared they’re in for a treat. Kruger Brothers photos and feelings, not a platform to showcase. stages and CDs with Pete Seeger, It means that memorabilia, has toured with the Maynard sings because his soul he’s lectured on the politics of Maynard Holbrook will be invited on band in Switzerland, Canada, and needs it, and it gives him peace of country music, taught organizing, and stage to add his “high lonesome” throughout the ; he has mind.” songwriting. He’s recently completed tenor voice to the performance. And been featured on both Scrapbook Maynard always wanted to own a a musical, Silver Spoon, that will when he’s introduced, a heartfelt CDs; and he has produced his own Martin guitar, but it had been out of premier in this May. round of applause fills the venue. 2008 album, Maynard and Friends at his reach until in 2001 when at a Nevertheless, he has always Uwe says that when he first met the Cook Shack. These days when BBQ festival the Kruger Brothers thought of his music as a sideline to and heard Maynard sing, he he’s not on stage with the KBs, you presented him with a 1974 D-18. To his work as a community organizer. wondered in awe what he, Uwe, was can either find him there at the Cook this day Maynard keeps it tuned and He calls it his “hobby that got out of doing in a country where locals sang Shack jamming every Saturday ready-to-play in his basement music hand.” so beautifully. It’s a story that has morning or in the new Double Time center. Maynard won’t hesitate to “Somebody once said to me, you now entered into Kruger lore: studio working with Jens on another show you the Martin and the special know, if you had just been a Maynard was riding shotgun in the CD to be released later this year. inscription inside, written in musician, just been a songwriter, van that carried the Kruger Brothers What’s it like to play with the appreciation by the Kruger Brothers. think of how many more songs you from Charlotte to Wilkesboro in 1997 Kruger Brothers? “It’s like a dream “Those guys have the biggest would have had time to write. And I for the band’s first appearance at come true. I never in my life dreamed hearts of anybody I know,” says say, yeah, but what would they have MerleFest. During the ride, when I’d get to go and perform in Maynard, who tells them been about? In my songwriting, I’ve Jens and Uwe tuned their instruments Switzerland, Canada, Maine. I’d have affectionately and with high praise, been documenting what these people and then broke into a song, Maynard never gotten to go to those places if it “You guys are nothing but good ole were like, what their work was like, offered to sing a tune “in the key of C weren’t for those guys.” country boys, but from another what their communities were like, please.” Those of us fortunate enough to county. You’re just like us.” ► what their lives were like. So, sure, if Earlier, Maynard tipped his hand attend the premier of “Music From I hadn’t been an organizer I wouldn’t when he told Jens at the airport that the Spring” in Bangor will never Kruger Swiss Army knives! he “sang a little” and that he got his have had those stories. And probably forget Maynard’s performance in It’s the real deal: Victorinox Swiss if I hadn’t been a musician I wouldn’t music from Uncle Jim Shumate. front of a symphony orchestra. In Jens’ eyes got big then he said, “Jim Army Classic pocket knives in Kruger have been as effective as an another piece of KBs lore, he wasn’t green with the Swiss army logo on organizer.” Shumate is your uncle? Wow, I grew told that he would be invited on stage up listening to Jimmy on records, one side and the KB logo on the other. Courage follows in kind. It is a for fear his predictable nervousness Sweet! There are only 40 of them, so collection of songs about people, playing fiddle with Flatt and would keep him from enjoying the Scruggs.” they won’t be around long. They’re many of whom he knows through his performance. Nor was he allowed to available through the online store. community work. “It’s really a thank But the Krugers weren’t prepared attend the special rehearsal with the you to everyone from whom I learned for what they heard when Maynard orchestra where they practiced Jens’ what courage means.” ► “auditioned” with “Gone, Gone, arrangement of “Amazing Grace” in Gone” on that historical ride to anticipation of featuring Maynard on Reading Wilkesboro. The experience set the stage. The only tip off might have bonds, both musical and personal, been Hilda telling him to wear a suit, Kudos from NCPR between Maynard and the band. which is not Maynard’s standard Maynard (who met his future wife garb. Barb Heller, DJ at NCPR and Folk Hilda at a hootenanny in 1964 and Nevertheless, Maynard was Alley, chose Forever and a Day as whose marriage, after he returned entirely surprised by the request to her top album pick of 2010. This is from Vietnam, inspired the song come on stage for the encore. He was an excerpt from what she had to say “Appalachian Mist”) has played “literally shaking,” and not the in support of her choice: guitar since age fourteen when he and shaking he does when he hams up the “These beautiful, mostly original his younger sister Lana started Elvis part of “Working on a singing harmony together. arrangements make less of the Building.” He says that when Uwe After graduating high school, and showmanship and more of their “leaned over and whispered in my ear with the addition of Lana’s husband, musicality. These guys are capable of ‘Maynard, calm down and sing it like playing the fingers off a roomful of they formed The Gospel Tone Trio you always do,’” he was able to steel great players, yet they hold back and and for about fifteen years traveled himself to pull off one of his best The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and concentrate on bringing out the best between North Carolina, Virginia and renditions of that crowd favorite. South Carolina to perform at edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or in their music.” ► “In Switzerland I used to read just hellos to [email protected] or via the churches and special occasions. In about people like Maynard, web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or 1971, the trio recorded an album, Americans whose music is a way of unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 4 April 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The recording of the Appalachian Concerto is in the can and will be released later this month. The disc features the Kevin Lawrence 1st Violin, Stephanie Ezerman 2nd Violin, Sheila Browne Viola, and Alex Ezerman Cello. ● During Merlefest, the KBs will be shadowed on the Friday and Saturday by a film crew capturing live footage and interviews for a piece to air on Swiss TV, SRG SSR, the national broadcaster of Switzerland. ● Issue #21 of the Fretboard Journal should be hitting the stands right about now, and in it you’ll find an interview feature on Tut Taylor, dobro legend and Kruger Brothers #1 fan. ● The countdown to Merlefest is on, with the festival taking place at the end of Around Jens’ kitchen table are Uwe, Adam Steffey, Bobby Hicks, Jens, and Joel playing upright. Hicks is an iconic this month in Wilkesboro, NC. On fiddler, a mentor to many, and a great friend and fan of the Kruger Brothers. He is profiled by Dan Shearer below. the Friday during the festival the KBs play the Creekside Stage at noon Puzzler Profile and the Walker Center at 3:45. On Summer dates added in the Saturday they’re at the Watson Switzerland, UK, Canada So you think you know Bobby Hicks brings it all Stage at 1:00 and will present the Appalachian Concerto at 5:00 in the A short Swiss tour has been added to Joel? back home Walker Center. On Sunday they close the May schedule, and it includes out the Hillside Stage with a set at dates in Altdorf, Zurich, Laufen, and In the list below, all the statements He’s played everywhere, with 1:30. In addition, Jens will appear Uitikon. Sales were brisk when the are true of Joel, except one. Think everyone, and is quite literally an alongside Bob Carlin at the banjo tickets went on sale, and two dates you can spot the false statement? elder statesman of bluegrass music. workshop on Friday afternoon at 1:45 are now virtually sold out. The date Email your guess to These days, though, you’re just as [email protected] and in the Mayes Pit. ● There are lots of in Laufen is part of an ongoing series, likely to find Bobby Hicks at a coffee correct responses will be put into a new dates on the calendar for the Bluegrass in Basel, which brings acts shop playing with friends, which is draw for a free copy of the summer months, including two great like Rhonda Vincent, Steep Canyon where Dan Shearer and his wife Appalachian Concerto disc, which opportunities to attend workshops Rangers, and the Kruger Brothers to Kathryn caught up with him. will be released later this month. featuring the KBs: Steve Kaufman’s a very appreciative and enthusiastic Remember, only one of these is false. Music Kamp on June 19 and Swiss audience. by Dan Shearer Everything else is true. Really. RockyGrass Academy July 24-28 in On the way home from Kathryn and I met Lyons, CO, just north of Boulder. ► Switzerland the band will make a Joel ... short stop in the UK for a show on Bobby at Zuma 1. is tri-lingual May 28 at the Eagle Music Shop in Coffee, a popular 2. appeared on the Tonight Show On the Road West Yorkshire, UK. The KBs are coffee bar and with Johnny Carson favorites of the shop, and have lots of restaurant in 3. won the National Junior The KBs begin the month in sunny YouTube clips from concerts and “downtown” Harmonica Championship Flagstaff, AZ, with a performance workshops there to prove it. A bit of Marshall, NC, 4. is a licensed EMT of Music From the Spring with the interesting trivia: despite being in where every th 5. drove limousine in NYC Flagstaff Symphony on the 8 . England, and despite being in a rural Thursday night Bobby sponsors a 6. was a late-night radio DJ in On the 9th, it’s an Evening with the setting, the Eagle Music Shop is the bluegrass jam. You might expect a Stowe Vermont Kruger Brothers at the Orpheum #1 Deering retailer in the world, crowd waiting for the music to turn 7. is ambidextrous Theater in Flagstaff. On the 10th selling more Deering banjos, year its collective head in awe when a 8. was a production assistant on the they are at Sun City, AZ, for an after year, than any other retailer, country/bluegrass legend, a fiddler movie Porky’s II: The Next Day outdoor concert at the Sun Bowl. anywhere. who played with Bill Monroe in the 9. worked as a flooring salesman One other international date this 1950’s then for twenty-five years Then, it’s back home to prep for 10. is the brother of a producer for summer, and that’s the Little Lake with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Merlefest, Wilkesboro, NC, the the Pointer Sisters Musicfest in Peterborough, Ontario. Thunder, walks in. But Bobby, a first big festival of the summer 11. was a student of the late, great The Krugers are favorites of the humble man who has lived in season. The KBs are featured at Milt Hinton festival, formerly known as the Marshall for only three years, has the festival on Friday, Saturday, 12. was a security supervisor at Festival of Lights. They are in become a familiar face to the citizens and Sunday, April 28-May 1. Zurich airport Peterborough on August 10. ► of this small town on the French

www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 4 April 2011

Broad River, and he was greeted with The fiddle Bobby plays to this day traveled by train and the shows were of about 10 people. It was incredible. only friendship and affection. is a “1976 custom creation of the late really worth the ordeal. Bobby left a I was especially touched by their If a bluegrass instrument has Harvey Keck” and features a hand- lasting impression, and I started rendition of “Leaving London,” strings, Bobby can play it—fiddle, carved human head in place of the following his career. To play with which was written by Tom Paxton. I bass, mandolin, guitar, banjo, you scroll. A few years ago, when Bobby him occasionally is an honor. The had never before heard the song, and name it. What his website doesn’t removed the top of the fiddle to hard thing is to concentrate on my it moved me to tears. After returning reveal is that before he began playing inspect some damage he discovered own playing since my ears tend to home I quickly learned the song and fiddle at the age of nine, he took up an inscription written on the inside drift to Bobby’s playing. It’s so now perform it from time to time, but the guitar at such a young age that he back near the neck block. It said, sweet.” I can never capture the way the couldn’t hold the instrument without “Golden Boy”, (the name of the Krugers did it.” ► balancing it on a chair. And while it’s fiddle) “built to be the greatest Jens: “Bobby is a stylist, musically, public knowledge that in 1954 he was instrument in the world, in the name meaning he developed licks and Venue hired by Bill Monroe to play bass of the Father, the Son, and the Holy phrases for the country and bluegrass before switching to fiddle, it’s not so Spirit.” fiddle vocabulary. Because of his A different kind of venue, well known that Bobby played banjo You can catch Bobby at MerleFest deep understanding of the nature of th a different kind of with the band for one week before at 3:30 PM Friday the 29 on the this music and the culture it is switching to bass. Watson Stage in the “Bluegrass embedded in, he is one of the most concert About eight years ago, when Boys, A Tribute to Bill Monroe.” ► widely imitated fiddlers of all times. There are lots of ways to enjoy music. Bobby arrived at ’s “His experience as a show fiddler The Blair Hill Inn in Greenville, Oklahoma International Bluegrass in Las Vegas came to full bloom in ME, is one of them. Festival without a back-up band, Ricky Skaggs’ band where he could Byron suggested the Kruger showcase his uncluttered statement of The summer season Brothers. “Why not,” thought Bobby; fiddle aesthetics. His recordings of brings with it all those if Byron recommends them, they albums with bluegrass bands great Americana must be good. That serendipitous including JD Crowe, , festivals, of which moment launched a lasting musical Jerry Douglas, Todd Phillips and Merlefest is the first of and personal relationship with the Doyle Lawson gave a new life to old the biggies of the year. Krugers, a friendship characterized bluegrass classics, and his fiddling The festivals are by mutual admiration. and his musicality on the violin boisterous, vibrant, fun, At that festival Bobby remembers instantly became the new standard in busy. And, yes, after three or four experiencing awe when he began this traditional form of bluegrass days it can begin to feel like you need playing “Estrellita” and Jens—who music. a vacation from your vacation. Bobby says, “continues to amaze “Besides being a great fiddler, On the other hand is the Blair Hill me”—played along note for note. Bobby possesses a deep Inn. Once a private estate, the inn is Since then, whenever Bobby attends understanding of all of the other situated on an historical estate with a Kruger Brothers performance, be it bluegrass instruments, which panoramic vistas that span from New Bobby Hicks jamming with fans and a concert or festival venue, he and probably is why he knows so well Hampshire to Canada. It was bought friends at the Zuma coffee shop in Golden Boy are invited on stage. And what is going on when he is playing and restored by Dan and Ruth Marshall, NC. Thanks to Laura of course, no Kruger Brothers/Bobby with the band. I personally consider McLaughlin, former software Boosinger for these photos. Hicks performance can pass without myself very lucky to get the chance developers, in order to follow their to occasionally learn from a master of dream of being, well, innkeepers. “Estrellita.” First Person Singular “They’re great players, all of his caliber.” ► “We realized we had to do it, and them,” exclaims Bobby about the not just dream,” says Dan. “We Everybody digs Bobby Mailbox Kruger Brothers. “And Joel amazes didn’t want to look back at our life me, how he can keep up with them.” Hicks and think why didn’t we give that a Good times, Great shot?” (I reminded Bobby in jest that Joel, In preparing the above profile, Dan The result is on of the most the keeper of the beat, might look at Shearer asked the KBs what they memories e celebrated inns in New England. The it the other way.) thought of Bobby Hicks. Well, he got In the February newsletter I wrote KBs have become good friends of the Years ago when Bobby was an earful: about the first time I heard the McLaughlins and are now regulars at playing in Las Vegas with The Judy Kruger Brothers. Here Warren Joel: “Bobby is one of the finest the inn, playing intimate concerts in a Lynn Show, his frustration at not “Doc” Grafton of Bossier City, LA, gentlemen you would ever hope to truly one-of-a-kind setting whenever being able to play harmony below the shares his own story: lead line led him—right there in the meet in this business. His style and schedules allow. Literally, there you dressing room of the Golden grace are surpassed only by his “I had never heard of the Kruger are, listening to the Krugers against a Nugget—to drill a hole in the peg incredible musicianship. He is one of Brothers until I attended an Acoustic background of the sun setting into the box, insert a peg, and add a fifth the few fiddlers who is equally adept Music Camp in Arlington, Texas in Laurentians. The McLauglins have string. Although there are accounts of at bluegrass as well as country. He August of 2009. I enrolled in a class the KBs there for the same reason earlier violins with five strings, has a wonderful sense of humor and for flatpicking guitar, and found that the built the inn: because they Bobby came upon the idea is just a real pleasure to be around. myself in a class taught by Uwe have a passion for it. independently out of a desire to have To have someone who has spent Kruger. Jens was teaching banjo to The KBs play the Blair Hill Inn on an instrument that could voice both more than five decades in the music another class. I spent three days July 20th. ► the range of the violin and the viola world enjoy sharing the stage with us trying to absorb all the pearls that

within the context of North American as much as he does is a true honor.” Uwe presented. Each night there was fiddle styles. It's an innovation that a performance by the faculty he introduced into bluegrass music, Uwe: “Bobby was the first fiddler I members, and the Krugers gave an and when we see players tearing it up idolized when I saw him in Germany outstanding performance. On the last The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or with an extra string, we (and they) in the 80s. I saw him play with Ricky day of class Jens appeared in our Skaggs twice, once in Frankfurt and just hellos to [email protected] or via the have Bobby Hicks to thank. classroom and he and Uwe gave an web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or once in Offenbach. Back then I impromptu mini-concert to our class unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 5 May 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Uwe Kruger celebrated his 50th birthday last month. A very happy birthday to Uwe. ● The CD of Appalachian Concerto is now available through the online store, Amazon, County Sales, or anywhere the KBs perform. ● The new website is live. The look is new, as is much of the content, though the address remains the same: www.krugerbrothers.com ● Tickets have gone on sale for the June 11 induction ceremony to mark Jens’ membership in the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. ● A great friend and stunning musician Zeb Snyder of the Snyder Family Band won the flatpicking contest at Renofest at the end of March. Congrats to Zeb! ● The KBs played to a sell-out crowd of 1200 in Flagstaff on April 8th. Joining forces with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra to present Music From the Spring, the performance gained a prolonged standing ovation and was Uwe and Rebecca at Uwe’s 50th birthday celebration held on the campus of Wilkes Community College. They were joined by described as the highlight of the friends and family and, of course, there was lots and lots of music. See full story page 2. Photo courtesy Skip Vetter. orchestra’s season. ► Jens to be inducted to songwriter , and The new website is live! On the Road Willard Watson in the traditional the Blue Ridge Music dance category. We’re pleased to announce a new Everyone is welcome to attend the look and lots of new content for the The KBs are literally all over the Hall of Fame KBs online presence. map during the month of May: induction ceremony. For tickets call Jens to be awarded membership in (336) 667-3171. ► The new website went live last They kick off the month on the June 11 ceremony. heels of Merlefest with at date at month. Of the new things introduced Rudy’s Bluegrass in the Woods in It’s home to Doc Watson, Earl Appalachian Concerto on the site, here are some of the Anderson, SC, on the 7th. On the Scruggs, the Carter Family, the CD launched at highlights: th Stanley Brothers, and now the Blue 8 it’s “An Evening with the Kruger Uwe’s Photos: Uwe is a wonderful Ridge Music Hall of Fame will be MerleFest Brothers” hosted at the Chapel of photographer and his images shed a home to Jens Kruger as well. Jens Rest Church in Happy Valley, NC. unique light on what it is like to will be inducted on June 11 at the For all of us who missed the world On the 12th they begin a week at spend your working life on the road Stone Center in North Wilkesboro, premiere in November, the studio the Silver Dollar City Bluegrass as a touring musician. For a selection NC. recording of the Appalachian and BBQ Festival in Branson, of his shots from the road, see the The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Concerto is here. The recording was Photos tab. MO, and they are in residence Fame was created to honor those launched over the weekend at there through the 15th. At the end Merlefest and the piece was also involved in music in the Greater Blue Newsletters: All the past newsletters featured there in a live performance. of the month they’re off to Europe Mountains area, which runs from are now archived on the site. See the for the Acoustic Guitar Meeting in north Georgia to northern Virginia. second heading on the News pull- th Sarzana, Italy, on the 20 , and Inductees to the hall include artists, down tab. then a quick hop to Switzerland music pioneers and songwriters as for four dates there: Altdorf on the well as traditional dancers, callers, News: We’ll be updating the site with 21st, Zurich on the 22nd, Laufen scholars, and music industry news and information relating to new on the 24th and Uitikon on the professionals. dates, special events, releases, as well 25th. Then, it’s another puddle Jens has been inducted on the basis as information that we feel should be jump to West Yorkshire, UK, for a of his outstanding musicianship and shared. See the News panel on the homepage as well as the News tab. workshop and show on the 28th at his mentorship of local musicians. the Eagle Music Shop, Britain’s Fellow inductees this year are Sound clips: The Music tab will host premiere banjo retailer. (Yes, international recording artist a number of full length sound clips as Britain really does have a premiere , fiddler Jim well as samples of new recordings banjo retailer.) Shumate (who also happens to be whenever they become available. ► Maynard Holbrook’s uncle), www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 5 May 2011

Milestones Puzzler but I kept going all the way to the do the sequel I convinced him to hire TH end. And because I persevered, they me on. Uwe’s 50 ! “So you think you know gave me the win even though he was “I also worked on The Christmas a better player.” Story, which was produced by the Uwe celebrated the milestone Joel?” contest winner! same people who had done Porky’s.” birthday in style—friends, family, The best man at ... appeared on the Tonight and lots of music his parents’ Show with Johnny Carson ...... was a security supervisor at by Dan Shearer wedding was Lou It was as the national harmonica Zurich airport ... Teicher of champion (as above) that he appeared “When I first moved to Switzerland Ferrante and on the Tonight Show in September of in 1989, I took a job with Pan-Am as Uwe’s 50th birthday party was held Teicher. His 1971. a ticket counter agent. Without a on April 17th at Wilkes Community brother is a doubt, one of the most stressful gigs College, home to MerleFest (with the professional ... is a licensed EMT ... I've had. During the 6 month tents already standing in prep for the musician whose Yup. He is. He is also a volunteer probationary period, I decided to quit 2011 festival). By the time friends musical partner is a licensed with the Wilkes County rescue squad. that job and go to work for their and family arrived bearing a mortician who appeared on The security company which was a collection of covered dishes, Philip Beverly Hillbillies and whose father ... drove a limo in NYC ... subsidiary. After Pan-Am went had set up the sound system. There co-wrote “Please Release Me.” Joel’s “I was in between jobs and just bankrupt, the directors of the security were many familiar faces among the mother was scheduled to be one of needed to do something to make division started their own private guests, but perhaps most notably was the original Little Rascals but came some money. ... I once had to drive security firm. I went to work for them eighty-seven year old Tut Taylor down with Scarlet Fever shortly Richard Gere to the airport. He and subsequently became a trainer accompanied by his wife, Lee, his before filming and was unable to take comes out of his house at 11:30 for a for all of their new hires. We worked son David and his wife Linda as well part. Joel himself has been a travel 12:00 flight ... I got him there in 20.” for Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, as their two sons … three generations agent, played bass for Doc Watson, and several other airlines that of Taylors. and voiced a radio ad for Harold’s ... worked as a flooring serviced Zurich Airport doing The guests had hardly put their Restaurant—all things that didn’t salesman ... everything from document checks forks down when Uwe, Jens, Joel even make the list included in the last and passenger screening to aircraft picked their instruments up and “ ... my uncle had purchased a floor issue. Below is a review of that list search and baggage control.” began with “Up18North.” (Where maintenance supply store. When I based on an interview with Joel: was 15, 16, 17, I used to work part else can you go to a birthday party ... was a student of legendary and discover that the birthday boy is time there with my cousin.” Joel is tri-lingual ... jazz bassist Milt Hinton. part of the entertainment?) After ... was a late-night radio DJ Joel’s longtime friend, drummer Lou English, Spanish, and German. If you When Joel was a student at Hunter Mondelli, was invited to join them, think of Swiss German as a separate in Stowe, Vermont ... College he signed up for the jazz the guys moved into a country and language, then he’s quad-lingual. “I was heavily involved with the workshop, which Milt Hinton was

western feel with Jens playing the college radio station while I was a teaching. “He and I hit it off electric guitar more often than banjo. ... was National Junior student at Hunter college. A friend’s immediately ... he took me under his The main event began after the Harmonica Champion ... father owned a ski resort in Stowe, wing and became my mentor, and for band took a break. It featured Uwe “During the summer of 1971 I was and on one of the trips up to Stowe I the next 30 years he was one of the who, after blowing out the candles on going to a day camp and the stopped into the radio station and most influential people in my life.” his birthday cake decorated with a harmonica contest was offered at the spoke with the owner. I just told him, guitar, sat in the middle of the hall, day camp. Anybody could sign up for if you ever need anybody, I’d be And the winner is ... opening presents and cards one-by- it so I picked up a harmonica, and interested. Sure enough, two months Joel is not ambidextrous, so that was one, accompanied by the sound of won. ... [I advanced] to the national later I get a call from him saying if the false entry on the list. The winner laughter from the hall, evoked mostly contest. You just had to send them a you still want the job there’s one of the draw is Joe Wolkowicz of by Uwe’s alert and humorous tape of you playing. A couple of available. So I decided to take a leave Ronks, PA. He wins a copy of the comments on each gift. weeks later I received a telegram of absence from university (which I Appalachian Concerto CD. Congrats! Then back to the music, this time saying congratulations you’ve been am technically still on) and went up with the addition of fiddler Bobby selected as a finalist in the Choo for the job.” First Person Singular Hicks, the high lonesome voice of Choo Charlie national harmonica It was 1980, WRFB in Stowe Maynard Holbrook, and Laura contest sponsored by Hohner Vermont. He was on air from 4 to What did you learn from Boosinger with her banjo and vocal Harmonica Company and Good ‘N midnight, Monday through Friday. Milt Hinton? harmony. A special treat featured Plenty candy. David Taylor and Maynard singing “The contest was being held in ... is the brother of a producer Joel: “Milt taught me that the most “Two Little Boys,” David’s signature New York at Tavern on the Green. for the Pointer Sisters ... important thing has nothing to do song, followed by David taking The guy who competed against me Norman Landsberg was associate with your race, religion, or the color center stage to lead the guests in the came from somewhere in Ohio. At producer and vocal arranger for the of your skin; that we’re all on this Hokey Pokey. the contest we got together and Pointer Sisters. He’s had a long world together and what matters is And after everyone thought the played a little bit and I saw that he career in the music industry, what comes from your heart; and that party was over and many guests had was a much, much better player than including a piano show that he tours. you should be honest with yourself already left, there they were, the me. He blew me away, and I thought, He is also Manny Moka, leader of a and everyone around you.” ► musicians huddled in a circle, OK, so much for this. So we drew latin jazz/. straws to see who would go first, and jamming away. We all know that playing and he went first. And he gets up and ... was production assistant singing is much more than a vocation half-way through his performance he on the film Porky’s II ... for these guys; they simply love screws up, he makes some mistakes, “ ... when I lived in Manhattan my The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments, ideas, or doing what they do and will continue and he quit. He just walked off. So I next-door neighbor was a film get up. I play my thing, and I played just hellos to [email protected] or via the to, long after the dust settles on an producer and had worked on the first web at www.glenherbert.ca. To subscribe or event.► a couple of bum notes here and there, Porky’s film. When it came time to unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 6 June 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers were filmed and interviewed at MerleFest by Tilman Lingner of Swiss National Television. The resulting story aired on May 18 on one of the most viewed newscasts in Switzerland: 10vor10, a program with a format similar to 60 Minutes. The clip is posted to the KB homepage. ● Steve Spurgin’s latest CD, Past Perfect, is now available and features Jens and Uwe throughout. ● The KBs were featured guests on two great radio shows last month: WDAV’s Biscuits & Bach on Sunday, May 22, and NPRs Bluegrass Breakdown with Dave Higgs on May 28. You can still catch the clips on both station sites. ● The Krugers have been added to the lineup for Wintergrass, the premier indoor Americana festival. See full story below. ● A long awaited tour of the Northwest, perhaps including Alaska, is in the works ... If you are There was lots of fun again this year at Silver Dollar City. Carol Gerdes writes, “We had four days of concerts to out west and have longed to have a enjoy and some of us sat through record highs, record lows and rain ... [but] as you can tell from the picture we're Kruger event close to home, tell us not just energized—we're Krugerized!” Pictured with the KBs are members of the Kruger Brothers Fan Club. where you are by emailing [email protected]. ● There’s a Jens and Uwe guest on Another rousing return whistles of any great festival: there very nice video profile of Tut are four stages, workshops, Taylor, Krugers’ #1 Fan, at the Steve Spurgin’s Past to Branson impromptu jams, and lots of great Fretboard Journal website. See The Kruger Brothers are perennial music. It’s the perfect antidote to a http://www.fretboardjournal.com/video Perfect favorites at the BBQ and Bluegrass long, cold winter. The Kruger Taylor was also the subject of a There are Festival held each year at Silver Brothers are delighted to have been feature in last month’s issue of lots of Dollar City in Branson, MO. The added to the stellar line-up for the Bluegrass Unlimited. See Bill familiar weather, well, wasn’t the greatest this 2012 festival to be held over the last Conger’s article “Southern Filibuster: sounds on rd year, but the fans—many of whom weekend in February, the 23 A salute to pioneer Tut Taylor.” ● the latest th make the trek to Branson annually— through the 26 . Si Kahn’s new musical comedy, solo outing were undeterred. Silver Spoon, is currently in premiere from Highlights? “That's always a little KBs on WDAV FM’s in Cambridge, MA, at the Nora bluegrass veteran and Byron Berline hard to pinpoint,” says Carol Gerdes. Theatre Company until June 19. ► & California alumnus Steve Spurgin. Biscuits and Bach “They are so generous with their Jens and Uwe appear throughout the time—they stay and talk until the last If you missed the live broadcast, you album, titled Past Perfect, and avid person leaves ... And getting to can still go online to hear the Kruger On the Road Kruger fans won’t need to look far to watch them play around with ‘Don't Brothers talking with Rachel Stewart find some signature licks. The banjo Just back from the European tour, Monkey with my Widder’ on stage about two things they know a lot on “Fire on the Kettle” and “Run and after a short breather, the KBs just for Jim makes it a truly personal about: music and food. On May 22, Away Home” in particular is they were the featured guests on will perform at the Blue Ridge event for each one of us in the unmistakable. “I Guess She’ll Never Biscuits & Bach a weekly radio show Music Hall of Fame induction audience.” Know” is perhaps a rarity in that it which airs on WDAV, Davidson, th ceremony on the 11 . Jens is includes Jens and Uwe trading guitar Wintergrass added to NC. Topics for discussion included being inducted to the Hall at the solos. the Kruger family restaurant where event. On the 16th there is a date Past Perfect includes ten Spurgin the tour schedule the brothers first learned to cook ... at the Old Historical Ebbs Chapel originals plus John Malcolm Penn’s The Kruger Brothers are going to for lots and lots of people. The four- School in Mars Hill, NC. Then it’s “Sasquatch” and Gordon Lightfoot’s Wintergrass! Held in the Hyatt hour program features music from down to Tennessee June 19 to 24 “Song for a Winter’s Night.” On the Regency Hotel in Bellevue, WA, it’s the Renaissance to the Baroque and to instruct and pick with fans at the album Jens and Uwe join a who’s everything a summer bluegrass beyond, and that “beyond” is where Steve Kaufman Music Kamp. who of all-star players including festival is … except not in the the Kruger Brothers come in. You The KBs return to the Stecoah dobro ace Rob Ickes, mandolinist summer … and not outside. can access the archived interview at Valley Arts Center, Robbinsville, Adam Steffey and bassist Rusty Wintergrass is a family-friendly the following URL: NC, on the 25th. Holloway. The collection is now bluegrass music festival held indoors (http://www.wdav.org/1_186_0.cfm? available on iTunes and elsewhere. but otherwise with all the bells and do=view&id=222) www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 6 June 2011

Profile Wilkesboro “going away concert” for of music.” After talking with Josh, Silver Dollar City BBQ and family and friends that Uwe saw Josh Uwe, and Jens, all separately, and Bluegrass Festival in Branson, MO] Josh Day perform for the first time. The next noting their mutual expressions of and I can't tell you how uplifting it is day Uwe reported to Jens, “Here’s admiration, it’s clear that these guys to sit and listen to these three great He’s that extra bit of the Kruger our drummer. If we ever need a are meant to play together. musicians. When the first concert is sound, namely the percussion on drummer in America, I just found Josh now lives in Nashville. over, we get back in line and wait for Forever and a Day and in select live one, someone we can trust “Why? Because I’ve always wanted the next, which is about an hour and performances. Here Dan Shearer musically.” to. But Wilkesboro will always be a half wait. This week we were in profiles Day, drummer Since that time, Josh has my home, and it doesn’t matter if I’m line with two couples that we had extraordinaire and Wilkes County performed with the Kruger Brothers playing on stage with Sara in met in Branson before, and then had native. at a variety of settings, including Australia or in Jens’ living room, I’m seen out in Flagstaff, AZ, for a RockyGrass and the band’s 2009 living a dream.” So while Josh has performance of Music from the by Dan Shearer European tour. He played drums traveled the world, his heart remains Spring. [We also met up with (well, really a cardboard box, but he in Wilkesboro, an advantage which familiar faces from past summers, I caught up with Josh at a coffee shop did it brilliantly) on Carolina according to Jens leaves Josh with including] one couple from in Asheville, NC, not far from where Scrapbook Vol. 2 and more recently “an understanding of American roots Nebraska, and one couple from Iowa, Sara Bareilles and her band, which on Forever and a Day. music.” Or as Uwe puts it, “Josh and then made wonderful new includes Josh on drums, recently But perhaps the greatest distinction grew up with Doc’s music.” ► friends, also from Iowa. The Fan performed as part of their worldwide that Josh has enjoyed with the Kruger Club social gathering was an tour. Josh, who has been playing with Brothers was playing with them and First Person Singular opportunity for stories to be told, Sara off and on for eight years was, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra at visiting to take place, and singing as always, wearing his signature the 2007 premier of Music from the What’s it like to live and with our favorite artists.” ► cadet hat. Spring. Growing up in Wilkesboro and “Those guys have taught me so work as one third of a Reading graduating from nearby ASU with a much about music, friendship, love, trio? Music Ed & Percussion degree and happiness, and peace,” says Josh. Gained in Translation planning to be a band teacher, Josh “It’s like a special magic when we Uwe: “For me spent most of his free time playing They don’t call Italian a romance play together, whether it be on stage music is a form of with various local rock & roll and language for nothing ... with my drum set or on a back porch communication. I blues bands. But after a less than with a cardboard box. can play alone, but In May the KBs performed at the rewarding student teaching “And when you see them perform, I’d rather play with Sarzana Guitar Meeting in Sarzana, experience Josh headed for Europe it will change your life. It doesn’t other people Italy. Afterward someone posted a with blues guitarist Robert Ross. matter if you’re a professional because that’s video of the performance of Believe in coincidence? Bear in mind musician or not, they deeply move what music is all “Beautiful Nothing” to youtube, that Josh had met the Kruger you. I consider them brothers and about. An ensemble gives you the setting it under a translation of the Brothers for the first time just before know that we’ll be in each other’s security that family can give you. It title into Italian which read: “Il he went on tour with Ross. As he was lives forever.” [can be] a hard thing to keep Silenzio è la tela su cui ricama il about to enter Mahogany Hall in That feeling is mutual—Uwe together. We all read different books, musicista.” Translated back into Berne, Switzerland, Josh noticed in describes Josh as “playing with watch different movies, and we have English, that means “Silence is the amazement that Ross’ poster was sensitivity, imagination, and all these different backgrounds. But canvas on which to embroider placed right next to one promoting fearlessness. He doesn’t to practice this openness, a collegial music.” How nice is that? You can the Kruger Brothers who were compromise.” atmosphere really, it’s a wonderful view the clip from Sarzana at: booked at the Hall at a later date. And while Uwe appreciates how thing to be in the middle of and to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmD0-pxRJnE In 2002, Josh left graduate school Josh “synchronizes with us,” as Jens have all these resources at your in North Carolina to pursue a In the Press has said, “He is not a metronome and fingertips. If I have a question about performing and teaching career in he doesn’t wait; he follows my anything, I can go to my band mates. From Larry Clark’s review of the , where he first met Sara intention, and he understands the If I have a problem, I can go to them Appalachian Concerto in the Hickory Bareilles and where he lived for subtle textures, rhythms, and melody with it, if I find something beautiful, Daily Record, Hickory, NC: seven years. In fact, it was at his I can share it with them. It gives me a “I’ve never been so moved as I was sense that I’m a part of a bigger with the Appalachian Concerto. ... entity, and that’s a good feeling.” ► The concerto invoked every joyous, Mailbox breathless emotion one can have.” ►

Feeling Kruger Pass it on! withdrawal ... If you know of someone who Bill Ray from Wickenburg, AZ, might be interested in the KB wrote us about the Silver Dollar City Newsletter, pass it along. Past shows, where apparently even issues are also archived on the standing in line is a lot of fun: website, at the Newsletters tab. “It is Monday morning, and I am feeling withdrawal. The Kruger Brothers have given my wife and I a high for the past four days, and again we didn't miss a single The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and performance. We travel from edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or ideas, Josh Day, shown here during a stop on the KBs Christmas tour of Wickenburg, Arizona each year to to [email protected] To subscribe or Switzerland, December 2010. Photo courtesy Skip Vetter. attend these performances [at the unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 7 July 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Jens was inducted to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame (see story below). ● Some new dates have been added to the schedule, including an Aug. 14 concert in Hamilton, Ontario; an event as part of the acclaimed Ewell Concert Series as sponsored by William and Mary College in Williamsburg, VA, on October 29. For a full concert listing, see the “Shows” tab on the website at http://www.krugerbrothers.com/concerts ● The Kruger Brothers crossed paths with Mike Marshall and Beppe Gambetta to great acclaim at the recent Acoustic Guitar Meeting in Sarzana, Italy. You can find pictures of the event, including a shot of the castle it was held in on the news page of the KB website. ● It was another another great year at the Kaufman Kamp! The music instruction camp is held through each summer, and this year Uwe, Joel, and Jens were instructors during bluegrass week, Uwe’s Collings D2H Brazilian triple-A ,Vintage. “It really is my daily bread and butter tool,” says Uwe. “And after all June 19-25. The camp features the music it has let me create, I’m still in love with it.” intensive workshops as well as evening concerts by the instructors. Jens inducted to Blue speech. He mentioned that this was Profile Photos have been posted to the camp the first award he’s ever received, website at acoustic-kamp.com. ● Ridge Hall of Fame and described the long journey he Zeb and Samantha As we’ve learned to expect from a and Uwe have taken to this point in Snyder Brenda Shepherd and Family their careers. He noted the experience On the Road production (Carolina in the Fall), the of growing up in Switzerland where, They’re the core of the Snyder They are east ... and west ... and event at the Stone Center for The because they were the sons of Family Band, and if you haven’t German parents, they never really felt east ... and then west again this Performing Arts in North Wilkesboro heard of them yet, don’t worry, you was very well organized. After a accepted and always felt like month: The KBs begin the month will soon. Here Dan Shearer profiles buffet dinner for a full house of two strangers. the next generation of Wilkes County in Sugar Grove, NC, at Music hundred and eighty guests, a musical He contrasted that experience with musical history. Fest ‘n Sugar Grove. A festival set performed by each inductee was the experience of moving his family honoring the influence of Doc followed by an award presenter to America. In Wilkes County, he by Dan Shearer Watson, the Krugers are there for chosen for his or her special said, they immediately felt welcomed the duration, July 8 and 9. Then relationship with the inductee. and the felt the warmth of true The first time Zeb and Samantha it’s a really quick trip out west for a Presenting the honor to Jens’ was acceptance in the place they chose to Snyder performed on stage with the show on the 11th at the Bluegrass the entire Shepherd family with hang their hats and call home. At Kruger Brothers was at the 2007 in Paradise festival in Crested Monica serving as spokesperson. long last, Jens movingly noted, he Carolina in the Fall. I was there to Butte, CO. And then back for two They awarded him a trophy in finally gets to be a local. witness this twelve and nine-year-old

evens in Maine: in Greenville, ME, recognition of his induction into the brother/sister act bring down the you can catch them at the Hall of Fame in the category of house—well actually, the hillside. (stunning, fabulous, breathtaking) Regional Musician. And when Zeb stopped picking I Blair Hill Inn on the night of the During the performance portion, remember Uwe mentioning to the 20th, and on 22nd at the festival that the Kruger Brothers opened with crowd that the future looks very dares to be different, the Ossipee “Carolina in the Fall” followed by bright. Valley Music Festival, in Hiram, “Beautiful Nothing” (with that “could Maybe it was their mom, Laine, not hear a pin drop in the room” always “singing around the house” ME. Then it’s west again for the RockyGrass Academy on from the pause that defines the essence of the who got them started, but Zeb and piece.) Then Jens finished with an Robert Shepherd making the formal 25th to the 28th, followed by a day Samantha, listening to the radio and expanded version of “Premonitions presentation at the Hall of Fame singing along, have been fascinated at the RockyGrass festival in the I-IV” that brought the house to their induction ceremony, June 11 at the by music ever since they can 30th, both events held in Lyons, feet. remember. CO. Stone Family Center for the For many in the room the highlight Performing Arts in North Wilkesboro, Zeb, now fifteen, picked up his of the evening was Jens’ acceptance NC. first instrument, a mandolin (which www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 7 July 2011

he still plays on stage) at age five, Family Band was born. Being invited You can learn more about the Mailbox and Samantha, now twelve, started to play at MerleFest for the last two Snyders by visiting their website at Suzuki violin at age three. Before years has been the highlight of this http://www.snyderfamilyband.com/. Some fond memories taking lessons, however, Samantha family band’s young career. Their latest CD release is available from one of the KB’s “practiced” on a macaroni box with a Zeb’s reaction after he and online in the iTunes store. ► paint stir-stick for the neck and a Samantha first met and heard the oldest fans dowel for the bow. Krugers play at the Cook Shack was, First Person Singular After receiving general music “Uwe simply blew my mind—they I had a wonderful email exchange training from Kindermusik, at age 7, knocked our socks off!” Now days, How do you decide with Bruno Nuessli this month. He Zeb began four years of classical whenever the KBs play the Cook initially wrote to ask where he could guitar lessons while sister Samantha Shack, you can count on seeing the which songs to present find a copy of the Appalachian Barn continued with her violin instruction. Snyders there, in the audience and on in concert? Orchestra CD, and was sad to hear It was around this time than Zeb and stage. it’s long out of print, which he suspected. But Bruno is perhaps one Samantha started playing together, What’s it like playing with the Joel: “One of the most important of the longest fans of the Kruger and while they occasionally sang for Kruger Brothers? Samantha, who things for Uwe is that he has to relate Brothers, and was following them community service and church “has never felt more comfortable in a to it first personally ... we’re not before they even formed as a band. groups, their first real public jam session than with the Krugers,” doing songs about death and murder Here he describes some of his early appearance was in 2004 at the local says, “They fire you up and make and rape and pillage. We’re trying to encounters with Jens and, later, the Fresh Market. (Zeb refers to those you want to play your very best. bring some hope and be positive kindling of the Kruger Brothers as we days as, “When we were young.”) Every time I talk to them I learn about everything in life. There is so know them today: Up to then it was all classical, but about a new musician.” much negativity around that we take then one thing led to another. It “They inspire us,” says Zeb. “They our role as entertainers seriously, to “The first time I saw Jens Krüger was started with a fascination with Irish fall right in with you, they fill up all go out and just be someone who in the 80s. He was very young then fiddle music, then the eventual the holes, and don’t overplay or brings a little ray of sunshine ... to and a member of the Bluegrass crossover to bluegrass—by far not simplify. It’s always fun and take people away from their trouble Family, who live here in Switzerland. the first classically trained musicians lighthearted, and no one’s given me and worries for just a few minutes, They still play here every year in to take that big leap. For Samantha, it as good musical advice as Jens and and to give them a feeling, ... a bit of their hometown [at] a small and very began with an Irish fiddling music Uwe. They encourage us to keep reflectiveness, and to touch people’s nice concert with many guests from book. For Zeb, it was a Doc Watson open minds and listen to a variety of emotions. here and from all over the world. instructional DVD he found which genres.” Uwe puts it very well when he “In the 80s Jens Krüger was a absolutely “hooked me on flat Uwe agrees. He encourages these says that there are bands that aim for member and I saw them here in my picking.” talented young musicians, “to seek your head, that are very complicated hometown, Winterthur, a few times Soon, Zeb and Samantha started out many teachers and to find as and jazzy, with complicated chord in a small free Sunday morning bluegrass lessons, then in 2006, Zeb, many ways as they can to use their structures and melodies; and there are matinee. A friend and I went to see age 11 and Samantha 7 performed at talents to express themselves.” other bands that aim for your feet, them again and again and we talked the Cook Shack, an experience these Then there’s five year old Owen that want to make you dance. with them a lot and they were very young musicians consider their first Snyder who sat with us in rapt What we try to do is aim friendly. real musical break. These days Zeb attention during the interview, at one somewhere in between, for the heart “Jens then got together with his and Samantha are frequent point reminding me that he was being and the emotions, to elicit a feeling. brother, Uwe, and I saw them, for participants at the Cook Shack classically trained on the guitar, and And people, when they leave our example, at the Zürich Country Saturday morning jams. later pointing out that, “The reason concerts and come up to us and say Festival and other places, possibly Several years ago Zeb bought his you’re not interviewing me is that was some of the most beautiful Interlaken or Flüela. They got better father a bass and asked him to learn because I haven’t played with the music, or that it was one of the nicest and better. Then they left for the how to “fill in the gaps.” Adding Kruger Brothers.” experiences ... then we know we’re USA. It’s great to hear that they still Laine singing harmony, the Snyder Not yet Owen, but I’ll be back. on the right track. ” ► are playing their music there. I’m proud to have seen the early days of these great musicians.”

While he may not have the Appalachian Barn Orchestra disc, Bruno has everything else, including some rarities, including an LP from the early 80s released by the Bluegrass Family that includes Jens on banjo, as well as a Phil Carmen LP that includes Uwe on guitar. It’s perhaps likely that he has the most complete collection of the Kruger Brothers’ history on record.

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story ideas to [email protected] To subscribe Zeb and Samantha with the KBs in 2007 at Carolina in the Fall. Photo courtesy Jane Hogan. or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com.

www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 8 August 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Some fantastic news this month: Joel Landsberg and Sarah Greenwald were wed in North Wilkesboro on July 17. As someone wrote on facebook, “it couldn’t happen to a nicer bass player.” All the best to Joel and Sarah. ● There’s a very nice retrospective feature on fiddler Jim Shumate in the July edition of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. The article includes on page 44 a photo of Shumate on stage with Jens, Uwe, Joel and Maynard Holbrook that was taken at a show in 2008. ● Listeners in Southern Ontario can tune in for an on-air interview on 93.3 CFMU in Hamilton, Ontario, on the morning of August 13. The KBs will be featured by Jim Marino on Freewheelin’ Folk which airs between 10 and 12am. You can also tune in online at cfmu.msumcmaster.ca ● Thanks to everyone—and there were quite a few of you—who wrote offering to send copies of Appalachian Barn Orchestra to Bruno Nuessli in order to complete his collection (see “Fond Skip and Charlotte Vetter while on tour with the Kruger Brothers in Switzerland, 2010. Memories” in the July newsletter). The Double Time motto is “nice music for nice people” and once again that proves true. the , it was Baker Editorial could be in soon. Not long after who taught Jens how to wear a hat. taking a seat and deciding to wait a Jens fondly recalls, “In those days Skip’s World bit, sure enough in walks Uwe. On the Road they wore the white hats with Seeing an empty seat at their table, feathers in front, and [Bill Monroe] Friend, fan, inspiration. Skip Vetter Uwe asks, “Is this seat taken?” to The month begins at the Podunk had an extra one so he gave me one is one of those people who know that which Skip responds, “Actually, we Bluegrass Music Festival in East to wear. I put it on my head, and my if you sit in the right place long were saving it for you.” Harford, CT, which runs August 4 hair was sticking out from beneath enough, you just never know what— Of course, Uwe sat down, and that through the 7th. Then, it’s off to the hat in the front. [Monroe] turns to or who—might happen by. was the beginning of a friendship that Canada for the Little Lake Music Kenny Baker and says, ‘Show the continues to this day. The best part of Festival in Peterborough, ON, on boy how to wear a hat!’ So Kenny by Glen Herbert the story, of course, is that it is the 10th, and an evening at the Baker takes it off and sweeps my hair absolutely true. And since then, the Pearl Company in Hamilton, ON, back, puts it back on and says ‘We’re story just keeps getting better. Skip Skip Vetter is a great storyteller, and on the 14th. not looking like John Denver around and Charlotte have traveled with the here!’ That was the 17th of July a favorite story that he tells is how he band to Canada a number of times, to 1982.” It was that night that Monroe first met the Kruger Brothers. It’s Europe in 2010, and on youtube, you introduced Jens at the Opry as the best to hear him tell it, but can even catch a glimpse of them Remembering Kenny first European banjo player to appear nevertheless, here goes: He and together in Wayne Henderson’s Baker on that stage. Charlotte had seen the band live and, kitchen. Skip also painted the images Baker was a coal miner, a hog for whatever reason, felt that these on the covers of the Carolina We were saddened to hear of the were people that they simply had to passing of Kenny Baker on July 8th. farmer, and had served with the US Scrapbook, Volume 2. Navy before becoming a professional meet. At the time the KBs did the Skip is an avid and very skilled Baker was an influential fiddler and, radio ad for Harold’s Diner (the radio with nearly 25 years with Bill musician. His long bowing style, in photographer and a regular particular, gave his playing the spot is collected on the first Carolina contributor to the Flickr online photo Monroe, served more years as a Scrapbook) and therefore seemed the Bluegrass Boy than any other smooth, clear sound he was famous stream where he posts under the for. He was inducted to the right place to meet (stalk?) the band. name Skipbro. Looking at his photos, musician. So, one afternoon in Wilkesboro, When Jens first played with International Bluegrass Music Hall of you can’t help but smile, in part Fame in 1999. off they go. There they ask after Jens, because they seem to form a portrait Monroe at Bean Blossom in 1982, it Uwe, or Joel, and Harold says that was Kenny Baker he stood beside. Kenny Baker died in Gallatin, TN, of his world: insects, birds, friends, at the age of 85. He will be missed. most days they come by if they’re in his backyard railroad, the Kruger And, later that summer backstage at town and that, you never know, they www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 8 August 2011

Brothers, Emma, his beagle, and sitting down to see what, or who, Charlotte sitting reading a book in the happens by. shade of a tree in a friend’s garden. As I write this, Skip is doing well. One of the sets in his Flickr photo The rounds of chemo continue, and stream is titled “Lawn Chair Series” there’s lots of therapy yet to come. and it includes a number of shots His recurrence came as a shock— taken, literally, from the vantage perhaps everyone knew it could point of his lawn chair. There are happen, but it still catches your photographers who will climb over breath when it actually does. Through barbed wire to get a shot, but I think it all Skip continues to be an it’s safe to say that Skip isn’t one of inspiration and, without a doubt, a them. Still, some of the photos he great friend to the Kruger Brothers gets could be the envy of those who and everybody else he knows. do. In the set is a bald eagle, a water And indeed that’s why I wanted to snake skimming across the surface of write about him here: he’s not a great the river, a great blue heron having musician and he’s never shared the Bobby Martin with the KBs on stage in Zurich, Switzerland. just caught a catfish, a family of stage with the Krugers, but he’s a ducks. All taken sitting on the bank great guy and a great friend. In the of a river waiting to see whatever world of the Kruger Brothers, just as where he helped start the band Bobby says, “The Krugers are one of happens by. in Skip’s world, that’s more than “South Past” which became the the hardest working bands I’ve Skip might say that he was lucky, enough. ► house band at the popular “The Log known—very giving to all around but people who know him know Cabin in Jackson Hole.” A fish out them.” better. It’s about knowing where to You can check out Skip Vetter’s of water, Bobby acquired the Bobby is proud to be part sit, which direction to face, and that photography by Googling “skipbro”. nickname, “Okie,” only because the Cherokee. He credits that bloodline you might have to wait a bit. Skip is It will be the first hit that comes up. folks he hung out with in Wyoming with “allowing me insight into Jens’ associated everyone back East with imagination when he captured in the just one of those people who knows all of that though, when the options Oklahoma. Concerto the essence of the settling Profile are limited, believing becomes an act In 1987, after working for a of these historic Appalachian of will. Skip served in Viet Nam, Bobby Martin seismographic company out West, Mountains.” Uwe honors that after all, so it hasn’t all been ducks Bobby returned to his North Carolina ancestral thread when he says, bluegrass roots, played off-and-on “Bobby has that Native American and dragonflies. Bobby Martin has music, and with various bands and became an part of his soul, and his drum playing And then there’s the cancer. In perhaps particularly Kruger music, electrical technician working on reflects that heritage. It’s an original 2008 Skip was diagnosed with a very in his soul. nuclear power plants, a job he holds way of looking at timing—a natural invasive, very serious cancer. The to this day. It was at a Fiddler’s flow, not showcasing. As a drummer prognosis was such that living a year by Dan Shearer Grove festival, actually the Kruger Bobby is a participant-type; as a was beating the odds. So a year later Brothers’ first, that Bobby person, Bobby looks at humanity he held a pig picking at his home in Bobby Martin came into this world remembers meeting Joel. But it was with an open heart.” Moore County, North Carolina, and with a drumstick in each hand and stepping into a tent where the Kruger Bobby has a lot to say about the after the party he simply carried on. these days carries a set of brushes Brothers were doing a workshop after friendship and the bond of His hair came back, he got his weight wherever he goes. “My brushes are their first MerleFest appearance “that brotherhood and love of music he back up, he bought a new RV and he my calling card; I leave a pair of changed my life. I was simply shares with Uwe, Jens, Joel, and and Charlotte were out on the road them wherever I play,” Bobby says fascinated with them.” Philip and how that relationship going places and seeing things, same with pride. The Kruger Brothers and Bobby has enriched his life, but the as ever. Bobby also came into the world soon became close friends, often expression that tells you most about There were lots of new posts to the destined to love and play bluegrass th jamming into the wee hours of the his appreciation for the influence Flickr site, too, though on June 24 music. “My mama said I was five morning on Jen’s front porch. the Krugers Brothers have had on of this year he captioned a quiet when I started playing drums; all I However, the first time Bobby played him, personally and musically is, portrait of his dog with the following: remember was that I was eight when with the Krugers on stage was at the “The Krugers are the ones who re-lit “Emma is feeling down because her I earned my first five dollars playing Cook Shack in Union Grove, home to the flame in a fire that was almost Daddy (me) has a recurrence of a snare drum and cymbals with my the well-attended Saturday morning out.” ► cancer. I only mention it to explain dad and uncle at the Elks Lodge.” jams and the evening concert series. my periodic absence from Now living in Union Grove, very Later, on tour with the band in commenting on Flickr for the next near the grounds of the Fiddler’s Douglas, Wyoming, Bobby, who Write Us! little while. I’ll be starting chemo Grove Ole Time Fiddler’s and Uwe says “is an incredible traveling Thoughts, concert reviews, next week.” Bluegrass Festival (aka: “Fiddler’s companion,” witnessed the famous He did start the chemo. He and Grove”) Bobby is a walking “Who’s reflections, articles—whatever it encounter with the three laughing Charlotte also bought a pontoon boat Who” of bluegrass music. Give him is, we’d love to hear from you monks, the inspiration for the Kruger and took tours on the lake for Joel a chance and he’ll tick off the names and to include your voice in the Brother’s well-known tune. and Sarah’s wedding guests. And he of the members of the Bluegrass KB newsletter. Email More recently, Bobby traveled once again continued posting to his Alliance since it’s beginning and tell [email protected] with the band as a guest on their photo stream: birds, trains, a photo of you stories about the musicians he’s European tour, and to his surprise his stars and stripes windsock flying played with throughout the years, was invited on stage for the encore at above his RV in celebration of the many of them having honed their the Zurich Chamber Music Hall. Fourth of July. He continues to pass craft nearby in the musically fertile With no drums set up on stage, along great shots for use in the North Carolina mountains and Bobby improvised, grabbing a plastic newsletters and on the KB website. foothills. cable box and took out the set of The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Same as ever. In a sense, it’s as if he Born and raised in a bluegrass edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story brushes he never leaves home is once again unfolding the chair, family in Salisbury, NC, as a young ideas to [email protected] To subscribe without. Reflecting on the tour turning it in the right direction, and man Bobby migrated to Wyoming or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 9 September 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News This month marks the 100th anniversary of Bill Monroe’s birth, and Jens is featured in the September edition of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. There he remembers what it was like to spend a summer—including a visit to the Opry stage—with the father of bluegrass. ● Jens, Joel, and Uwe will be instructing at this year’s Nash Camp in Nashville, TN, October 21st to the 23rd. ● Coming soon: Kruger Brothers’ music camp! It will be held in Wilkesboro May 11‐13th 2012. Watch this space for details. ●

On the Road This month sees a return to the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, OK. The festival is the brainchild of Byron Berline, three-time national fiddle champion and current resident of Guthrie. Berline’s idea was to bring together bluegrass bands from all over the world, and Alice Teichert, Sound Seed, 54 × 72 inches, acrylic and crayon on canvas the Krugers have been attending the festival for a number of years Feature beginnings in 2010 when Jens met single cultural identity, but rather now. A bit of KB trivia: Eight years Teichert in her Port Hope, Ontario, had a foot in many different ago when Bobby Hicks arrived at A new home for “Sound studio during a short trip to identities, one of which was music. the festival without a back-up Canada. “[Music] is the first language I band, Byron suggested the Kruger Seed” “I never will forget the moment learned to read ... it is very much a Brothers. “Why not,” thought Stepping into the main area of the when Jennifer brought Jens into my universal language of Bobby, “if Byron recommends Double Time studio, the first thing studio,” says Teichert. “He was just communication, it just moves us. them, they must be good.” He that catches your eye isn’t the dancing on nine. He was And I think that’s what the Kruger recalls a sense of awe when he windows, or the equipment, but a absorbed by this painting.” Brothers are very good at doing.” began playing “Estrellita” and painting. It was one of those Kruger “They’re a great example of how Jens—who Bobby says, moments, when disparate things you can expand territories, “continues to amaze me”—played by Glen Herbert just seem to fall together. Teichert bringing unlikely worlds together along note for note. noted after the fact that, not only and make them akin. Just to know I wanted to include an image of did they really connect but that that Sound Seed is hanging in the Sound Seed (as above) in this issue even during that first meeting it studio of the Kruger Brothers On the Web for a number of reasons, first felt less like an introduction than humbles my heart.” Switzerland meets Brazil by among them because it’s the “like a reunion.” The painting was a gift to the painting that forms a centerpiece “They are European, but there is Kruger Brothers. The title of the way of Appalachia to the Double Time Studio. It was something else I can’t put a word work, of course, is fitting for where Jens collaborated with Jimmy painted by Alice Teichert and on. It is a feeling. When Jens and I it now hangs. It will be there, Gaudreau and guitarist Frank hangs in the main studio room met, I could immediately see an watching over and perhaps even Vignola on “El Doggo” for inclusion where, so far, it has kept watch on underlying understanding. We are inspiring the composition, on Jimmy Gaudreau’s CD, Pieces the rehearsal and recording of the aware of both worlds [Europe and arrangement, and recording of all and Bits. You can hear the full track Appalachian Concerto, the filming North America] and it just totally that great music yet to come. ► as posted at Gaudreau’s website at of an interview with Swiss national brings you to other spaces.” the following link: television, and lots of rehearsals It’s that straddling of cultural Alice Teichert lives and works in http://jimmygaudreau.bandcamp.com/tr and meetings. worlds that sets Teichert’s work Port Hope, Ontario. Her next show, ack/el-doggo But how the painting became the and that of the Kruger Brothers titled CRESCENDO, opens this or right‐click: focal point of the studio is a story apart. Like them, when growing up October in Widen, Switzerland. http://jimmygaudreau.bandcamp.com/track/el-doggo unto itself, and one which has its she didn’t immediately have a www.aliceteichert.com www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 9 September 2011

Listening In It’s a great combination, and mostly because this was where, as chances are there is more of it out Christa puts it, they “connected.” Brother Duets there than you might think. Below Some time passed before Jens are a few of the tracks that have decided to move from his home in Remember Chet and Doc’s guitar been released over the years: eastern Switzerland to Zurich duets? Jens and Uwe do. (where Christa was living) and “Flatt Did It” become a street musician while

“On My Way to Canaan’s Land” Christa continued her ballet by Glen Herbert (Behind the Barn, vol. 2) training. Unfortunately, an injury Both of these tracks are literal tributes caused Christa at age nineteen to I was recently asked if I could name to Chet and Doc, as both appeared on give up her dream of becoming a a recording other than “Moon Over their Reflections album. Jens brilliantly professional dancer. But good Switzerland” that features both captures Chet’s style, Uwe brilliantly timing prevailed, because not long Uwe, Christa and Jens circa the Uwe and Jens on guitar. Certainly, captures Doc’s, though they also afterwards, her musical career was Appalachian Barn Orchestra. for hard‐core Kruger fans, this is a launched when Jens (who was mirror the spirit and the fun that Chet great little trivia question to toss playing with the Bluegrass Family Christa left the Bluegrass Friends, around for a while. and Doc clearly had whenever they after he and Uwe left the Rocky took a week off to give birth to But there is another aspect to played together. Road and decided to go their Mirjam, then resumed playing with the “Orchestra.” this beyond just the geeky counting “My Cabin in Caroline” (Up 18 separate ways) gave Christa a of songs (there are seventeen if you ticket to pick up an item stored at The Appalachian Barn Orchestra North) count both versions of “Once I Had the train station. Much to Christa’s enjoyed eight successful years a Sweetheart”) and that’s the Again, a style that seems influenced, if surprise she found a guitar waiting (through the birth of Jens’ and perspective that the guitar duets only subliminally so, by Chet and Doc. for her at the station. She Christa’s second child, Anja), offer on the artistic interaction The solo alone is a lesson in how two immediately set to the task of playing many events and appearing between Jens and Uwe. For one, the very different guitar styles can work learning chords and soon found on radio and TV. They also had a work is incredibly close, perhaps so well together. herself playing at home with Jens monthly national radio show called due in part to the fact that they are as their personal and musical “The Kruger Brothers” (has a nice brothers. In vocal music, “brother “Once I Had Sweetheart” (Forever relationship developed. ring to it, doesn’t it?). duets”—the Delmores and the and a Day) But Christa’s big musical break As the band continued to Monroes; the Louvins and Jim and They’ve recorded this twice, first didn’t involve the guitar. A short develop, Jens and Uwe left their Jesse—are examples of that extra on the Scrapbook collection. At this time after a group called The other bands to concentrate on the level of communication and recording the song has a few more Bluegrass Friends played for Jens Appalachian Barn Orchestra. But intuition that only siblings seem to miles on it, and it shows. ► and Christa’s wedding, the band with the demands of raising two have. lost their bass player and invited kids, Christa couldn’t “keep up with For the Krugers, that level of Profile Christa to learn the bass and join all of the musical styles that Jens intuition is in everything they do, them. Join them she did, taking and Uwe wanted to play,” ones that but is particularly evident when Christa Kruger advantage of the natural rhythmic audiences demanded, so Christa they are both playing guitar. transition from guitar to bass, and decided it was time to leave the Over the years Christa has been a band. In some instances, the playing is wife, mother, and a member of the played in the band for five years. so close that it can be hard to tell Meanwhile Jens and Uwe had But Christa wasn’t through. A band. couple of years later she joined exactly who is doing what, as on reunited, not yet as a band, but “When the Work’s All Done this simply as brothers playing Holiday Bluegrass Jam (later by Dan Shearer renamed Morning Dew) where she Fall.” Trying to keep track of things together, with Christa joining them there becomes a bit of a parlor on bass, adding more songs to their played bass and sang (for the first As a child in Zurich, Christa time in a band), all the while game. Diggelmann dreamed of becoming “repertoire” as a family while each In other instances, it’s the continued to perform teaching dance classes, wellness a professional ballerina, a dream exercise, learning to belly dance, contrasting guitar voices that adds which led her at a young age to professionally with their own interest to an arrangement, as on band(s); Jens was still with the and earning a diploma as a yoga choose the dancing school instructor. Christa stayed with “My Cabin in Caroline” and “Flatt educational track in Switzerland Bluegrass Family, Christa with the Did It.” The styles that Jens and Bluegrass Friends, and Uwe with Mountain Dew until 2003 when where she trained for ten years, she, Jens, and the girls moved to Uwe use in those arrangements performing in productions in various country bands. recall, often literally, the brilliant Then one day Christa, Uwe, and America. several European countries. Fast forward to a rainy duets of Chet Atkins and Doc One day at a fair being held on Jens were invited to play at Watson. Jens is more chordal in his Reussfähre, a restaurant in Lucerne afternoon at the 2009 Carolina In the campus where sixteen‐year old the Fall Festival in North playing, often with a bit of a jazz Christa was living, she met a young where Jens had been performing. chord‐melody style creeping in (as That night, the Appalachian Barn Wilkesboro when the Appalachian man named Jens Kruger who was Barn Orchestra musicians reunited, on “Cowboy’s Blues”). He uses a performing, along with his brother Orchestra was born, at least in thumbpick and plays with a finger spirit—the name was chosen to performing a set on stage in front Uwe, in a band called The of a small gathering of wet but style that is informed by his work Undertaker Skiffle Company. Six reflect the music they were playing, on the banjo. much like that of barn dances in loyal fans. I for one hope it wasn’t months later, Christa and Jens’ the last time. ► Uwe most often comes at the paths crossed again at the Zurich America. As opportunities for the guitar from a flatpicking train station, an experience she band to perform increased, perspective, adding all those deep remembers fondly, in part due to including one where they were bass notes and gorgeous runs. On the cowboy outfit Jens, who was on billed with , Christa faster songs it’s like a top spinning his way to perform, was wearing— continued playing for both the off of the melody; on slower “Orchestra” and Bluegrass Friends The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and chaps, spurs, and his favorite edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story ballads, it’s a wisp of smoke rising cowboy hat, the works—but until just before Jens and Christa’s ideas to [email protected] To subscribe from a candle flame. first child, Mirjam, was born. or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 10 October 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers were interviewed by Bob Edwards of the Bob Edwards Show on Sirius/XM Radio. Audio files of the interview have been posted to the ‘Press’ page of the KB website. ● Dates have been confirmed for the 2012 Silver Dollar City BBQ and Bluegrass festival in Branson, MO. The KBs will be at the festival May 16, 17, and 18. ● Visit the KB homepage to check out a recently produced video of Jens playing Bach’s Cello Suite no. 1. ●

On the Road The month begins at the Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College in Brevard NC for a presentation of the Appalachian Concerto on the 6th. On the 8th the KBs appear in concert with Doc Watson at the Farthing Auditorium Jens teaching a private workshop in Pennsylvania in 2009. Joel, Jens, and Uwe have taught throughout their in Boone, NC. Then they hit the professional careers as musicians, from private lessons to large classes at music camps around the country. road for three dates in a row: Stuart’s Opera House in in the Wilkesboro community. “I Travel the Gravel. His life spanned instruments. Well, that’s exactly Nelsonville, OH, on the 14th; the am grateful for the privilege to the entire development of what we what the Kruger Brothers’ Music Pittsburgh Arts Council in th have known him,” says Uwe, “and now know as bluegrass music, and Academy intends to be. Pttisburgh, PA, 15 ; and the for the opportunity to say goodbye he was active musically well into “Our aim for the academy,” says Cultural Center Theater in in peace.” ► his 10th decade. ► Jens, “is to have a place where th Charleston, WV, on the 16 , people can come and really talk appearing as part of the Mountain Paying tribute to the The Kruger Brothers’ about music. Whether that’s over Stage concert series. Music Academy to lunch, in the classroom, during a Grandfather of jam … the music comes first.” Bluegrass, Wade Mainer launch May 2012 It’s the kind of music instruction that Jens, Uwe, and Joel themselves Remembering You asked for it, and now the good Wade Mainer, known popularly as valued most. idea is finally going to become a Dr. T. R. Bryan, Jr. the Grandfather of Bluegrass, died “People learn music because reality—the first Kruger Brothers on September 12 at his home in something grabs them, but it can It is with great Music Academy is scheduled for the Flint, Michigan, at the age of 104. be hard to find what it is,” says sadness that we weekend of May 11th, 2012 . Mainer was born in western North Jens. “It’s more than just what picks learned of the passing of Dr. Carolina and gained fame in the you use or where you put your Thomas Rhudy "T. ‘20s and ‘30s with his band, the fingers … for me as a child what R." Bryan, Jr., on Sons of the Mountaineers. He was was amazing was not how music September 7. Dr. perhaps the first to take the works, but why.” Bryan was a prominent physician traditional music of North Carolina Jens, Uwe and Joel have long in North Wilkesboro and a highly to the White House, where he been favorites of various respected and much loved member played at the request of President workshops and music camps, of the Wilkesboro community. Franklin. D. Roosevelt in 1941. His including many of the best‐known Specializing in obstetrics and playing inspired Earl Scruggs, Bill camps in the country. pediatrics, he was proud to have Monroe, Don Reno, Doc Watson, All the academy workshops, delivered more than 9,000 babies Ralph Stanley, and indeed many classes, performances and meals in his long and distinguished others. Mainer also introduced and will take place on the property of popularized many songs that have Double Time Studios. Registration career. He was also a great fan, Imagine a weekend in the Double since become standards within the is first‐come, first‐served, and supporter, and close friend to the Time Studio, playing music, talking, bluegrass repertoire, including through the academy page of the Kruger Brothers in a relationship jamming, listening to and learning “Blue Ridge Mountain Blues” which KB website or by calling the Double that began when they first arrived with three masters of their the Kruger Brothers featured on Time office at 336‐667‐2800. ► www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 10 October 2011

Profile the perfect instrument, it dawned been the heart and soul of the First Person Singular on Bob that he could make one festival.” Bob Kogut himself – from scratch. So he did, It was at the 2006 MusicFest ‘N What makes a good and “it sounded okay.” Sugar Grove when Jens first invited Being a violin maker alone is banjo player? But not to violin expert Bob Bob to play with the Kruger interesting. To be one that came not Bragg who “confiscated” Bob’s Brothers, an experienced which Jens: “What makes a good banjo only to building, but even playing fiddle and told him, “You’ll never evolved into Bob, Jens, Joel, and player is the same as what makes a long after most violinists have long make another fiddle if you keep Uwe playing at contra dances good musician. It really doesn’t outgrown Suzuki classes, puts Bob make any difference. So, it would Kogut in a class of his own. this one.” It took three more throughout the region. Then one be quite a task to [give an] answer. “inferior” hand‐made , each day, Jens, who knows a thing or But [ultimately] it’s a question of by Dan Shearer confiscated in turn by Bob Bragg two about fiddle‐making himself, honesty, I think. For me personally, until he let Kogut keep one, the after playing Bob’s fiddle, I feel that if I’m very honest with “One day, I want to visit all of my fiddle having met Bragg’s standard. complimented Bob on the quality what I play, [with] what I feel I violins, all one hundred and thirty In 1982, Bob moved to Florida, of the instrument and asked Bob to need to play, then I feel like I’m eight of them. I want to see if the where he played with various make him one. Which he did and doing a good job. ... You could owner is happy, I want to play the country, swing, and bluegrass named the fiddle “Christa” (Bob easily ‘wow’ people with instrument, hear it’s unique voice, bands, all the while buying and gives all his fiddles a woman’s something that they don’t see if it’s tone has matured, if it’s repairing broken fiddles, until one name ending in “a”). Jens told Bob, understand. It can be also like false character has changed, adjust it if day the widow of a violin‐maker “I love it and play it everyday.” wisdom, where it really doesn’t necessary, and hear and record the whose shop Bob liked to visit, gave Jens says, “Every time I talk to matter because people are going to owner playing. “That,” says Bob Bob her husband’s hand tools – Bob about instrument‐making I see in it whatever they really want Kogut, violin‐maker tools which Bob learn a lot. He is a great craftsman, to see. And I can just give them and musician, “is my uses to this day. but foremost he loves good sound. something that they can’t follow. dream.” Years later, That’s why each of his violins is a But I’m not so fond of that. You Born and raised in while playing manifestation of passion, intuition, know, it’s like a Chinese circus. You Chester, PA, Bob has MerleFest, Bob and craftsmanship. Over the past go to watch it and you’re led a serendipitous became few years, Bob and his family have fascinated, but when are you ever life. Drafted in 1968, enchanted with become dear friends of ours. His going to go back? When I listen to Bob’s military the culture of the wit and humor make every music Doc Watson, or I listen to “career” was cut North Carolina event with Bob an extraordinary Beethoven sonatas, there is short when a mountains, “the experience.” ► something in the music that wants motorcycle accident heart of violin‐ me to go back and to listen to it left him seriously making,” and More information on Bob Kogut , his again and again and again. Because injured and in the moved with his music and his violins can be found at http://webpages.charter.net/koguts/ it’s not about ‘wowing’ me, hospital for months. wife Roberta to necessarily. It’s about opening a While in recovery, Lenoir, NC where door and showing me a world that Bob developed a tremor, but a he set up his home instrument I didn’t have access to as easily creative neurologist told Bob’s dad shop and took on the challenge of without the music.” ► to get Bob a guitar, which he did, “making fiddles that fiddlers like.” By night and on weekends (when and although he had never played On the Web an instrument, soon Bob was he’s not performing) Bob works in picking and strumming. The his shop; by day he practices his The new Kruger doctor’s prescription worked – the training as a physical therapist, the tremor disappeared, and Bob’s profession having been Brothers’ ringtone! musical journey was launched. “serendipitously” inspired by his Now, every time A second pivotal event in Bob’s hospital stay decades earlier. someone calls life occurred when his brother took Among the many violins that Bob you on your cell him to a bluegrass festival in has made for fiddlers over the phone, you can Maryland where none other than years, here are a few names you be alerted by Bill Monroe was playing. Bob was might recognize: Nikki Sanders, Jens, Joel, and “hypnotized” when he heard Kenny Mike Marshall, Darrell Anger, Josh Uwe playing the Baker, Monroe’s fiddler, play Goforth and many others. fastest banjo instrumental they’ve “Jerusalem Ridge” and fell in love At another MerleFest Bob’s “jaw ever recorded. How fun is that?! with the music. But it was dropped” when he heard the The “Waterfall” ringtone, created watching two jamming fiddlers Kruger Brothers for the first time – from the piece that appears on Up having a musical conversation with playing their unique European 18 North, is available through the their instruments that captivated version of “Dueling Banjos.” Then Apple iPhone ringtone shop. To Bob and kindled what up to now Bob got an idea ‐ to organize a local find it, search on “Kruger” and had been dormant. He heard a fiddlers’ convention in nearby “Waterfall” and look for the banjo voice in his head exclaim, “I’ve got Happy Valley and see if the Kruger icon. ► to be a fiddler.” So he bought a Brothers would play. So he asked cheap fiddle and taught himself them, and in addition to agreeing (with a little help from some they volunteered Philip to provide experienced fiddlers). Bob soon the sound. That was in 2004, and the Kruger Brothers have not only outgrew the instrument, as he did The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and with a succession of violins, and played the Historic Happy Valley Violin #77, “Carala” edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story unable to satisfy his drive to find Ole Time Fiddlers’ Convention ever ideas to [email protected] To subscribe since, but according to Bob, “have or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 11 November 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Last month we said goodbye to two great friends: Kurt Stadlin and Clint Howard. Both appeared on the Carolina Scrapbook collections, though it was their warmth and friendship that made them so important in the lives of the Kruger Brothers. ● Jens was interviewed by Tony Trischka, and students of Trischka’s School of Banjo can view the interview at the top of the special guests’ page. ● Dates have been added to the schedule for a short European tour of the Appalachian Concerto this December. (See p. 2) ►

On the Road The KBs are at the Fletcher Opera Jens, Doc Watson, Joel, Charles Welch, and Uwe rehearse prior to a performance in support of AppState’s House in Raleigh, NC, on the 3rd ; Sustainable Development Outreach program on October 8 in Boone, NC. See “Watching” pg. 2. the Tryon Fine Arts Center in Tryon, NC, on the 4th; and the similar, story. While teaching at the to Wilkes county, even that first Honoring musician, Madison County Arts Center in University of Switzerland one of his time, “it felt like I was finally Madison, NC, on the 5th. On the students loaned him a tape of Doc touching ground.” inspiration and friend 18th they head north to play Watson and told him about Uwe’s introduction to Wilkes Clint Howard MerleFest. He was hooked, and County was much like the one that William and Mary College in It is with great sadness that we began making plans to attend the Stadlin had received those few Williamsburg, VA. learned of the passing of Clint festival, at which point he was put years earlier. He, Joel, Jens, and Howard on October 16 at his home in touch with Brenda Shepherd Philip stayed at the Shepherd farm, in Mountain City, TN. There are who invited him to come and stay were introduced to the culture and Remembering Kurt perhaps many people that are with her family on the Shepherd the people of the area, and played regarded as inspirations, though Stadlin farm. MereleFest to enraptured few that can live up to that We were shocked to hear of the Through the Shepherds he was audiences. Throughout, they recognition in the way that Clint passing of Kurt Stadlin in mid‐ introduced to the culture and the seemed to fit right in just as Stadlin Howard did. He played Carnegie October. Kurt was the first people of Wilkes County, NC. had thought they might. Hall, Newport Folk Festival, toured champion of Kruger music in the Between that and the music Dividing his time between his Europe with Doc Watson, and US. As Uwe has said, “he was the festival, he had a sneaking home in Switzerland and the farm appeared on Pete Seeger’s man who sent the tape to suspicion that this was a place he and Maria refurbished in television show “Rainbow Quest.” MerleFest in 1995 that got us where the Kruger Brothers—a Moravian Falls, NC, Stadlin Even so, Howard wasn’t one to accepted to play in America in band he knew from his home in remained a great supporter, friend, rest on his laurels, or even to 1997, so he is responsible for us Switzerland—would fit right in. and fan of the Kruger Brothers. (He recognize them. Yes, he’d played being here.” Not one to let a good idea get away, even took the photo that appears some of the world’s great venues, That Stadlin was here himself is he started to work on finding a way on the cover of Travel the Gravel. ) yet he brought the same spirit and another, and in some ways a very to get them to MerleFest, sending As a sign of appreciation for all enthusiasm to the people he visited tapes and CDs and promotional he had done for the Kruger and sang for at seniors’ centers and packages to the booking Brothers, Jens gave him a banjo. schools, or the kids he drove in his committee, and generally making a Stadlin recalled “I took it home and school bus. He seemed to have no pest of himself. handed it to Maria. She picked it up greater goal than drawing a smile, Of course, the work paid off. and after a little while started a laugh, or merely lightening hearts “They got the invitation by fax two playing it.” She was a quick study in any way he could. weeks before MerleFest 1997, ” he and they formed a band, The Coffee And while there are many voices later recalled. Pickers, recorded three CDs, and on the two Kruger Brothers’ “I arranged a meeting with Doc are featured on “Peach Picking Carolina Scrapbook collections, Watson. At this time, these boys Time Down in Georgia” on the KBs Howard’s is for many one of the had been playing his music for 25 Carolina Scrapbook, Vol. 2. On all most memorable. There he tells years. For them and for me, to meet the recordings, Kurt and Maria’s stories of his time performing with Doc at his house was like a dream enduring charm is evident in every his dear friend and musical partner come true.” note. Doc Watson, singing one of his He wasn’t the only one who felt Kurt Stadlin will be deeply signature tunes, “Light in the that way. As Uwe has said, coming missed. ► www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 11 November 2011

Window,” and, of course, the Chamber Orchestra under the As I say, it’s quite a story and one enough, a couple of hours later in moonshine joke. direction of Michael Palumbo. that Si Kahn and Grammy‐ front of a thousand fans, he nailed Some years ago, the Kruger Selections of Music from the Spring nominated folksinger John it. ► Brothers wrote that “Clint Howard have been choreographed for McCutcheon recount in their new has been known to us as one of the ballet. Unique, new, and not to be musical, Joe Hill's Last Will. Hill’s Looking Back most respected and influential missed, this is the first time the voice is brought to life in this one‐ personalities in American musical Kruger Brothers have added ballet man show through Hill's songs and The Unbroken Circle history. His groundbreaking to their symphonic repertoire. letters as well as newspaper recordings of classic American folk The event will also be unique in accounts from the time of the trial Clint Howard was the very repertoire have been cornerstones that , in addition to the selections and oral histories. embodiment of the music he for countless musicians and from Music from the Spring, the The text of Kahn’s play begins on played and the part of the world he audiences throughout the world. It evening will feature the the last night of Joe Hill's life. came from. He was also a is our humble belief that Clint Appalachian Concerto, though Convicted of murder and awaiting connection to many important Howard deserves to be recognized scored for a full symphonic string execution in a Utah prison, Hill figures within the music of as one of the nation’s greatest section. attempts to explain his life to a Appalachia, including Roscoe treasures.” They follow that event with one young reporter sent to get his last Holcomb, Tom Ashley, Gaither Indeed he does. We will miss on the 28th that will present other words. Carlton, Clarence Ashley, Fred Clint Howard, though, given the aspects of the KBs repertoire. ► Joe Hill’s Last Will opened on Price, and Doc Watson. In the first person he was, it’s safe to say that October 7 in performance by John photo below he is seen in his 20s— the people who will miss him the In the Theater McCutcheon at the Main Stage wearing suspenders, turned up most are those of his beloved West in Sebastopol, CA. ► pant cuffs and loafers—playing Johnson County, TN, where he Joe Hill and Si Kahn’s with Clarence Ashley, banjo, and served his community through Joe Hill’s Last Will Listening In Fred Price, fiddle: music, leadership, and unflagging by Glen Herbert respect and friendship. ► Watching Doc Watson’s Joan Baez’s performance of “Joe sound check Hill” at Woodstock in 1969 brought European Dates added by Dan Shearer that song to a wider audience, to schedule though then as now most people Every year Doc Watson does a A short European tour of the had little idea who Joe Hill was or benefit performance for the Appalachian Concerto has been why Joan might be dreaming that Sustainable Development Outreach added to the schedule for he was “alive as you and me.” Program of Appalachian State December of this year. The KBs will Nevertheless, while the song University, just up the road from tour with the UNI Quartet, an only touches on it, Hill’s is quite a Doc’s home in Deep Gap, NC. This ensemble consisting of members of story. He was born Joel Emmanuel year he invited the Kruger the National Theatre Opera of Hägglund in Sweden in 1897, Brothers to join him, and it was a Prague. The tour will make a stop immigrating to the US in 1902 privilege for my wife Kathryn, our in Prague, CZ, and perform three when he was 23. Here he anglicized friend Dulcie, and I to attend Doc’s dates in Switzerland in Bern, his name and became a champion sound check. Zurich, and Altdorf. of immigrant and labor rights Well, it started off as a sound Below he is at a house party If you don’t plan on being in through music. His songs inspired check but soon evolved into standing at right, next to Doc Europe in the new year, dates will workers throughout North America something more like a rehearsal Watson. Also present are Fred be added to the schedule for to unionize and strike in order to which included the Krugers and Price, Tom Ashley, Jack Johnson, performances of the Appalachian improve their treatment and their Doc’s long time musical and Tommy Moore with the scrub Concerto. These in addition to working conditions. One of his best companion, Charles Welch. But for board: events in Ogden, UT, on January 27 known songs is “There is Power in us it was a performance, and if I and 28, and Bradenton, FL, on a Union.” had to choose between the sound March 4. Of Joe Hill’s story, though, the check and the actual event … I good part ends right about there. don’t know. There was the The rest is, well, not so good. KBs collaborate with legendary but playful Doc Watson Unrelated to his work as an having fun, cracking jokes, playing Imagine Ballet Theater, organizer, he was found guilty of and singing some of this favorite murder in what was, by any Weber State Chamber songs including “Shady Grove,” measure, a miscarriage of justice. which Doc said is his wife, Rosa Orchestra An undaunted jury sentenced him Lee’s, favorite. The Kruger for murder in the first degree and At one point Doc announced that Brothers are he was later executed by firing he planned to start his set for the heading to squad. His conviction quickly concert with a solo medley and Ogden, UT, for gained notoriety for all the begin with one of his favorites, two shows on inconsistencies of his trial, his lack “(Until) The Twelfth of Never” January 27 of a motive, and Hill’s recorded by Johnny Mathis. When and 28, 2012. unaccountable bullet wound that the self‐confessed eighty‐eight year On the 27th was the prosecution’s only physical old musician lost track of the lyrics the KBs will perform in evidence connecting Hill to the during the rehearsal he announced, collaboration with Imagine Ballet crime. While the wound was never “I do this in sound checks, but The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Theater under the direction of adequately accounted for, it was when I get in front of a live edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story Raymond Von Mason and Chamber evidence enough in what was still ideas to [email protected] To subscribe audience, I’ll be fine.” And sure Orchestra Ogden & Weber State very much the wild west. or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 2, Issue 12 December 2011

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brother original “The Lights in Our Village” is included on the Wilkes County Hunger and Health Coalition’s compliation Christmas in the Mountains Vol. 5. The CD is being sold locally in the Wilkes County area in order to advance the coalition’s mission to end hunger in the High Country of North Carolina. The CD is the latest in the annual community project; local performers and project managers donate their time and talents, and more than 70 retail locations offer counter space to the sell the CDs. ● It’s official! The Kruger Brother are on the lineup for Merlefest 2012, to be held on the campus of Wilkes Community College April 26‐29. For its 25th anniversary, the lineup has been chosen to reflect the diversity and The Kruger Brothers performance at Mountain Stage will be broadcast on a range of NPR outlets. To check local quality of performers that have become the hallmark of the stations and times visit the Mountain Stage website at http://www.mountainstage.org/mtnstageaffiliates.aspx . Photo courtesy Brian Blauser/Mountain Stage festival. ● The Kruger Brothers will be featured performers at the Profile Jens would later, started with a Shortly after Lody moved to Best of Our State 2012 on January four‐string model, but unlike Jens Germany with his bride Kerstin 6. The annual gala is hosted by Our Lody van Vlodrop: friend who played tenor banjo for a (guitar and bass), he found himself State magazine to celebrate the longer period, Lody immediately playing some of the same clubs people and music that make North by design by Dan Shearer switched to five‐string (actually where Jens played, although Lody Carolina so unique. ● “This is a changing only the neck). had still not met him. That changes great performance!” says Donald You remember that boy at the back Next, like so many other in 1987 at a music festival in Berne Nitchie, editor of the Banjo of the classroom—you know, the beginners, then and now, he where Jens, at the time a member Newsletter, of Jen’s video of Bach’s one who spent all of his time bought Pete Seeger’s and Earl of the Bluegrass Family, was prelude in G. You can see the video sketching and drawing instead of Scruggs’ banjo books and started playing. at the KB home page. Jens’ DVD listening to the teacher? Well, Lody playing every chance he could, “I saw Lody playing in a band in Banjo Method for Beginners was van Vlodrop was that boy. Born though drawing and sketching was Stetten, the little village where I also featured on the cover of the and raised in Holland in the 1950s competing for his time. was living, and invited him and his November issue of BN. The image and later moving to Germany, Curiously, while Lody had not band, Hard Times, to play at the illustrated Ian Perry’s feature Lody’s preoccupation with met or even heard of Jens and Uwe festival,” says Jens. Both Lody and article, “Learning to Play Banjo in sketching prompted his transfer Kruger, here we have another Jens characterize that meeting as the New Millenium.” ► from regular school to art school Western European musician who one involving an instant sense of (for which Lody says his regular would soon be among the first to kinship. “Meeting Jens was a bring American country and turning point for me, just as I think On the Road school principal was grateful) where at twenty‐two Lody earned bluegrass banjo to his homeland. Jens leaving the Bluegrass Family The band hops the pond this In the early 70’s Lody, still living at about the same time and forming month to play four dates in a degree in graphic design. But many years passed before he in Holland, started playing with the Appalachian Barn Orchestra Europe. The mini-tour will present various old‐time and bluegrass with Uwe and Christa was a the Appalachian Concerto in worked professionally as an artist, because this other fascination— bands. One of the bands needed a turning point for him,” says Lody. Europe for the first time, performed fiddler, so Lody bought a violin and The friendship between Lody with the UNI Quartet, members of music—took over, first classical music as a child, then the Beatles, in one month found himself on and Kerstin, and Jens and Christa the National Theatre Opera, stage with the instrument. For the quickly developed both personally Prague. They begin in Prague, and finally country music when sixteen‐year‐old Lody first heard a next two decades Lody played and musically. Jens recalls he and CZ, on the 10th, and then head off Flatt & Scruggs album, eight years throughout Europe. Being one of Lody playing through the night in to three dates in Switzerland: before Jens and Uwe discovered the few musicians who played the heating room of that castle Zurich on the 14th, Bern on the banjo and fiddle, he served as a gardener’s house Jens often th these American country and 16 , and a return to the beautiful bluegrass pioneers. model for young, aspiring describes at concerts, and of how Tellspielhaus in Altdorf on the Compelled by the thought, “I European country and bluegrass the Krugers spent their last four th 17 . have to have a banjo,” Lody, like musicians. nights with Lody and Kerstin www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 2, Issue 12 December 2011

She wrote on a vast swath of topics, played them in concert, though the often working with folk tales, suites didn’t become generally hymns, or other forms of poetry, known until he recorded them using them to create poems that many years later. Worth the wait, were, in all senses, uniquely her the recordings Casals made of the own. suites between 1936 and 1939 are Perhaps because of her interest among the best‐known and best‐ in hymns, quite a lot of her work is loved classical recordings in the well suited to music, and indeed world. her most famous works today are Part of the appeal of the suites two poems that, when set to music, are the mysteries which surround became very popular and remain them. While we have a general so. Because they relate to winter, sense of when they were and Christmas in particular, it is at composed, it is not known in which this time of year that we hear more order they were composed or why of Christina Rosetti’s words than Bach decided to write for solo cello, most of us are perhaps aware. “In an instrument that was not the Bleak Midwinter” and “Love considered to be a solo instrument Came Down at Christmas” are by at the time. This is further far her best known works. (It’s complicated by the fact that Bach Lody van Vlodrop has designed all the Kruger Brothers album covers ironic, and perhaps not a little bit may not have been writing for the since Up 18 North. On screen is the artwork for Between the Notes. tragic, that Rosetti is most famous type of cello we know today, but for two songs the she herself never for a violincello da spalla, an before moving to America. The the Kruger Brothers’ CDs, including heard; both were set to music long instrument played like a violin, relationship prospers to this day, the vertical umlaut in the “U” in the after her death. ) held up under the chin. reinforced by annual visits by the Kruger Brothers logo, while The poem Uwe chose to work Because there are no surviving van Vlodrops to the Kruger home enjoying a successful graphic arts with was written 1862, when manuscripts of the suites in Bach’s in North Carolina. career in Germany. And he still Rosetti was still just 32, and titled hand, there also aren’t any of the Then, in 1989, twenty years after plays music—mostly fiddle, simply “Song.” The first line of the performance notes that he having finished art school but occasionally with a bluegrass band poem gives the song its title. included with the other works. The never having worked as a in Holland but more often with The poem is classic Rosetti. She player is left to interpret what the professional artist, Lody decided it another band in Germany. Music didn’t shy from dark topics, and piece is truly meant to say. Should was time to get a day job, and he and graphic art bring him the best shared the romantic poet’s (and it be muscular, bringing out the joined a graphic arts company. The of both worlds. the Stanley Brothers’) fascination mechanics of the piece, or more next year he and Mac (his new Jens says that “Lody and I share with death. While other poets of contemplative, with pauses to computer) started their own free‐ a broad mutual knowledge about her time were writing in dense divide and contrast the various lance graphic arts business. music and enjoy easy metaphor, Rosetti, as here, wrote phrases? If it’s a dance—it’s clear You might say that the first communication. It was amazing to in bare, brutally honest statements. from the section titles that Bach artistic contribution Lody made to meet someone as crazy as me To our ear, it is strikingly modern, was thinking of specific folk dances the Krugers was a card he drew for about music and the banjo, and it and is one of the reasons that her when composing the suites—then Mirjam, Jens’ and Christa’s has been fortunate in the span of work is still read, and is still exactly what kind of dance is this firstborn, on the day of her birth your life to have these very special inspiring people well over 100 prelude intended to be? (and the day Lody turned forty)—a friends. Lody is a very good banjo years after her death. ► The prelude is one of the pieces card that still serves up fond player and knows the details about that demonstrates why Bach is so memories for Lody. But the first the instrument, but what I really Listening In important—he not only composed professional work Lody did for the appreciate about him is his wit and a repertoire, but also created Krugers was the design, layout, and quirky, un‐offensive, sarcastic Jens revisits Bach’s pieces that have inspired artwork for the Behind the Barn sense of humor.” Having had the generations of musicians to adapt volumes 1 and 2. Later, after doing privilege of spending some time prelude in G his music to their own purposes. the layout for Up 18 North and the with Lody, I agree. ► by Glen Herbert Cellist Mischa Maisky treats the artwork for Choices, Lody was prelude like a lullaby. In contrast, visiting Jens and Christa in their Behind the Notes Roughly between 1717 and 1723 in a youtube video titled “The first home in Wilkesboro when the Johann Sebastian Bach wrote six Silence Before Bach,” a subway car Carolina Scrap Book Volume Two The Kruger Brothers and suites for unaccompanied cello, is filled will cellists all playing the was in production. For the album Christina Rosetti and the piece that Jens plays in piece with the same unceasing cover Lody collaborated with Skip concert and which is also featured forward momentum as the train Vetter (see KB Newsletter August by Glen Herbert in a video on the Kruger Brothers’ they are riding on. And Jens’ 2011) who was also visiting and home page is the prelude to the interpretation? Certainly it bears as I had an email asking after details Tut Taylor, who lived close‐by. first of the six, the prelude in G. much of his fingerprint as it does Lody sketched the cardinal, Skip of the song “When I’m Dead My While in Bach’s time the cello Dearest” and, actually, it’s a great Bach’s. ► painted it, and Tut, a former sign‐ suites were unknown, they came painter, did the fonts. (If you look question. That song is unique to the into prominence in the 1900s very closely at the album cover you Kruger Brothers in many more principally due the influence of one will discover the tiny handwritten ways than one. man, Pablo Casals, in what is one of “Tut” and “s.v.” by their respective The words, as noted in the liner the great stories of the music The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and work.) notes, are by English poet Christina world: Casals found a copy of the Rosetti who was born in 1830. Her edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story Since then, Lody has done all of suites in a thrift shop when just 13 ideas to [email protected] To subscribe the graphic design and artwork for writing was unique for her time. and began studying them. He later or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 1 January 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The KBs are back from a series of shows in Europe, including stops in Prague and Switzerland. All shows featured a presention of the Appalachian Concerto with the UNI quartette from Prague. ● The KBs were featured in the December 2 broadcast of Live From Mountain Stage on NPR. Their half‐hour set has now been archived online, so if you missed the broadcast, you can find the show at the Mountain Stage archive page. ● Barb Heller, a DJ with Folk Alley and NCPR chose Christmas Magic as one of her top picks of the year, saying “It’s my new favorite ... a beautiful collection of songs for winter and Christmas.” ►

In this Issue If you’re a regular newsletter Pal and Myles Ireland at the Cook Shack, holding a poster from an event in France. Each spring about 20 visitors reader you may have noticed that from France descend upon the Cook Shack to play, visit, and reconnect with friends. almost every musician we’ve profiled last year mentioned it, so in this issue we begin a two­part Profile little building on Highway 901 in Much later, and well after they profile of the Cook Shack, a little “downtown” Union Grove, Myles discontinued the grocery side of roadside restaurant in Union Cook Shack, part 1: took a day job at the nearby Iredell the business to focus on the grill Grove, NC. Pal and Myles Ireland Department of Corrections, a job he and music, the Irelands teamed up held for twenty years. On his first with Tom and Gail Watts who They built it, and they came, or ... day, Myles’ boss told him to “Go get began organizing evening concerts. On the Road maybe they came, and then they the cooks up and take them to the While the list of the musicians and The KBs begin the new year as built it. Whichever it was, if you kitchen.” When Myles asked him bands who have played at the Cook feature performers at The Best of want to experience social music, just where the cooks were, his boss Shack is impressive, of equal Our State, an even hosted by Our the way it has been happening in exclaimed, “Why, they’re in the importance is the pride that the State magazine celebrating some Appalachia for generations, head to cook shack (prison slang for the Irelands and Watts feel for, in Pal’s of the people and music that make the Cook Shack. (And they have camp cafeteria).” When Myles words, having “decided to help the North Carolina so unique. The great, burgers, too.) returned home that day, he and Pal passing‐through bands get gigs,” event takes place in Asheville, renamed their store. and for growing the Cook Shack NC, on the 6th. On the 24th they are by Dan Shearer In 1989, J. P. Van Hoy—a into a musical melting pot. at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, member of the legendary family But there’s more to the Cook CA, for an evening of music Myles and Pal Ireland, both born that has been bringing old‐time Shack than music. Inside is a visual presented by Deering Banjo. The into musical families, grew up in fiddlers’ and bluegrass festivals to feast—that is, if you love month ends with two performances Union Grove, NC, about a block the area for decades, and who memorabilia. Entering this at Weber State University in from one another. While they sang routinely had breakfast at the Cook museum of souvenirs one just has Ogden, UT. On the evening of the together at school, “He didn’t know Shack—started playing guitar with to trust that behind the wall‐to‐ 27th, the KBs are featured in I was a girl until ninth grade when I Myles there on Saturday mornings. wall mounted music posters, collaboration with Imagine Ballet let him know by the clothes I Three years later, they were joined photos, and album covers (most Theater, the Chamber Orchestra picked to wear one day,” Pal says by Bob Anderson on Dixieland dated many years ago) exist actual Ogden and the Weber State with a twinkle in her eye. Neither banjo, and when other musicians walls! And from the ceiling is Chamber Orchestra. Selections of one of them looked back, became began dropping by with their suspended every conceivable Music from the Spring have been singing childhood sweethearts, got instruments, Pal joining in with object you can imagine. Then there choreographed for ballet. On the married in September 1956, and vocals, the Cook Shack Saturday are the aquariums and the menus 28th, “An evening with the Kruger became the proud parents of four Morning Jam took root. It’s a filled with photos. Like the Brothers” presents other aspects children, all born in the month of weekly happening that remains Smithsonian, you literally have to of the KB’s repertoire. September. vibrant to this day and draws visit the place time and time again In 1961, when the couple opened musicians from around the county to take it all in. “Ireland’s Grocery and Grill” in a and sometimes the world. www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 1 January 2012

One warm May afternoon in the Venue Spotlight and the fighting began again in First Person Singular late 1990s, Pal was announcing on earnest. Stage 2 of the Fiddler’s Grove Who was Hernando de In all, it was truly a bloody time Finding peace in a festival when in walked three guys Soto? in American history, and the Kruger song from Switzerland wearing “lined barbarism of De Soto seemed to wool shirts and heavy‐duty In March the Kruger Brothers are have no end. He was pursuing Todd Taylor is a banjo player from corduroys.” When they were given heading south for an event at the De riches and glory, not discovery or Spartanburg, SC, who recorded a the opportunity to change into Soto National Memorial in settlement, and he did it through version of the Kruger Brothers’ lighter clothes, the banjo player, Bradenton, FL. Which makes you fighting, murder, thieving, slavery, instrumental “Up 18 North” on his not yet one hundred percent sure wonder: just what is the De Soto and simply never taking no for an 2008 CD release, Bringing It ... of his English, kept pointing to his Memorial meant to remember? answer. Home. I asked him why he chose wristwatch signaling, “No thanks, Turns out, it’s a very good question. Ultimately, de Soto would that specific piece to include as the it’s time to play.” And when they become the first European to cross first track on his CD. This is what he began, Stage 2 became a magnet, by Glen Herbert the Mississippi, and the first said: drawing folks from all over the European to die there, too. Todd Taylor: “... that song ‘Up 18 festival grounds. It was the Kruger On a sweltering day in May 1539, Ironically, given the violence of his North,’ when I first heard it, it Brothers, and “we’ve been friends Spaniard Hernando de Soto life, he died of fever on the western touched my heart. I have a very ever since,” says Pal. splashed ashore at Tampa Bay banks of the Mississippi in 1542. In rare terminal muscle disorder, but When Uwe moved to America intent on capturing the riches of La order to keep up a facade that de I keep beating the odds and the and was living nearby with Robert Florida by any means necessary. Soto was a god—a story he used to good Lord is keeping me here ... A and Brenda Shepherd, he started to His army of 620 men and 220 gain submission from the Native couple of years ago, when I was drop by the Cook Shack to play, horses—and their dogs, and pigs, American communities he very sick and they said I had only a often with Myles, with whom Uwe and canons and guns— encountered—his men weighted couple of months to live, I heard shares a passion for guitars. From disembarked at what is now his corpse with sand and sank it to Jens’ song. It brought peace to my those days to these, Uwe, Jens, and Bradenton, FL. the bottom of the Mississippi. For heart and made me feel so good, so Joel have been dropping by the They must have been a sight to all we know, whatever is left of I started playing it. From that day Cook Shack, as individuals on see. Priests, craftsmen, engineers, him, is still resting there in the silt on if someone asks me who is one Saturday mornings when their farmers, and merchants, some with at the bottom. It was an inglorious of my heroes in banjo, I always say schedules allow, and as the Kruger their families, some from Cuba, but end to an inglorious life. Jens Kruger.” ► Brothers for special weekday most from Europe and Africa. Few The De Soto National Memorial evening concerts each year, usually had traveled outside of Spain, or was established in 1948 in order to On the Web in January, but this year in March. even their home villages wherever preserve and evaluate the “The Irelands are an institution,” they might have been, and to say controversial story of the de Soto Pickin’ and Trimmin’ says Uwe. “They have the greatest they weren’t the best travelers in expedition and to allow others the jam sessions in the world, and Pal the world would be a gross resources to explore and interpret Preparing Dan’s article about the makes the best cheeseburgers in understatement. this unique, troubling, and puzzling Cook Shack for this issue put me in the world! And they brought back As such, they were alternately period of American history. ► mind of a short film called Pickin’ Cokes in the bottle before it welcomed and opposed by Native and Trimmin’. Produced by Matt The Kruger Brothers appear at the became popular. Americans throughout what is now Morris, it’s a documentary about a De Soto National Memorial in “The Cook Shack is their home— the Southeastern United States, barber shop in Drexel, NC that Bradenton, FL, on March 4. their living room—a virtual living and there’s little doubt why. Their hosts local musicians, something it museum. Once you start hanging smell alone would have perhaps has done for literally decades. It’s out there, you get to know all their made them unwanted guests, just one of those films—a story family—their kids, their grandkids, though over the next four years about a beautiful way of life that and their great‐grand kids.” they would engage in a four persists despite, well, everything. And from Joel, “When I moved to thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, To see it go to the Kruger Brothers’ North Carolina, Myles and Pal were warfare, slave trading, disease, and site and click on the blog entry two of the nicest, warmest, big‐ discovery. titled “Pickin’ and Trimmin’.” ► hearted people that I have ever met They were looking for gold and a in my life. They took me in, almost passage to China. What they found In the (e)Mail like a son. It’s just incredible the was Appalachia, charting a path From Sarah Neville: “... we had love you get from those two through an area where Georgia and our annual ‘fix’ last night in Bern. people.” ► Tennessee are today, before Just wonderful! ... And the whole turning south toward the Gulf of time there is the feeling that here Mexico in order to meet supply are three guys who just love to sit ships coming north from Havana. together and make music and it The expedition then continued hardly matters what the location is west to the hot springs of Arkansas, and that there may be an fighting virtually every step of the audience.” Thanks to Sarah for the way. Arriving at the hot springs, de note. Soto’s men and the Native Americans of the region decided to put down their weapons so that all And then he became a hood Helen White, Herb Key, and Wayne could partake of the healing waters ornament ... conqueror of Peru, Henderson at the Cook Shack. Find of the springs. It’s easy to wonder Florida, the Mississippi and points The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and event listings at: why they couldn’t have just left it west, Hernando de Soto graces the edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story http://uniongrovemusic.voila.net/ at that, but the peace wasn’t to last. hood of a 1952 De Soto Deluxe 2- ideas to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. De Soto claimed the area for Spain, door sedan. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 2 February 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Congratulations to Mirjam Kruger, Jens’ and Christa’s daughter, who married Carlo Zanon, Philip’s nephew, in a ceremony in Switzerland over the holiday season. ● The KBs are fresh from a very unique engagement: On Jan 27th they performed at Weber State University in Ogden, UT, in collaboration with the Weber State Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Michael Palumbo. Selections of Music from the Spring were also choreographed and performed in collaboration with Imagine Ballet Theater, also based in Ogden. ● There is a nice feature article on the KBs coming up in the March issue of Our State magazine, North Carolina's premier magazine devoted to travel, history, people and places. When Denis Larabie arrived in Switzerland in 1978, he found Uwe and Jens busking in a square in central Zurich. The KBs were also the featured performer at the magazine’s He then travelled and busked with them for the next two years. He says, “It’s one of those times I’ll never forget.” annual “Best of Our State” ● conference. In Janury the KBs Feature Uwe. “They were just children there’s no two ways around it, it went to Annaheim, CA, for the really. I kind of took them under was a great band right from one annual NAMM conference. It’s the Old friends my wing in a way. You know, I’m a side to the other.” biggest music industry conference bit older than them. I’m 10 years The band included a bass player In 1978 Denis Larabie met two kids in the world, and Uwe calls it “the older than Uwe.” from New York, a mandolin player playing music on the street in greatest zoo on earth ... I can't Together they formed the from England, Denis and Uwe on Zurich. It was a meeting that really find words to describe it, but Rolling Grass Band and later the guitar and vocals, and Jens on changed all three of their lives. to see all these different musicians, Rocky Road Band. banjo. instrument makers and dealers “We played Munich and Zurich a “We did a show on the street. by Glen Herbert from all over the world showing off lot. A few other places around You know, we’d run around, right their stuff is just plain awsome.” ► Switzerland, but in Germany hand to left hand we’d all change Whenever Denis Larabie talks mainly Munich.” instruments. Stuff like that. And about the Kruger Brothers, he has In this Issue There they busked on the every time we played it’d look like trouble not referring to them as Marienplatz, the main and very a festival on the street. People If you’re a regular newsletter kids, and from his photo above, you historic square at the centre of the would just come by the hundreds. reader you may have noticed that can begin to understand why. city. For a time, they also shared an Literally. They’d hang off the posts almost every musician we’ve When he met them busking on the apartment just off the square and to see what was going on. It was a profiled last year mentioned it, so streets of Zurich in 1978, that’s around the corner from the great time, and a great time in my in this issue we continue our two­ pretty much what they were. Haufbrau House, which remains a life. One of those times you’re part profile of the Cook Shack, a “I was busking all around famous landmark. never going to forget!” little roadside restaurant in Union Europe,” says Larabie, “and I went “Somebody just loved our band,” “Jens, he’s never changed. Every Grove, NC. to Bern, did a couple festivals says Larabie, “and they gave us an time I see him, he just lights up like around Bern, and then ended up in apartment to stay in,” on a Christmas tree. But he was just Zurich and, you know, there were On the Road Maximillian Strasse, an upscale 16 when I met him. Just a crazy the Kruger Brothers! They were area of the city and not typically little banjo player! When I heard This month the KBs head west for sitting in the street playing banjo the home—then or now—for Jens play, now I don’t know a lot the Wintergrass festival in and guitar.” musicians making a living busking. about banjos, but I knew then he Bellevue, WA. Wintergrass is a They were playing bluegrass “You know, we’d bounce around was the best in the world. I just had family-friendly bluegrass music fairly heavily, though even then, as a bit. We’d get tired of Munich so a feeling [that] he’s one of the best Larabie notes, “they were mixing it festival held indoors: four stages, we’d go down to Zurich, and then in the world. And I still think he is.” up a bit. Similar to what they’re workshops, impromptu jams, and after a while come back to “But they were hot players even doing now in a way.” lots of great music. After all, it’s Germany. We had a lot of fun. It then. They were just the best. Jens didn’t yet speak English, so still a long time until spring. was a really good experience for all Those kids are just naturally born all the conversation went through of us. And we had a really hot band, www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 2 February 2012 with it. There’s a certain genius to stations, specifically the public play at the Cook Shack in between both of them.” radio station WNCW, where for the gigs. Larabie eventually returned to last twenty years they have The performance was a great Canada where he worked as a worked, first as volunteers during success and was followed over the musician for many years, including fundraisers then after retirement years by many well‐known a 20‐year stint with a band based as part‐time employees. (WNCW is musicians, Robin and Linda in Edmonton. Always wondering a popular station, perhaps best Williams, David Holt, Wayne what the Krugers were up to, he know for their Saturday afternoon Henderson, and The Steel Wheels found them online around 2007 show, Goin’ Across the Mountain, among them. and got in touch, calling to check in where, incidentally, in 2004 I first Each year the Watts host the with them from time to time since heard the Kruger Brothers). Kruger Brothers at the Cook Shack then. Not long after Tom, who has for three back‐to‐back evening Through a mutual acquaintance played guitar since high school performances, usually in January, in Alberta, last summer Jens and (and old‐time fiddle more but this year in the first week of Denis got together in Canmore, recently), bought Gail a banjo at February. Often the Krugers invite nestled in the Rockies just outside MerleFest in celebration of their a guest musician or two to join Banff. 25th wedding anniversary, the them on stage. A stage, was built “There was just some couple found themselves jamming just in time for the Krugers’ first connection. Even when I saw Jens at a private home where they met concert there, thanks to Philip after not seeing him for twenty‐ Pal and Myles Ireland. (Tom is Zanon. “I asked Miles, if it was OK if some years, we just looked at each quick to add that as musicians, he I build a bigger stage,” says Philip, other and had this perma‐grin for and Gail are at “the front porch “and he agreed. So on show day I two days straight. It’s like a level.”) The Irelands invited the went to Lowe's and picked up two brotherly love of some sort” that Watts to join them at the Cook 4x8 sheets of plywood and a persists despite the passing of Shack for Saturday morning jams number of cinder blocks ... and time. While they have kept track of Then and Now: Above: Uwe, Jens and (in its early days when just a few headed to Union Grove.” It’s the each other through phone calls in Denis Larabie busk in front of the musicians were dropping by), and stage, made sturdier etc., that recent years, until last September, fountain in Zurich’s Niederdorf district. the foursome have been friends remains in place to this day. they hadn’t met in person in 28 Below: Jens and Denis when they got and collaborators ever since. In organizing the twice‐a‐month years. together in Alberta last summer. One day while attending concerts Tom and Gail’s mission MerleFest years ago—before all of has been threefold: One, to expose And then there’s the guitar ... Profile the acts were staged within the folks to a wide variety of roots There’s also an interesting festival proper—Tom and Gail music, bringing in nationally postscript to this story. As you Cook Shack, part 2: came across a group from known musicians who might not might imagine, money was tight in Tom and Gail Watts Switzerland playing in a small tent ordinarily play at such a small the busking days, and instruments, pitched on the grounds outside of venue but who welcome the up‐ as now, can easily stretch a budget. To some, the shows at the Cook the main festival. Well, you know close contact the Cook Shack With some money that Uwe’s Shack might seem just that: shows. what it’s like to hear the Kruger provides (so close that when Roy grandfather gave him for the For the Irelands and the Watts’, and Brothers for the first time. The Book Binder, renown acoustic purpose of buying a better guitar, indeed any who attend, it’s a passion Watts introduced themselves, met blues guitarist, posted a photo of Denis and Uwe shopped around that, in so many ways, just works them again at a Union Grove himself at the Cook Shack a friend and bought a Martin D‐28. very, very well. Festival, and now remember how commented, “Well Roy, did you get Uwe used that instrument in the delighted they were when, not long your shoes shinned while your years he spent with Denis, though by Dan Shearer after the Krugers moved to were there?”); two, for the when asked to join a rockabilly America, the guys began showing musicians to strive for a balance of band, he sold it in order to buy an Having first met at a rock festival up occasionally for the Saturday entertainment and performance; electric guitar. (not the kind you’re thinking of) in morning jams at the Cook Shack. and three, as Tom tells the Denis, however, felt that the D‐ Spruce Pine, NC and now both Having met quite a few artists of musicians, “for you and the crowd 28 should be “kept in the family,” retired from careers in national prominence during their to have as much fun as possible.” as he puts it so, unknown to Uwe, administration, Tom and Gail Watts volunteer days with WNCW and But perhaps what makes the he bought it from the person Uwe have been married for forty‐five nursing a desire to bring some of concerts at the Cook Shack most sold it to, brought it back to years. And while an interest in these musicians to the local unique, at least in my view, is the Canada, and has kept it all these minerals and gems brought them community, Tom and Gail looked absence of the formality often years. It’s the instrument he’s together, a love of music has around the Cook Shack and demanded at large venues. The holding in the photo below. always been an important part of realized that it was a perfect place musicians can sit back and play, And, this summer, he gave it to their lives and a driving force in for house concerts—a small, not only “for,” but “with” the Uwe. I spoke with Uwe not long their years after retirement. It was intimate venue with a sound audience. And as Jens, Uwe, and after he received it, and he said this passion that led the couple system and chairs (no stage yet), Joel are quick to ask, “Why do they playing the guitar was like seven years ago to become plus the willingness of the Irelands call it ‘playing’ an instrument if it’s reuniting with an old friend. Every sponsors and hosts for the evening to, in Tom’s words, “give it a try.” not supposed to be play?” ► guitar tells stories, and this one is concerts at the Cook Shack. The evening concerts at the Cook no exception. Dings, scratches— After being “caught up in the Shack began when Tom and Gail, each one sparked a memory that frustrated that they were unable to Chapel Hill folk music scene in the brought others flooding back. ► late 60s” then spending some attend a concert in Chapel Hill Today Denis Larabie lives in musically dormant years, Tom and featuring three of the friends— The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Morinville, a rural community near Gail rediscovered music when they founding members of the Red Clay edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story Ramblers—invited the group to ideas to [email protected] To subscribe Edmonton, Alberta. became fascinated with local radio or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 3 March 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News It’s safe to say that it was an event unlike any others: last month the KBs teamed up with Imagine Ballet Theater and the Weber State University Chamber Orchestra to present selections from “Appalachian Concerto” and “Music From the Spring.” Yes, you are understanding this correctly: two ensemble pieces choreographed and presented by a ballet troupe. It’s the first time for this kind of thing, but given the reviews it garnered, it won’t be the last. The event took place in late January in Ogden, UT. ● The KBs spent a week at the beginning of February in residence at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada. The stay included an impromptu performance at the centre as well as meetings and rehearsals in anticipation of the world premiere of Jens’ Members of the Imagine Ballet Theatre in performance with the Kruger Brothers, January 27 in Ogden, UT. composition “The Spirit of the Rockies” there this coming August. Feature ● The KBs were filmed recently responsible for the banjo that Jens lifelong dream has been to create a teaching, research and during the Wintergrass Festival by plays.) Nevertheless, if there was The Ribbecke legacy development facility for stringed Fretboard Journal. The video will any time lost, he’s certainly made up for it. The instruments that bear instruments of all types.” be posted to the magazine’s site Tom Ribbecke is a person who has his name reflect his passion, which That’s something he’s always within the next week or two. We’ll contributed to the Kruger Brothers is to hand‐build custom guitars envisioned happening at the also keep you posted on an sound, though you’d be forgiven for specific to the people who order Healdsburg property, though with upcoming feature story that will not having any idea who he is. But if them. Joel’s 4‐string Halfling, as the property being sold, it’s a appear in the magazine. ► you’ve heard the band in concert or well as his 5‐string Halfling that we dream that may not come true. on CD in any of the recent projects, also see him playing from time to “I have until March to either buy On the Road then you’re acquainted with his time, were built with Joel in mind, this property or move,” per the work: the bass that Joel plays is one built to be able to do the things that terms of the owner, something he The KBs head to the sunshine that Tom built, a Ribbecke Halfling. he demands and requires of the found out just a month ago. For state this month, beginning on the th instruments. instrument builders, that’s too 4 with a date at the De Soto by Glen Herbert For the past 10 years of short a deadline to build up that National Memorial in Bradenton, Ribbecke’s 40‐year career as a kind of capital. If necessary, he’ll FL. Presented as part of the Joel’s bass is, in some ways, as luthier, his studio has been located move elsewhere and carry on, Concerts on the Lawn series, if unique as the Kruger Brothers in a barn in Healdsburg, CA. though something will necessarily you live anywhere north of the themselves. Ribbecke called it a Unique, and state of the art, it’s a be lost. “If you have attended one Mason-Dixon line, you probably Halfing in reference to the two very location that is familiar to anyone of the Healdsburg Guitar Festival won’t want to know that this is a distinct building styles that are who has seen the reality television after parties, you know what an performance under the stars. No, it used in the instrument, which has a show “Guitar Planet.” The premise incredible place this is and the doesn’t seem fair, does it. But flat‐top on one half of the front, and of the show is that Ribbecke is importance of its musical heritage. should you get the urge to start an archtop on the other. It’s safe to training young, urban, at risk men I have also taught here for many spring early this year, the say that, at least at the moment, to build fine instruments. It’s a very years. This place has allowed the performance begins at 5:30, and there is no other builder in the rarified situation, and you get a students to release themselves world who is making a similar don’t forget your lawn chair. On very good sense of the kind of completely into the learning th design. the 6 they’re in Naples, FL, at the teacher and mentor that Ribbecke process. I have also done the best Ribbecke is indeed an outlier. Philharmonic Center for the Arts. is. work of my life here.” Having earned degrees in music And they’re back in Florida on April “I want to get them to know their As I write this, everything is still and communications, he perhaps 1 for a performance of Music from way around the shop ... before they very much up in the air and the came to carpentry later than others the Spring with the Charlotte burn it down,” he has said on the clock continues to tick. In the in the instrument building industry Symphony Orchestra in Punta show. It’s really just part and meantime, as a way of raising (such as Greg Deering for Deering Gorda, FL. parcel of a greater goal. “My funds, Tom Ribbecke is taking the Banjo, for instance, who is www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 3 March 2012 final 25 orders of his career as a the Fall festivals. While Robert guitar and bass builder. All will be worked for thirty years as a health built by him, and they will be the inspector, his friends and last instruments he makes before neighbors are more likely to he moves into purely teaching, picture him then, and now, in the mentoring, and administrative large garage on the property where rolls. he grew up working side‐by‐side And though these will be the last with his father, fixing up used cars. instruments he builds entirely with (The now semi‐retired Kruger his own hands, his legacy will live Brothers blue van boasting more on with his involvement in than three hundred thousand miles Ribbecke guitars, and in the is a testimony to Robert’s teaching and workshoping he does. mechanical skill.) And, you’ll continue to hear it in Meanwhile, Brenda, after every note that Joel plays. ► working many years in education administration, took a job at Wilkes Community College in the fundraising department where in Above: Brenda and Robert Sheppard; Below: Brenda helping Philip run 1988 she helped organize the first sound for the Krugers at Carolina in the Fall, a festival that took place on MerleFest, an event which was to the Shepherd farm just outside Wilkesboro, NC. be held at a single venue, the Walker Center, but attracted so Six months later Kurt gave motel in North Wilkesboro, they many people (about 4,000) that Brenda some cassette‐tape asked to go to the college to they brought in a large flat‐bed recordings he had made of the “inspect” the stage they would be truck to serve as a second stage. Kruger Brothers and two other playing on. And after staying with They parked that truck right in European bands. On hearing the the Shepherds in the now famous front of “The Cabin” which Krugers on tape playing Orange basement a few days, then trying MerleFest fans know is now a small Blossom Special (the only tune on out the motel, Joel told Brenda that stage right next to the Main Stage, the tape), Robert exclaimed, “This they’d rather stay with them, much but on that particular day The has got to be more than three to the Shepherds’ delight, because Cabin served as a place for the people!” And when Brenda played every night that the Krugers stayed performers to gather before getting the recording at the college for her in that basement they played until on the flatbed. boss, B Townes, he remarked that the wee hours of the morning. As MerleFest grew, the it must have been speeded‐up And that set the precedent; for organizers decided to invite one through some recording technique. the next nine years every time the international band each year, and After several weeks of discussion Kruger Brothers came to the Joel in studio with his Ribbecke Bobby in 1996, Brenda was assigned to between Brenda and Robert, one United States, they made the Vega Halfling 4-string. He also has a find that band for the following day Brenda declared, “Let’s give Shepherds’ basement their base Ribbecke 5-string, which he’s been year’s festival. Fortunately, Robert them a chance,” a decision that set “camp,” playing throughout the playing full time for the past 8 months. and Brenda had met and in motion what some would say night pretty much every night they befriended Swiss native, Kurt was the turning point in the were there. ► Profile Stadlin (Kurt passed away last musical journey of Joel, Uwe, Philip, October and was honored by Glen and Jens. Coming to America Herbert in the November issue of Immediately, everyone went into this news letter). high gear—looking for a way to Brenda and Robert Shepherd Kurt told the Shepherds that he bring the Krugers to North were champions of the Kruger had seen the Kruger Brothers when Carolina. Robert and Brenda’s Brothers even before they ever met, they opened for Alison Krauss and daughter, Monica, was put in and they’ve been great fans and Union Station in Europe and charge of getting them a work visa, supporters ever since. This is the thought they might be a natural for but when that effort failed, even first of a 2­part profile of the MerleFest. with help from the late Honorable Shepherds. Because Robert had not yet Senator Jesse Helms, and as the heard the Kruger Brothers, during time for MerleFest was fast by Dan Shearer MerleFest 1996, following up on approaching, they realized that the Kurt’s recommendation, he asked only available option was for the You might say, thanks to Brenda Adam Steffey, mandolin player Krugers to take a vacation – to Dan will follow with part 2 of this Shepherd, the Kruger Brothers with Union Station, what he America! So, as “vacationing profile of the Shepherds in our next came to America on the Orange remembered about the Kruger tourists” these young musicians issue. In the meantime, feel free to Blossom Special. Brothers in Europe. While Adam arrived a week before MerleFest in contact us with thought on stories Three years after a chance was telling Robert “what Charlotte, NC where, as the Krugers that you might like to see in these meeting at a local drive‐in unbelievable people they were,” have described many times on pages. restaurant, Brenda and Robert Ron Block, banjo player with Union stage, Robert, with Maynard Shepherd, both North Carolina Station, overheard them talking Holbrook riding shotgun, picked natives living in Wilkes County, and came over to say that while he them up. married and moved into the house couldn’t remember the banjo Knowing the Kruger Brothers it The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and where Robert had grown up, on the player’s name, he was a great one comes as no surprise that after the edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story grounds that one day would and that, “he (Ron) couldn’t hold a long flight, rather than drive ideas to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. become the site for the Carolina in candle to that boy’s playing.” directly to the comfort of their www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 4 April 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Mark your calendars for a very special event at the end of August. On the 25th of that month, the KBs will premiere a new work titled “Spirit of the Rockies” at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada. It is a comissioned work written around the concept of a growing awareness of beauty in the Rocky Mountain region at the turn of the last century. ● The Best of the Kruger Brothers, a CD featuring higlights of their career as well as a new recording—a studio version of “People Get Ready”—will launch at Merlefest at the end of this month. ►

On the Road They start the month with a number of dates in Florida, The Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, NC, where the KBs played in late 2001. (See “Ten years after,” below.) including a presentation of Music st From the Spring on the 1 in Countdown to the The academy is a unique the festival opened, we performed Punta Gorda, FL, with the opportunity to provide instruction on the Cabin Stage. Then we went Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Academy in an intensive setting. “Our aim for to a hospitality tent and played a under the direction of Maestro the academy is to have a place few songs for the guests and Toshimasa Francis Wada. Then Kruger Brothers Music Academy to where people can come and really dignitaries while they chatted and on the 2nd they travel to Boca be held Friday May 11 through talk about music,” says Jens. ate shrimp. Grande, FL, for a presentation of Sunday, May 13 in Wilkesboro, NC. “Whether that’s over lunch, in the Shortly after that is where my “Music From the Spring.” On the on the site of Double Time Studios. classroom, during a jam … the memory gets fuzzy .... It was now 15th they’re in Palm Beach, FL, for music comes first.” our turn to chat and eat shrimp, a presentation sponsored by the There are a few spots left, so if but after a few minutes, I heard a Society of the Four Arts before you are interested in attending, sound that was both strangely heading home to get ready for sign up through the site or call the familiar, and yet, foreign: It was MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC, Double Time office in North Jens warming up on the banjo. I from April 26th through the 29th. Wilkesboro at (663) 667‐2800.► had trouble merging what my eyes and ears told me, with what I Upcoming Dates: Feature thought was humanly possible on a May 16-28: Silver Dollar City, Ten years after banjo. Like someone shooting a Branson, MO machine gun into a popcorn maker May 24, Stoughton Opera House, The first time Jim Walton heard Jens while it’s … The first song they played was Stoughton, WI play banjo, Jens was warming up their rendition of “Darling Corey” May 26, Bluegrass Legends It’s full speed ahead toward the backstage for a show at MerleFest. In an instant, he was hooked. and I was hooked, so I made sure to Concerts, Evanston IL first Kruger Brothers’ Music introduce myself and I got Joel’s Academy. It’s an immersion in June 2, Strawberry Park, Preston, contact information. I had made a music as well as the unique by Jim Walton CT great friend that week at Pete’s perspective that Joel, Jens, and Uwe camp named Frank Fratoni, a solid June 23, Old Historical Ebbs In 1994, I moved from Columbia, bring to it. rhythm guitar player from High Chapel School, Mars Hill, NC They are of course no strangers SC, to Greensboro, NC. I had always been interested in music, but I was Point, NC. Later that summer, he July 7, Common Ground on the to teaching, and all have taught and I decided to try our hands at privately and lead workshops now exposed to the bluegrass and Hill, Westminster, MD traditional music of NC. In April of promoting concerts. We named our through North America and company “Shady Grove July 8, Maurice W. Foulke Europe, including annual events in 2000, at the age of 47, I decided to Bandshell, Souderton, PA buy a banjo and take lessons. Productions.” the UK. (For trivia buffs, the piece I called Joel, we rented the July 21, Stecoah Cultural Arts Fast forward one year and I am “Beautiful Nothing” began its life as Carolina Theater in Greensboro, Center, Robbinsville, NC a workshop study that Jens created at Pete Wernick’s Jam Camp, the week before MerleFest. The camp and set the date. Now I wish this for use at a workshop at a music story had a happier ending, but it camp outside Boston.) was great, and on Thursday when www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 4 April 2012 doesn’t. The date we chose was Profile annual family reunions whenever I fit exactly into Robert’s world just Tuesday, September 18, 2001— can.” as his world played such an one week after 9/11. Days in the field The giving is reciprocal and influence on mine and my music.” We almost had to cancel, includes all of the Krugers. For “Almost everyone we met in In “Carolina in the Fall” Uwe sings because Jens and Joel were stuck in example, to this day, Brenda North Carolina we met through that “in the hills of Carolina folks Europe. I recall that Uwe had to remains an ardent Elvis fan, and Robert and Brenda,” says Jens, have opened up their doors.” Two of leave home around 5:00AM to get over the years the guys have “They provided a huge connection.” the people who inspired that line by to Atlanta, pick them up, and make brought her Elvis memorabilia That list of connections includes doing precisely that are Brenda it to Greensboro by the evening. To whenever their travels took them many of the people we’ve profiled and Robert Shepherd. Here Dan add insult to injury, I believe Uwe to Elvis “sites.” So you can imagine in the Newsletter in addition to Doc Shearer continues his two­part had also just had some dental how delighted Brenda was when Watson who in 1998, after a call profile of the people that Uwe surgery and was not feeling one she, Robert, the Krugers, and from Brenda, agreed to let Robert credits as one of the major reasons hundred percent. Maynard and Hilda Holbrook drive him from Deep Gap to the that he lives in North Carolina Anyway, they made it to town, visited Graceland. Shepherd’s house. There they sat today. we fed them some shrimp, and the Then there was the time, not and played together for hours. show went on, and it was great. long after they first met, when the And then there’s Carolina in the

In the years that have followed, I Krugers invited the Shepherds on Fall, an event first held in 2003 on by Dan Shearer have become a big fan and friend an extended visit to Switzerland. Shepherd land after the Kruger of the Kruger Brothers. In the last Brenda warmly remembers Brothers, eager to play more for For the nine years after the Kruger 10 years, I have seen them play, arriving at the Zurich airport and people in the area, declared, “Why Brothers played their first conservatively, more than 50 finding a smiling and waving don’t we have our own festival so MerleFest in 1997, Robert and times: From a restaurant in West greeting party of the Kruger family, we can invite whoever we want.” Brenda Shepherd made their home Jefferson, to a small room in standing behind the large glass After choosing the best site in North Wilkesboro the Krugers’ Thomasville, to a theater in wall. And during that visit, “Jens (much to Brenda’s chagrin, one “home away from home.” For Uwe Mocksville, to a living room in was so good to me, it made me feel that included a “pile of old, dumpy it became more like his only home, Chapel Hill. There was that church bad,” confesses Robert. cars”) a team of the Shepherds, because he remained with the in Chapel Hill, and a bar in Lest you assume that these Krugers, Holbrooks, and David Shepherds when Jens, Joel, and Asheville. From a festival in SC, to a genuine, down‐to‐earth Southern Taylor set about removing the cars, Philip went back and forth to concert with the orchestra in folks are without a sense of humor, clearing and grading the land, Switzerland. Hendersonville. And. of course, picture a Halloween not long after sewing grass, building a stage, and “When I decided to spend more many times at Merlefest, Sugar the Krugers came to America when generating publicity. time in America so I could be with Grove, Carolina In The Fall, Stecoah the Shepherds got some of their The festival, featuring the Kruger Rebecca, I thought about renting an Valley, Tryon … friends (who happened to be police Brothers but including many other apartment, but Robert and Brenda In any case, I’ll end by stating the officers) to introduce the Krugers groups, continued for the next wouldn’t have it—they insisted I obvious: The world has changed a to an American tradition. The seven years, the final event being stay with them. They became my lot in the past ten years, we’ve all a Krugers woke up the next day to more or less rained out, although parents, waking me up in the little bit older and wiser, but the discover the house had been some of us felt that the impromptu morning so I would have time to Kruger Brothers remain some of “rolled.” regrouping of the musicians and practice before I made my daily the nicest people you could ever Jens told me how grateful he diehard (and wet) fans that rainy rounds which included Harold’s (a meet, and they sound perfect no remains to the Shepherds for their Saturday in Robert’s garage, where popular local restaurant) and the matter where they play. ► unconditional hospitality, Carolina Scrapbook Vol. 1 had been pawn shop where I picked up many especially during that chapter in recorded, was the highlight of the new tunes from other musicians his life when he first moved to festival. ► who hung out there daily. Actually, America with his family, and the for a while there we had a little Shepherds took them in while they Dan Shearer is a regular band, mostly just for fun.” waited for their household contributor to the KB newsletter, “I learned a lot from the belongings to arrive and for a more and is also the proofreader, editorial Shepherds, and they learned a lot permanent living place to become consultant, and cheering section. about me. I spent a lo t of time with available. You can find him and his wife Robert who taught me about the “The Shepherds opened up a Kathryn at many KB shows, often American way of life – at least one door for me to another world,” says helping out at the sales table. They way of that life. And while I did a Jens. “They showed us a mountain live just outside Asheville, NC. The lot of the cooking while I stayed of support that was very unusual KBs return once again to MerleFest with them, Brenda introduced me for us. Robert and I became instant at the end of this month, where they to Southern cooking – cornbread close friends, talking every night continue to be favorites of the fans and cabbage, greens, sourwood about many things. He is and the organizing committee. New honey, liver mush, stuffing, and extremely curious, and there was this year is an hour of “Sunday let’s not forget, fried ch icken.” so much I could learn from him, Morning Songs” by the Kruger In a thoughtful and reflective even how to shoot walnuts out of Brothers on the Traditional Stage, moment, Uwe volunteered, “They the trees. He presented a world I Sunday, April 29 at 10:30. and Rebecca are the reason I’m in Jim Walton has since returned to was longing for. I remember the North Carolina. It was hard for me Columbia, SC. He no longer plays sense of freedom I felt, driving to leave everything behind. Robert banjo, but occaisionally attempts to around the countryside with and Brenda helped ease the pain of restore and play fiddles. Frank Robert in his old blue van, listening that loss. They shared everything Fratoni lives in Greensboro, NC, and to ‘Days in the Field,’ one of with me. I call Brenda ‘Mom,’ and The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and can be seen performing with the Robert’s and my favorites. It edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story their daughter Monica is like a Diego Hillbillies. sounded better there than ideas to [email protected] To subscribe sister to me. I still go to their anywhere else. The music I wrote or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 5 May 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers were featured on the morning program of the CBS affiliate in Greensboro, NC, WFMY’s “Good Morning Show” as part of their coverage of MerleFest. The trio were interviewed and played live to air from a vantage point overlooking the festival. ● The Best of the Kruger Brothers, a CD featuring higlights of their career as well as a new recording—a studio version of “People Get Ready”—is now available through the online store. ● We were saddned to hear of the passing of Levon Helm on April 19. His work in The Band was certainly on the KBs radar in the 1970s, and his work later in life continued to be an inspiration. ►

The restored hall of the Stoughton Opera House in Stoughton, WI. The Kruger Brothers play the vaudeville-era On the Road theater on the 24th of this month. The KBs start the month with a wonderful return to Silver Dollar Feature City in Branson, MO, May 16-18. include in this collection may say performing repertoire, though The shows there are a highlight for as much about them as it does something audiences haven’t heard Best Of about the success of some of their much recently. It was a Top 40 hit fans who make the trip each year recordings. It’s telling, for example, for both the Kingston Trio and Joan to rekindle friendships, make new The first ever retrospective that three of the songs here came Baez. “People Get Ready” was a pop friends, and to hear lots of great collection of Kruger Brothers to the Krugers through the hit too, but on the R&B charts of th material was launched in late April. Kruger music. On the 24 they recordings of Doc Watson: the the mid to late 60s, famously

return to another spectacular guitar classic, “Black Mountain written and recorded by Curtis by Glen Herbert venue: the Stoughton Opera Rag,” “Alabama Bound,” and a song Mayfield, and famously covered by House in Stoughton, WI. Opened It’s possible that the concept of from very early in Doc’s career, Rod Stewart. in 1901, in the early years the “Honey Babe Blues.” Doc recorded So, yes, this is a collection that Opera House served as a setting “best of” isn’t nearly as clear as we might think it is. Of couse, every this last song with Clarence “Tom” skips across musical genres, from for everything from high opera to Ashley for the Folkways label. At pop, to folk, to R&B; from a vaudeville to temperance one of us might disagree on exactly what should be included. There are the time Doc was relatively chamber piece “The New Country,” meetings. Recently restored tracks the banjo players would unknown, though that wasn’t to to a bluegrass breakdown on through a community initiative, it is include that, say, the lovers of the last long. Through those sessions “Running Down the Mountain.” All simply gorgeous. The KBs end the vocal material may not, and vice for Folkways he met Ralph Rinzler over the map? You could look at it th month on the 26 with a date at versa. who then brought Watson to the that way, I suppose, and perhaps Bluegrass Legends Concerts in One of the reasons, I think, is attention of a national audience. that would be an easy thing for a Evanston, IL. that we all have our own musical In contrast are two songs that crass reviewer to say. But it would were pop hits. “Long Black Veil,” imply that there isn’t anything Upcoming Dates: vocabularies; there are those things that we know well and was a part of the KBs early connecting these pieces, which June 2, Strawberry Park, Preston, which we enjoy more so because of couldn’t be less true. The selections CT that. A Celtic musician will be reflect how the Kruger Brothers June 9, Highland Brewing drawn to “Cork Harbor” while a have conducted their musical Company, Asheville, NC person with an interest in the career and the paths down which music of New Orleans may be more their musical interest has taken July 7, Common Ground on the them. The selections also reflect Hill, Westminster, MD drawn to the instrumental “Nola” from Behind the Barn. As such, we their own musical vocabulary and July 8, Maurice W. Foulke all bring a bit of ourselves, our the range of interest that they Bandshell, Souderton, PA musical language, to the music that bring to their work. July 21, Stecoah Cultural Arts we hear. As Joel has said about their work Center, Robbinsville, NC What’s interesting, I think, is that as artists and performers, they often feel that their role is to share August 6-11, Goderich Celtic so do the Kruger Brothers. The tracks that they have chosen to their discoveries with their www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 5 May 2012 audiences, as if saying “look at this, Mike was born and raised in music has its roots in his dad’s line of products: instruments. They look at what we found.” I think this North Wilkesboro where he and barber shop where, as a kid had another, full‐time teacher CD comes from that same place. All Cathy, his wife of thirty‐five years, shinning shoes (twenty‐five cents a Larry, who basically took care of all the selections were guided by the raised two children. Cathy and one pair), he learned two valuable the kids and beginners, working in same hands, by the same of their children, John, work at the lessons from “Foots,” the in‐shop some back office (he still does), and curiosities, and in so doing they all shop. Growing up, Mike never shoe shine man, – how to “pop a I taught more advanced students. help to tell the larger story of the wanted to leave Wilkes County so, rag” and how to play blues on the To be at the pawnshop was a Kruger Brothers. There are some after working in textiles, then the guitar Mike’s grandmother bought great way to get to know tracks that others would include, mirror industry where he achieved for him. Wilkesboro, as it was a great and it’s understandable that no two his goal of becoming a company Early on, Mike formed his own supplement to all the other places listeners would choose the same Vice President, he left corporate band, first called “Extra Measure,” people invited me to visit and play. things. But when it comes to the America, hung up his coat‐and‐tie, then “Banknotes” in honor of a The shop is a microcosm of society. Kruger Brothers, I think that’s what and bought half interest in Jerry song written by Bill Young (who Sitting there by the counter and “Best Of” means—the curiousity, Minton’s “Minton Pawn and Music.” Mike gives credit as the driving playing my guitar I was able to the interest, and the music. ► Ten years later Mike bought out force behind MerleFest,) and watch the world in a different light; Jerry and changed the name to finally, “NC Thumbpickers.” I think I learned a lot about how “Best of the Kruger Brothers” was “Main Street Music & Loan.” Nourished by his love of music and people interact and conduct released formally on May 1. It is Becoming part owner of the shop talent for production, like so many themselves when they are not available through the online store, allowed Mike to build on his other “behind the scene” workers, doing too well. People from all at concerts and other sales venues. interest in music by converting a Mike’s involvement with the walks of life come into the shop for

Profile large storage room into a music Hometown Opry, MerleFest, and all sort of reasons. Some are there studio, where eleven years ago the Carolina in the Fall put him in to get quick cash, some are hunting A place to play first Friday morning “Hometown touch with many musicians ‐ local for a good deal, and some are there Opry” radio show was aired. Mike and not so local, famous and not so just to not be alone for a while. Main Street Music & Loan isn’t your is proud to name a few of the famous. Mike turned the back part of the average pawn shop. Then again, musicians who have played on the Mike is not sure exactly when or shop into a music store and got North Wilkesboro isn’t your average show – most notably, Doc Watson, where he first met the Kruger official dealerships for Martin, town. Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, Brothers, but he recalls it was, not Fender and Gibson, and since his Wayne Henderson, regular George surprisingly, through Brenda music business was really just a by Dan Shearer Hamilton IV, and a local band Shepherd, and he remembers it sideline, he was able to give people called the Kruger Brothers, who was soon after the Krugers first some very good deals. I helped him Jens’ comment years ago about more than once bailed Mike out by came to America to play in the by trying out instruments, and how, when he first arrived in filling in for a band that cancelled 1997 MerleFest where Mike served helped him decide what kind of America, he would drop by and at the last minute – one time when and continues to serve as MC on accessories work and how different play at the pawnshop in North Mike called them at midnight as some of the stages. In those early kinds of strings sound. It got to a Wilkesboro puzzled me. It didn’t they were arriving in Charlotte, days, before and after Mike became point where people would stop by fit my stereotypic image of a telling them, “Boys, I need a band.” part‐owner of the shop, Uwe came just because they knew when I was pawnshop—you know, seedy side The Krugers arrived at the shop by almost daily to give guitar there, they could get a neutral of town, bars on the windows, dark promptly at 6:30 AM. lessons, and Jens, Uwe, and Joel, opinion on any question regarding inside, with a suspicious old man But just as important, Mike after moving to America and eager instruments. I was able to establish peering out from a small opening created a setting, as Ted Lehmann to become a part of the Wilkes some wonderful friendships over behind the counter. So recently, put it on his blog back in 2010, “…a County community, often came by the years and meet a lot of the local when Uwe, in describing his place where local musicians hang to jam. Lately, with their musicians, play with them and routine while living with Robert out, and ones on their way through demanding schedule, the Kruger learn from them. The informal and Brenda Shepherd in the “early town stop in to chat, and maybe Brothers “just don’t have the time setting of the shop was ideal. Jerry days,” included a daily stop at the trade an instrument.” Mike is one to drop by more than occasionally,” and Mike ran a good business pawnshop to play, I decided to see of those musicians. His love of although Mike hopes to book them together, and I learned a lot by for myself. soon for the Hometown Opry. watching both sides of the counter Earlier last month, Mike Palmer, If I were in charge of tourism in closely. “pawnshop” owner, met me at his North Wilkesboro, I would not When Jens, Joel and Philip shop in North Wilkesboro. As I hesitate to put Main Street Music & moved to Wilkesboro a few years entered the place, my pre‐ Loan on the must‐see list of later, my schedule changed conceived notion of a pawnshop attractions. ► dramatically, and the time I had to vaporized. The place was open, spend at the shop diminshed well lit, no bars on the windows, First Person Singular quickly. But I still buy all my with counters full of power tools, strings at the shop, and go in once a and friendly, conversational locals Meeting at Minton’s while for a chat. I saw young John coming in and out. With the walls Palmer, Mike's son, grow up in the in one section adorned with Uwe remembers some of the lessons store, and he is now helping his hanging banjos and guitars of all he learned at Minton’s. Dad run the business.” ► varieties and values (someone dubbed it the “Wall of Sound”), I Uwe Kruger: “Every Tuesday could easily picture the Krugers morning I would go to the shop and sitting down and jamming with give lessons to Carol Minton, and soon I had more students. Jerry other musicians, most likely in the The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and room that had become a music Mike Palmer on the MerleFest Minton gave me a room to teach in, edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story studio. Cabin Stage. and the teaching then brought in ideas to [email protected] To subscribe customers for a completely new or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 6 June 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News We were deeply saddened to hear that Doc Watson passed away on May 29 at the age of 89. (See “Doc Watson” this page) On Thursday, the KBs were contacted with the news that Doc specifically requested that Charles Welch, Wayne Henderson, and the Kruger Brothers perform at his funeral. Of course, the KBs were struck by such an immense honor, and they are grateful that they will have a chance to mark Doc’s memory with their music. The funeral will be held in Deep Gap, NC, on Sunday June 3. ● The Banff Center for the Performing Arts in Banff, AB, Canada, will host the premiere of Jens Kruger’s “Spirit of the Rockies.” This will, in really any way you choose to look at it, be a singular event in the history of the Kruger Brothers. For details see the KB homepage which also links to the announcment by the Banff Jens backstage with Doc Watson, October, 2011. Centre. ● The first Kruger Brothers Music Academy was held on the weekend of May 11. In Memoriam his wife was palpable, and his those old songs, but there was, and More than 30 students attended rootedness in his religion, while many of them are the pieces that he the weekend. Given the success, The long journey of Doc never cloying, was real and deeply is most remembered for today. He this will no doubt be the first of Watson felt, bringing him to tears on stage learned “Down to the River to many Academies to be held at the at times when discussing it. Pray” from his grandmother. His Kruger Brothers home base, the He was with us for so long, it’s hard He was also a walking father made his first instrument in Double Time Studios in to believe that he’s gone. encyclopedia of Appalachian song, 1934—a small fretless banjo Wilkesboro, NC. (See “Academy,” having grown up in a local culture stretched with the hide of his page 3, for recollections from by Glen Herbert that in his youth was largely grandmother’s cat—and taught Warren Grafton, who attended the beyond the reach of mass media him to play “Rambling Hobo.” Doc event.) ► and recorded music. He often remembered in a 1988 interview recalled that the first record he with NPR’s Terry Gross that, at the On the Road It’s perhaps easy to underestimate ever heard was one by the Delmore time, his father told him that he the impact that Doc Watson has June 2, Strawberry Park, Preston, Brothers. So, while there were needed to learn the instrument had over the course of his career, in CT records, the fact that he can because “it might help you get part because of the ways we remember the first one he ever through the world.” June 9, Highland Brewing choose to express it. We like heard is evident they weren’t yet It was the real deal, and it’s safe Company, Asheville, NC superlatives—first, longest, fastest, abundant. Instead, he was one of to say that there isn’t really anyone July 5-6, Eastern Music Festival, best. He’s credited as the first to the last of the generation that born today that will learn music in Greensboro, NC play fiddle tunes on guitar, and learned music from people rather the same way. It was an approach certainly he was influential in that than a record player. (The album to music that allowed songs to July 7, Common Ground on the regard, though it’s likely that, if not Hill, Westminster, MD The Doc Watson Family is the first grow, and to change, and for Doc, someone else would have recording made of him, and musicians like Watson to use them July 8, Maurice W. Foulke shepherded the fiddle repertoire brilliantly documents the kind of to communicate their own ideas Bandshell, Souderton, PA onto flattop. music and the songs that were in and concepts. His “Shady Grove” July 21, Stecoah Cultural Arts His true legacy lies not in the air when he was growing up.) isn’t exactly like the version he Center, Robbinsville, NC whichever posts he may have He strayed from that music, later heard, or exactly the way that other passed first, but in the person and learning much of his performance people may play it. But as he did August 6-11, Goderich Celtic the performer that he was. Humble, Roots Festival, Goderich, ON repertoire from recordings, but the with all of his repertoire, he “added talented, giving, rational. He often thread of his childhood music was a few notions” here and there, August 25, Banff Centre for the mentioned that if it were not for his one that ran throughout his career. ultimately making each song Arts, Banff, AB blindness, he likely would have He mentioned his disbelief that indelibly his own. become an electrician. His love for there was really an interest in www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 6 June 2012

In so doing, he brought others to impressive legacy, and one that From our first rehearsal on we way to pull through in decency and an appreciation for the music of his will be with us for a very, very long incorporated Doc's music in our honor. home, and provided a tangible time. ► repertoire, and that was also the He never showed me a lick on foundation for much of the roots time I started to buy every Doc the guitar, but talking about music and Americana music we hear Doc Watson died on Tuesday, May record available at the time. The and playing and sometime even today. Whether or not he was the 29, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical first time I heard of Doc was much performing with him through the first to play fiddle tunes isn’t nearly Center in Winston­Salem, NC. He earlier though, 1976 in the summer last 15 years were the best music as important as the effect that his was 89. our family moved to a place in the lessons I ever got. So many things playing those tunes had on so country. The previous owner had go through my mind right now, but many that heard them. He got some First Person left a stereo system behind, along I just want to mention two things of his notions from guitarists Grady with a few records, mostly Swiss that were very important to our Martin and Hank Garland, yet it’s Remembering Doc folk music and marching band development that he said. We Watson’s name that we remember. stuff, but one record was labeled “ asked him what we should do to be His was a sound that was pure and Joel: “I was not really familiar with Strictly Instrumental,’ and it was successful here in America, and his infectious. Doc Watson until I was ‘introduced’ Flatt & Scruggs featuring Doc answer was ‘Just keep doing what His singing had a similar effect. to him through Uwe and Jens. After Watson. When that needle hit the you are doing now, and everything He came to national notice during we were invited to perform at vinyl and ‘Pick Along’ came out of will turn out right!’ And that’s what the folk revival, but like some MerleFest in 1997 and had a the speaker, my life changed, and we did, and that’s what happened. others—John Hurt perhaps chance to sit with him and pick so did Jens'! We had heard Flatt & The other thing I think of every day especially—he didn’t approach some, only then did I get to Scruggs before, and I remember is a remark he once made to us at music with a studied earnestness, experience what a truly amazing hearing a track of Doc’s on a his home in Deep Gap: ‘It takes me and his object wasn’t preservation; human being Doc was. Over the Folkways sampler around about a long time to come up with he played songs not to course of the next 15 years we had 1972, but this was the first time I something that’s worth playing for demonstrate them, but in order to many opportunities to visit with was able to listen to a whole record people.’ And if it takes Doc a long touch people, and it was the Doc and Rosa Lee in their home of his music. I tried to copy some of time to do so, it takes forever for emotion, the stories, and the and became good friends of the his solos of course, but until this someone like me. Keeps me from humor that audiences took away family. To watch the joy on their day I have never succeeded in giving up. from his performances. Watson faces as we sat and played many of getting it right (yet?). I don't remember how it feels to often said, especially later in life, the old songs that they knew and Of course I learned over the live in a world without Doc that he conducted himself on stage grew up with was truly a blessing. years that one cannot copy another Watson, but I will have to get used just as if he were sitting in his On more than one occasion when man's thinking or playing, but his to it now. Like all the other people living room. And indeed that’s we were visiting, Doc would go musicianship always remained my whose lives have been changed by exactly how it felt, whether in an down into his basement and bring guiding light. I saw him perform in his work and his humanity, I will audience of a few, a few hundred, up Merle's banjo, which he then Zurich with Merle and T. Michael miss him very much. His memory or a few thousand. gave Jens to play on. It was Coleman the year before Merle will now live forever in our hearts. Those are the reasons, I think, unbelievably moving to watch the died, and spent a great evening I feel extremely lucky to have that so many have found him such tears rolling down Rosa Lee's with Merle after the show. I was known him, and I am thankful for a compelling mentor and musical cheeks as she heard the familiar way too shy to speak to the master every second I got to spend with inspiration. He embodied an sound of that old banjo … himself, but after that evening I him and also with his wonderful approach and a message that It was one of my greatest honors knew what I had to do. I got me a wife Rosa Lee. others simply wanted to to be Doc's bass player on many new acoustic guitar (I played And now I will put my participate in. His approach is one occasions locally here in North mainly Stratocaster at the time), headphones on and quietly listen that has had legs far beyond Carolina. He was always put a pick up in it, and started to to ‘Shady Grove’ once more … “ ► anything we may imagine. Jens and encouraging and thoughtful of his practice again. Uwe Kruger, growing up in fellow musicians and showed all of Doc's singing was even more Switzerland, wanted to be Doc. And us just how to be in front of an important to me than his picking. despite all of the places their music audience. He was an absolute His delivery was so honest and has taken them, in a way that’s Master Craftsman. I would hope straight forward, it really touched something that remains. The Best that I can say that I'm a little bit of my heart. I believe that there never Of collection the KBs released this a better person having been able to was a more accomplished folk year includes three songs that call Doc Watson a friend of mine.” artist on this planet, and when I come to them directly from Doc. finally got to meet him in 1997 and And whether listeners are aware Uwe: “Doc Watson was the first spent a whole afternoon and of it or not, his music is very much guitar player I remember listening evening playing and singing with alive even in the present day and is to thinking ‘I want to learn how to him at the Shepherd’s house in used in the same way that he used play and sing like that!’ Through all North Wilkesboro, it was back to it: to convey an emotion, tell a my playing and performing since I the woodshedding for me again. I story, and to move an audience. A was a teenager, I always had had thought that I was a pretty gospel song that Doc wrote with someone to turn to when I got lost decent picker at the time, but really his wife, “Long Journey” was and questioned my own abilities as had to reevaluate my priorities recently a hit of sorts for Robert a musician. And when life was after that day. Plant and Alison Krauss on their unbearable sometimes, his Thanks to Doc’s honesty I Grammy‐Award winning “Raising recordings never failed to bring me learned the language of the people Sand.” “Down to the River to Pray” back to reality and putting a smile here in Western North Carolina, was a hit at the time of the Coen on my face again. about their way of life and the way brothers film “Oh Brother Where It was in 1986, I think, when Jens they conduct themselves. He Art Thou” and one that Alison and his wife Christa and I formed showed me that no matter what Krauss learned from Doc. His is an the Appalachian Barn Orchestra. one’s handicap is, there is always a www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 6 June 2012

Profile play, he brought out his fiddle from storage, and Wayne learned to play Making guitars, making backup. music Then at around ten years old Wayne met Catherine Reddy, a Wayne Henderson has lived his life neighbor across the road. in a community with a population Catherine introduced Wayne to of eight people. His guitars, Carter Family tunes, according to however, have made him famous Wayne, the only tunes that were around the world. played back in those days. While Wayne still credits E. C. Ball with by Dan Shearer inspiring him, Catherine also played a very important role in Five hundred and sixty‐six guitars, Wayne’s life, because, “She was the 118 , 16 ukuleles, 15 only real guitar teacher I ever had.” banjos, 4 fiddles, and 4 dulcimers, As early as he can remember, but who’s counting? Where did Wayne liked to whittle and carve some of those guitars go? Just to and was always looking for that The brand marking for Henderson #1, made from an old mahogany door name a very few: Eric Clapton, special piece of wood (he still is). In and inscribed freehand. Uwe’s Henderson is serial # 371, and the one that Tommy Emmanuel, George fact, he made all his toys. Growing Doc played in his final years is #369. Both guitars were in the finishing Hamilton, IV, and Uwe Kruger, not up around music and getting a spray booth at the same time, and the necks on both were made from the to mention Doc Watson, who up taste of playing with the Gibson, at same piece of wood. until his passing was seen playing age seven Wayne decided to his Wayne Henderson guitar (and combine his interest in music and is the one that is seen in Doc’s carving and made his first guitar – Wayne spent the next three useful knowledge and techniques hands in the photo on the previous a cardboard box attached to a neck years making his first “real” guitar, both by sitting in the “hot seat” and page). carved from a two‐by‐four with mainly from that mahogany door. by listening to the suggestions Uwe Plenty of articles have been fish lines for strings and pegs Finally in 1984, at the age of made to the other participants. written about Wayne. In fact, in carved from wooden blocks. seventeen, he inscribed the serial That night we were treated to a 2005 Allen St. John wrote a book The next guitar of significance number “1” on the finished concert by the Kruger Brothers and titled Eric Clapton’s Guitar: that Wayne remembers making product. While through the years some of their musician friends, Watching Wayne Henderson Build began when, as a young teenager, Wayne has parted with many Maynard Holbrook, Charles Welch, the Perfect Instrument. But this is he “borrowed” the walnut guitars, he’s never parted with that and Laura Boosinger. Maynard has what I learned last month sharing a veneered bottom to one of his one. ► a beautiful tenor voice and hit booth with Wayne at the Cook mom’s dresser drawers. (Wayne notes I can only wish I could sing. Shack. didn’t mention what his mom We’ll continue next month with After the concert we were invited Raised on a farm in rural thought when she found the what Albert Hass told Wayne after to jam by a bonfire out on the lawn Southwest Virginia, Wayne went to drawer bottom missing.) Now he Wayne showed him his “Number 1.” and stay as long as we wished. grades one through seven in a two‐ had the raw material, but it ... It was an incredible weekend. room schoolhouse that you can still remained a mystery to Wayne as to Mailbox Uwe, Jens, Joel, and friends gave us see from Wayne’s house in Mouth how to bend a piece of wood so it beautiful music and wonderful of Wilson. Then on to high school would keep its new shape. Well, Academy 2012 instruction. Philip Zanon is a in a building where the border of Wayne experienced a fantastic sound engineer, and the Warren “Doc” Grafton sent this Virginia and North Carolina ran serendipitous moment when, after sound and acoustics in the studio review of the Academy weekend the right down the middle of the main he put the sheet of veneer on a tree are phenomenal. All the friends day after returning home . hallway. Wayne likes to tell the branch overnight, the ensuing rain and family members who helped story that, unlike folks trying to did its magic. Wayne worked serve meals and performed other The Kruger Brothers Academy was evade the law crossing the state throughout the summer on that chores were a well‐organized team an unbelievable experience. We line, unruly students couldn’t avoid guitar. To bond the wood he found and did a fabulous job. The arrived at Double Time Music detection by crossing that border. some glue his dad used to hold Krugers, their families and friends Studio where we visited with the Don’t know why he knew that. rubber striping to car windows and were great hosts. Kruger Brothers and the other You might say that Wayne’s doors, and for frets he hammered This trip was my 75th birthday participants. The Double Time musical career began at age five copper wires flat. Unfortunately, present from my beautiful wife, Music Studio is a beautiful when he met and heard E. C. Ball, a the summer humidity took its toll Carol, and was one of the best structure set in the mountains of “great guitarist” (owned a Martin!) on the glue, and one day, the entire birthday gifts I have ever North Wilkesboro, NC. who lived nearby and who soon guitar simply sprang apart. received.► I was in the guitar session. For became an inspiration to Wayne. Not long after that “experiment,” three hours on Saturday morning Doc Grafton wrote to us from his Not long after that meeting, Wayne’s dad took him to meet Uwe showed us more chords, home in Bossier City, LA. Wayne’s brother Max bought the Albert Hash, the fiddle maker. Not techniques, and licks than I can 1939 Gibson Recording King guitar only did Albert tell Wayne the remember. In the afternoon Uwe that E.C. had earlier sold to a proper kind of glue to use, but he held a “Master Class” for the guitar relative. Max gave the guitar to also gave Wayne an old catalogue players. Uwe had each of us sit in Wayne and showed him his first from Chicago which featured the “hot seat” and play a song for three chords – you guessed it – G, various kinds of guitar woods. Plus him. Then he gave constructive C, and D. Wayne recalls having to of even greater value, he gave criticism to each of us while the The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and lay the guitar on his lap and play it Wayne an old mahogany door – the edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story others watched and were able to with only his thumbs. Back home same kind of wood used to make ideas to [email protected] To subscribe ask questions. All of us gained when his dad realized Wayne could Martins. Wayne was delighted! or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 3 Volume 3, Issue 7 July 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The KBs have been added to the lineup for the Red, White and Bluegrass Festival in Morganton, NC. They will appear at 2pm on Tuesday, July 3. ● Two new covers of KB songs were released this spring: On their recent release, Born at the Right Time, the Kingston Trio inclued their version of “Forever and a Day.” And last month, Steve Spurgin released his recording of “Carolina in the Fall” on his CD Folk Remedy. (For more, see “Covers” p. 2) ● The KB’s will be playing a charitable event on August 26 in Canmore, Alberta. The event is in support of the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation. The foundation identifies, financially supports, participates in medical and educational programs in Canada and overseas. The foundation also has a mandate to alleviate poverty. Jens with Laura Boosinger at the Academy weekend. This photo was taken by Julie Macie, and you can spot It’s a great cause. ● We’ve just some of her great shots in the slideshow on the KB homepage as well. For more on Laura Boosinger, see “Down received more stock of the 2012 the Road” p. 3. Kruger Brothers’ t­shirts and ballcaps. They are on sale at concerts or through the KBs online Feature settle the region, “the wilderness and they created and pioneered the store at krugerbrothers.com. There was something to be conquered.” culture of appreciation and are a few guitar picks left too, first The story behind “The Trade routes, rather than ski trails, preservation that persists there come first served. ● Uwe has Spirit of the Rockies” were what they were after. today. Between 1899 and 1954 launched his new blog, and you can Europeans came in search of they led hundreds of first ascents find the first entries on the Kruger In 2011, Jens was invited to create a wealth, carried here on trains and taught safe climbing Brothers’ homepage under Uwe’s work for the Banff Centre, a riding the 3000 miles of steel techniques to thousands of Blog. He will add posts from time commission that recognizes his ribbon that recently linked one climbers from around the world. In to time about life on the road, work ability as a composer, arranger, and ocean with another, spanning the the 1950s and 1960s a second in the studio and, well, pretty much performer, but also his unique continent of North America. generation of guides, many of anything that catches his ability to combine seemingly Then, a handful of mountaineers whom literally descended from the imagination. ► disparate cultural and musical arrived in Banff from Switzerland first, became crucial to the traditions within his work. This past at the request of the Canadian development of modern mountain On the Road month, he put the finishing touches Pacific Railway (CPR). Their job guiding, rescue, safety, avalanche on “The Spirit of the Rockies,” a was to bring their skills to bear in control, and skiing. June 30 – July 4, Red, White & piece which will premiere at the the Canadian Rockies and to make “They brought an awareness of Bluegrass Festival, Banff Centre, in Banff, Alberta, on the mountains accessible to beauty,” says Jens. “Just like we Morganton, NC August 25. tourism, enabling others to need a friend or a parent to say July 5-6, Eastern Music Festival, experience their beauty and ‘look at this view,’ we often need Greensboro, NC by Glen Herbert majesty. It was a considerably someone to help us recognize July 7, Common Ground on the larger task than the CPR beauty as such,” a role that those Hill, Westminster, MD “The Spirit of the Rockies” tells a envisioned at the time, though in early guides filled through an story (more on that below) but the the end the guides exceeded every influence that continues to this day. July 8, Maurice W. Foulke real core of the work is less about expectation that had been made of It is that historical period that Souderton, PA Bandshell, an actual narrative than it is a them. While at most there were provides the setting for the work, July 21, Stecoah Cultural Arts consideration of how, and why, we just 35 guides at any one time, which begins as a man thinks back Center, Robbinsville, NC appreciate the world around us. their numbers belie the impact that to when he first arrived in the August 6-11, Goderich Celtic The history of the Rocky they had then, and continue to Canadian Rockies to work as a Roots Festival, Goderich, ON Mountain region provides the have now, in Canada’s Rocky guide. There he fell in love, from a perfect context. As Jens has said, Mountain region. distance, with a young woman who

August 25, Banff Centre for the “for the English settlers,” who were The Swiss guides made mysteriously went missing. We Arts, Banff, AB the first European population to mountaineering history in Canada, listen as he recalls how his brief www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 7 July 2012 encounter with her forever changed his perceptions of himself and his place in the world. A defining time in his life, it is one that all these years later he still struggles to fully understand. It’s a story of discovery, about how a new land, and a new perspective, can lead us to find new things in ourselves. “The spirit of the Rockies,” says Kruger of the mountains themselves, “is our own falling in love and our own understanding of beauty. ... [The understanding that] we are part of this world, and it is a part of us.” Jens has scored the piece for chamber orchestra, guitar, bass, and banjo, and the staging is being completed by directors at the Banff Centre. ► On stage at the Wayne Henderson Music Festival in Mouth of Wilson, VA. From left to right: Jens, Wayne For tickets and information, visit the Henderson, Charles Welch, and Uwe. Photo courtesy Jean-Pierre Cousin. Banff Centre website at www.banffcentre.ca including and Nat Watson and Reba McEntire. Profile News King Cole. Spurgin’s song, “A Walk in the Irish Wayne Henderson pt. 2 Covering the Kruger Despite lots of personnel Rain” has been recorded by dozens changes through the years, their of artists, including the Irish Here Dan Shearer continues his

Brothers latest album continues in the Descendants. profile of the life and work of master tradition they are known for: close So, if his name isn’t as well luthier, Wayne Henderson.. This spring saw the release of two harmonies, clean arrangements, known as some, Spurgin is covers of Kruger Brothers songs: and choosing songs that work, nevertheless an artist who has put by Dan Shearer The Kingston Trio with “Forever and often by songwriters who are not in his time as an instrumentalist, a a Day” and Steve Spurgin with always in the national spotlight. singer and a writer. On his latest “Carolina in the Fall” And in that regard, there are some release, “Folk Remedy,” he offers We left off last month when, after stand‐outs on Born at the Right his take on the Kruger classic, working three years on the project, by Glen Herbert Time, an album released this past “Carolina in the Fall.” seventeen year old Wayne finished April, including a beautiful song by Before you’ve heard it, you might making his first “real” guitar (#1), Keola Beamer—“Real Old Style”—a wonder how someone can using glue that Albert Hass, the Kingston Trio fantastic slack‐key guitar player successfully pull off a song that is fiddle maker, told him about and It’s hard to believe that no one has who is a hero in his home state of so close to the Kruger Brothers, but an old mahogany door Albert gave covered any of the Kruger Hawaii, yet lesser known on the he does. I’d say that he even finds him. Brothers’ songs before now, but if mainland. It’s a spare arrangement, something new in the song, and he When Wayne showed Albert the you’ve got to start somewhere, it’s beautifully sung. Here too is a brings out an aspect of the guitar, Albert “was very impressed” quite a place to start. The Kingston great, very close and clean version narrative that we haven’t heard and told Wayne, “If I’d knowed you Trio famously wore stripy shirts of the Stan Rogers classic, before. He takes the song further done that good I’d have give you and were at the center of the folk “Barrett’s Privateers.” Just when from its roots than do the Kingston some better wood.” So for Wayne’s revival of the 50s and 60s. (They you thought that there wasn’t Trio with their cover, but that’s second guitar Albert ordered some were also the first performers to anything to add to this song, the what makes Spurgin’s recording of that better wood, rosewood, ever win a Grammy in the Country Trio has found a way to make it more interesting. which Wayne gladly accepted, then Music category, with “Tom Dooley” sound fresh and alive. And at the end of the day, isn’t set to making his #2 guitar and in 1959. Really, you can look it up.) And, happily, there is a very nice it about time that other performers sold it for $40. “I’ve been making Say what you will—and certainly version of the KBs’ “Forever and a begin picking up the work of the guitars fulltime ever since,” says there has been lots said about them Day” here too. Kruger Brothers? ► Wayne. over the years—the success of the Five guitars later, in 1968 at age Kingston Trio is impressive by any Steve Spurgin twenty‐one, Wayne made Guitar #7 measure. They introduced literally Steve Spurgin is an artist and out of rosewood with pearl binding millions of listeners to music and songwriter who is best known in and abalone shell, patterned after a musicians that they had never bluegrass circles. In the 80s he was Martin D‐45. Looking back Wayne heard before. They were the first to a member of California, a band that declares, “It was the best sounding record “Where Have All the included Byron Berline and Dan one I’d made. And I still have it; I Flowers Gone” in the complete Crary, that won three consecutive bought it back.” Here’s the story: version we know today, and racked IBMA Instrumental Group of the When Wayne took the guitar to up number‐one hits, one after the Year awards. After a successful run, his grandmother’s house after his other. In the early 60s, the Spurgin focused on songwriting, grandfather died, the local Kingston Trio accounted for 15% and his songs have been recorded moonshiner was also visiting . The of the sales for Capitol Records, far by many artists, including Gene moonshiner had a stranger with outstripping other Capitol artists, www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 7 July 2012 him who had heard about Wayne’s the Stradivarius of the steel string the late Roy Husky Jr.—are ones the Carolina Scrapbook, “Little guitar, and being a good player guitar. He’s always striving for that other artists might plaster Sadie,” and on the Carolina himself, after playing #7 offered to perfection, looking to build his next across the CD cover. But here that’s Scrapbook Gospel Edition, “Lord, buy it. Clever Wayne “priced it real guitar better than his last, and he fitting, because it is the music, not Build Me a Cabin.” ► high ‐ $500 – so I wouldn’t have to cares just as much for the the licks, that Boosinger wants her sell it.” That seemed to do the trick appearance and craftsmanship audience to register first. And, on For news, information, as well as and the stranger left. But later, he inside the guitar as on the surface.” this disc, we certainly do. concert and workshop listings, visit returned, played the guitar again, Uwe notes that while Wayne The tracks are chosen to honor Laura Boosinger on the web at then pulled out five one‐hundred built his reputation on building some of the players and recordings http://www.lauraboosinger.com/ dollar bills. Wayne couldn’t turn guitars and being in Uwe’s words, that have been instrumental in the him down – couldn’t afford not to “an incredible picker,” his ability to history of Appalachian music, but accept the offer. Imagine a twenty‐ repair guitars is just as important. the disc itself is not a museum. one year older back then, living and For example, Uwe told me how Rather, it is a delightful working on a farm, getting five Wayne repaired Mother Maybelle’s presentation of some beautiful hundred bucks! 1927 Gibson L‐5 – the one on material by such a wonderfully But that’s not the end of the which she recorded “Wildwood skilled musician. story. Wayne told me, “ Some time Flower” after they found the guitar Boosinger is a very fine claw later, after the guitar had changed under ’s bed, not long hammer banjo player, remaining hands several time, it came in for after he passed away. Then there’s very faithful to the traditions of repairs ‐ beat up real bad. So I Hank Williams guitar that Wayne North Carolina (she is seen in duet made an offer of a few hundred repaired. with Jens on page 1). That playing dollars, which the guy took. The “And Wayne’s a real gentleman is demonstrated in songs like guitar laid around untouched for a and a generous one, always having “Italy,” “Dixie Darling,” and “Josie couple of years before I repaired time for whoever drops by or Girl” with all the pops and pings it.” calls,” says Uwe. “Like his guitars, that make it such a distinctive While Wayne had heard about he’s Just as nice inside as on the sound. the Kruger Brothers, he didn’t meet outside. While you may not hear The thing that shines through on them until he was doing a benefit this from Wayne, he’s built many every track is the voice of Laura “for a Frenchman” (Pierre) at the guitars for area kids who couldn’t Boosinger—both as a singer and an Walker Center at Wilkes afford one. I consider him part of interpreter—someone who loves Community College where the our family, and I think he feels the this music, and it shows. In the Krugers where also playing. “I was same way. To play with Wayne at liner notes to this CD she writes, very impressed with them, and Doc’s memorial last week in front “For me music is a tool of after learning how to pronounce of many other well known communication, a bridge to their names, became good friends. guitarists was simply great.”► cultures I may not have otherwise Now they play at my festival, and I known.” used to play at theirs (Carolina In Desert Island Discs But, as a scholar of Appalachian the Fall). Can’t think of anybody folk songs, this album really is her who can play better than them. Laura Boosinger’s Down presenting a world that she knows, They are some of the most the Road using the music as a tool to respected professionals I know. demonstrate it to new audiences Don’t know anyone I admire more. What would you take with you to a and allowing us a view of a culture They’re right up there with Doc, desert island? Well, if I had a CD that we might not otherwise know. Chet Atkins, Flatt & Scruggs, and player and somewhere to plug it in, That’s something she does in many Bill Monroe. But the best thing is one of the discs I’d take would be different ways, including many of that I’ve gotten to know them.” Laura Boosinger’s Down the Road. her workshops. Given Uwe Kruger’s fascination At MerleFest and elsewhere each with guitars, it’s not surprising to by Glen Herbert year she presents shape‐note learn that one of the first places he singing. At the workshops she visited back in fall of 1997 after the Down the Road doesn’t announce takes a group of people made up Kruger Brothers’ first MerleFest itself with any great fanfare, even simply of anyone who attends, was Wayne’s shop in Virginia. “I despite the fact that some of the teaches them the basics of reading was quite impressed with how he players that appear here— shape notes—a pictorial version of builds guitars and the number of including Mark Howard, Aubrey solfege or “do‐re‐mi”—and by the beautiful instruments he had in the Haynie, the late John Hartford, and end of the hour, has them singing shop,” says Uwe. “He built my in harmony to songs from the guitar (#371) after he finished Sacred Harp. It’s wonderful. Doc’s and Allen St. John’s, the guy And Down the Road is too. It’s the who wrote the book about Wayne kind of album that sounds making Eric Clapton’s guitar. But effortless, and listening to it makes for my guitar, I asked him to build a you feel less like entering a new bigger neck, which he did, but later world than it does entering Laura’s I decided it was too big and porch and just whiling away a brought it back to Wayne. He set beautiful sunny afternoon. the guitar on his lap, brought out a In any case, fans of the Kruger The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and knife, and for the next five hours Brothers will also know her work edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story whittled the neck down to a size from the recordings that she has ideas to [email protected] To subscribe that is just right for me. I call him done with them which appear on or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 3 Volume 3, Issue 8 August 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers have been included in an exhibit in the Doc and Merle Watson Folk Art Museum located in the Old Cove Creek School in Sugar Grove, NC. The museum collects artifacts and stories related to Appalachian Folk Art and the music and lives of Doc and Merle Watson. The KBs are proud to have a story board about their musical career included in the museum. ● The KBs played alongside Charles Welch, Wayne Henderson and others in a tribute to Doc Watson at the annual Musicfest n’ Sugar Grove, a festival held on July 13 and 14 in Sugar Grove, NC. The festival is one that has been closely associated A performance of the Appalachian Concerto in Greensboro in July. Photo by Julie Macie. with Watson, with proceeds going A curtain call at a performance of the Appalachian Concerto in Greensboro in July. From left to right, Scott Thomas in part to fund the Doc and Rosa Lesser, Cassie Bequary, Elizabeth Stefan, Erik Malmquist , Uwe, Joel, and Jens. Photo by Julie Macie. Lee Watson Scholarship benefiting students enroled in the Appalachian State University’s Venue Scots just looking for some room to The festival has grown over the Sustainable Development Program. Goderich Celtic Roots spread out. years, though has done so almost in Watson had been scheduled to play They brought their music with secret, avoiding the gaze of nearby the festival on July 14. ► Festival them, and as a result there are urban audiences, of which Toronto many pockets of traditional music is one. And that’s just how the How’s this for international: a trio in Canada that find their source in people of Goderich like it. It’s one On the Road formed in Switzerland, resident of Celtic music. Cape Breton is the of the things that gives the event the US, come to Canada to play at a most famous example, though the such charm. festival celebrating the music of August 6-11, Goderich Celtic Ottawa Valley is equally rich and Festival events take place in a Ireland. Oddly enough, it makes Roots Festival, Goderich, ON consistent. April Verch is from the park overlooking Lake Huron. This more sense than you might think. Ottawa Valley, thought it’s possible year marks the 20th anniversary for August 25, Banff Centre for the that more people are aware of her the festival. ► Arts, Banff, AB by Glen Herbert these days than are aware of the For information on the festival, visit valley. August 26th, Cross Zee Ranch, celticfestival.ca. The Kruger Brothers will Canmore, AB It’s that dissemination that The Goderich Celtic Roots Festival appear at the festival on Friday August 10 makes the Krugers such a good th September 8, Mountain Song has long been a source of pride for at 5:15, and on Saturday the 11 at 9:30. match. The festival is for people Festival, Brevard, NC the people of Goderich, Ontario— who like music and who have an where it has run since 1992— September 12, Spencer Miller ear cocked to the more traditional though you’ll be forgiven for never Concert Series, Abingdon, VA sounds and instrumentation. And having heard of it. You’ll also be September 22, Street Music on they want to have fun on a forgiven for scratching your head Saturday night, too. Paris Avenue, Port Royal, SC at the idea of the KBs playing a That’s exactly what Goderich is October 5, Oklahoma festival that has a mandate to all about. Irish Music Magazine has International Bluegrass celebrate “the music, craft, and said that "Goderich is a town of Festival, Guthrie, OK culture of the Celtic nations, spacious avenues, haunting immigrants of which form a strong October 11, Prescott Park Arts generosity, wide smiles and open historic background to Huron Festival, Porstmouth, NH doors.” (Hmm … sounds a bit like County.” Wilkesboro. And a bizarre bit of October 12, Boothbay Opera But Huron county is in some trivia: Walt Disney’s father, Elias, House, Boothbay Harbor, ME respects (geography aside) not all was born in Goderich, and Walt October 20, Ashe County Arts that unlike so much of the eastern visited family there when he was Center, West Jefferson, NC United States. It was where people young. The downtown is said to came to build a new life. Many of November 16, Douglass Theatre, have a been one of the models on them were Irish fleeing the effects Macon, GA which Walt later based his Main of the potato famine, others were Street USA in the Disney theme parks. ) www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 8 August 2012

Profile musical settings, including full and the one I’m playing.” No kidding; Spurgin’s new album, Folk chamber orchestras. that’s what she said. Remedies, which is, I think, simply Who is Cassie Bequary? After graduating from Oberlin, Jens told me, “I extremely enjoy brilliant, and I feel pretty confident Cassie entered the Masters working with young musicians. For in saying that. The guitar work is It’s likely not a name you’ve heard Program at the me it’s a rejuvenating process. I breathtaking, the writing stellar. At (yet) but Cassie Bequary is a young Conservatory of Music and this was so pleased to play with such an least I think so. I can’t stop and extremely talented violinist who May earned her Masters in Music exciting quartet. I’m always listening to it in the car, on my ipod instantly caught the ear of the degree. “I’ve been teaching since observing what the leader is doing while walking downtown. I’m Kruger Brothers. She appeared with high school,” says Cassie with at the moment. And Cassie, who as listening to it on my computer right them last month in Greensboro, pride, “and while earning my 1st violin is really the soloist, now. playing first violin for a masters, my students, many of played and led with such warmth, That said, I know that there are performance of the Appalachian them young kids, grew to forty in personality and intelligence—rich lots of people who won’t think that Concerto. number, including some guitar in energy. She’s not just concerned way. It’s a quiet album that doesn’t

students, after I learned to play about herself but committed to intend to break any land‐speed by Dan Shearer guitar in San Francisco.” understanding the piece, staying in records. The material here isn’t Then sometime this past spring, the spirit, always looking around at going to grab anyone by the throat; her best friend, a faculty member the others, hoping to see that spirit it doesn’t shout and you can’t “Who wants to play with the of Guilford College in Greensboro, reflected in them.” (What he didn’t dance to it. You have to sit down Kruger Brothers?” asked Mara told her about the EMF Scholars mention was how Cassie played and listen to it. Gearman of the eight chamber Program, a project which gives with such movement that Jens, in Still, I think it’s up there with the orchestra Scholars in residence at young musicians the opportunity self‐defense, had to scoot his chair best of Gordon Lightfoot, an artist the Eastern Musical Festival (EMF) over a five week period to play over.) who is clearly an inspiration to in Greensboro, NC. Mara is the music and learn from EMF's faculty So, it’s back to San Francisco for Spurgin, and to whom I suppose Assistant Principal Viola at EMF members, to participate with the Cassie, where she’ll take her first he’s compared from time to time. and this summer’s Scholar Quartet EMF orchestra, to mentor in real break from being in school for It’s also an album that goes Coach. Cassandra “Cassie” Bequary Chamber Music with select faculty the last twenty years, and if you places. Spurgin is from Texas and was one of the first to say, “I do.” members, and to become actively had the pleasure of watching her has made a career as a song writer Cassie, now twenty‐five, was involved in community outreach, perform like I did you’ll trust that in Nashville, but this album has born and raised in Waterbury, for instance, performing at the she’s got an exciting and rewarding thoughts of Nova Scotia, Texas, Connecticut by a dad who is a city’s library branches. Cassie professional career ahead of her. ► Ireland; the desert, the ocean; stained glass artist and a mom, a applied, and along with seven other booze, gambling; praise, complaint school principal. While neither young musicians from around the and comment. People do good parent was a musician, as is often country, was accepted. Desert Island Discs things, people do bad things, but in the case with child prodigies, her The invitation to play with the Steve Spurgin’s Folk a quiet way like you and I do. grandmother was an accomplished Kruger Brothers came suddenly There’s a folk instrumental pianist who had a profound and and gave the quartet, which Remedies (“Sunset on the Sierra”) and a blues lasting influence on Cassie. included Cassie, 1st Violin, Erik (“God Bless those Desert Rats”) It follows that her parents would Malmquist, 2nd Violin, Elizabeth You never know, but Steve Spurgin’s though the collection is beautifully try to interest Cassie in piano, but Stefan, Viola, and Scott Thomas Folk Remedies might be the best even, with the inspired bass of that was not to be. Instead, at age Lesser, Cello, very little time to album of 2012. But then again, you Missy Raines. Of course there’s a five, Cassie saw a violinist on TV, prepare. In fact, having received never know … Kruger song here, too, a beautiful and instantly decided that was for the musical score only the night version of “Carolina in the Fall.” her. Her parents bought her a before they were due to rehearse by Glen Herbert But ultimately the success of the violin—a 1/8 size, which means with the Kruger Brothers, while in album isn’t in the chops, but rather (and I found this hard to believe) the car on the way to the Krugers’ the honesty with which the whole just what it says—a violin 1/8th studio the quartet hurriedly thing is delivered. Spurgin is the size of a regular one. Soon practiced the notes (without We could probably argue at length experienced enough and wise Cassie was enrolled in a nearby instruments). According to Carrie, if we wanted to about what makes enough to know that this album is Suzuki School, a program she the rehearsal was a blast, as was good music good. Despite the fact not going to get him on Letterman, continued for five years. But it was the second rehearsal when the that we all have different tastes, it won’t sell a million copies. But he transferring her instruction to the Kruger Brothers came to different opinions, we feel in our made it, and he sings about things woman who taught the youth Greensboro. bones that we can recognize good that are important to him. orchestra in which Cassie played And the actual performance in a music when we hear it. It’s quiet, but the thoughts cut that brought about “a life‐changing downtown Greensboro theater’s We think we can recognize the very close to the bone. At its best experience.” Cassie studied with black box “was the most fun we’ve other kind, too, though we’re all moments, this album is like an her for the next five years. had all summer. The Krugers probably wrong in that belief. exhalation, a sigh. It’s a chance to After attending one year at the encouraged us to improvise and be Frank Zappa once famously called pause and think about some things local high school, Cassie received a creative.” By improvise Jens told the Shaggs “better than the that are important to us. And to my scholarship to Choate, a prestigious me that he means sticking to the Beatles.” For most people, I think mind, that’s pretty much as good as boarding school in Wallingford, notes but having the freedom to be it’s safe to say, the Shaggs’ album it can get. ► Connecticut. Then on to Oberlin free with the sounds and the notes. Philosophy of the World is a

College and the Conservatory of Cassie continues, “The Krugers go touchstone for how bad recorded

Music in Ohio, again on a full so fast! It was really fun and music can get yet still attract fans. scholarship, where she took a exciting catching up!” When I asked Pluperfect awful. As such, I can’t double major in English and Violin. Cassie which movement or sections help but wonder what Zappa saw The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Of course, throughout all of these she liked the best, wondering if she in it that I don’t? edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story would like my favorite, she said, “I The reason I say all of this is ideas to [email protected] To subscribe years Cassie played in a variety of or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. really don’t have a favorite; I love because I’ve been listening to Steve www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 9 September 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Krugers went to Alberta, received white hats, and performed a new work. This issue of the newsletter is devoted to that event: the premiere of The Spirit of the Rockies. ● We’re happy to see that two of Laura Boosinger’s albums, including “Down the Road” which we featured in our July newsletter, are now available on iTunes. Laura is a great fan and friend of the Kruger Brothers, and she also appears with them on stage from time to time. She generously donated her time to appear at the Kruger Brothers’ Music Academy this past spring, offering her talent and her insights to the students in attendance. ● Renowned western “The Spirit of the Rockies” premiered at the Banff Centre on the evening of August 25. sculptor Vilem Zach was commissioned to create a companion piece to “The Spirit of the Rockies” (shown below and “The Spirit of the Rockies” premiered at the Banff Centre on the evening of August 25. right). Born in Prague, Czech Republic, Zach lives and works in Calgary, Alberta, as he has for more News trained young musicians from a person who was, prior to than four decades. ► The KBs premiere The handpicked by the Banff Centre the evening, unfamiliar with the from their summer residency work of the Kruger Brothers. Spirit of the Rockies program (violins, violas, cellos, The Banff Centre musicians said flute, trombones, French horn, afterwards that this was one of the On August 25th the Kruger Brothers percussion). most fun projects they had ever premiered something that is for The initial segment was experienced. As an encore, they them, and perhaps everyone, a very orchestra only and they introduced joined in some brilliantly fun different kind of work. the major musical themes—a jamming of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s series of broad, sweeping melodies “Sixteen Tons” which perfectly Fans came from throughout North that was, in a sense, an overture to capped off the performance. ► America and beyond—Florida, the work to follow. Black and white California, Hawaii, NC, ON—to see photos of mountain scenes, chosen A video of the concert will soon be a one‐of‐a‐kind event: the premiere by the Kruger Brothers, acted as a available on Banff Centre LIVE! of a new work by the Kruger back drop to the entire stage, Website. See: Brothers at a truly world class arts described by one viewer as “just http://www.banffcentre.ca/live/ venue, the Banff Centre for the Arts incredibly evocative.” The photos in Banff, Alberta, Canada. As Jens were selected from the archival News said when introducing the piece, it collection of the Whyte Museum of On the Road was a very special night because the Canadian Rockies. The KBs receive their September 8, Mountain Song “there is only one world premiere!” The balance of the piece was white hats Festival, Brevard, NC But, for those in the audience, comprised of a series of transitions what made the event truly special between huge symphonic In an Albertan tradition—not unlike September 12, Spencer Miller was the music itself. Moved to an melodies, down‐to‐earth lyrics being screeched into Concert Series, Abingdon, VA indoor venue, the Eric Harvie sung by Uwe, First Nations sounds Newfoundland—the KBs were September 22, Street Music on Theatre, due to near freezing and even a percussion solo. celebrated with a White Hat Paris Avenue, Port Royal, SC temperatures outside, the evening The audience was Ceremony, noting their arrival in October 5, Oklahoma began with a number of selections overwhelmingly enthusiastic and Alberta. International Bluegrass from the Kruger Brothers’ gave a rousing standing ovation at Festival, Guthrie, OK songbook as well as a portion of the completion of the piece. One by Judy Collinson the Appalachian Concerto. audience member’s reaction October 11, Prescott Park Arts Then, after an intermission, the overheard afterward was “It was On Sunday August 26, the Kruger’s Festival, Porstmouth, NH KBs were joined by musicians in ****ing fabulous with a few performed at a fundraiser at the October 12, Boothbay Opera residence at the Centre, fourteen sections of sheer brilliance.” This Cross Zee Ranch in Canmore, AB incredibly talented classically hosted by Dave Anderson in honor www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 9 September 2012 of the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable provides resources for Foundation. To kick off the evening collaboration and applied research. the Kruger Brothers were “White Training and professional Hatted” in a humorous ceremony development at the post‐graduate that extended to them the warm level in more than a dozen art hospitality and wild spirit of forms including Aboriginal arts, Calgary and the Canadian Rockies. music, theatre, dance, opera, They even played a cowboy tune literature, ceramics, print‐making, later in the evening in honour of painting, papermaking, their handsome new cowboy look! photography, sculpture, audio The White Hat Ceremony is a engineering, digital film and video, long‐standing tradition in Calgary, and new media. Work is showcased a symbol of the Western hospitality in public performance, events, and and good cheer they like to share exhibitions throughout the year, with visiting guests. The white culminating in the annual Banff Smithbilt hat has been bestowed Summer Arts Festival. The KBs get “White Hatted” in Banff, Alberta. From left to right, Jens, Joel, on numerous celebrities and This year, the Kruger Uwe, and Philip. dignitaries on their visits to Brothers’ premiere of the Spirit of Calgary, most notably to “Will and the Rockies was the final event in Kate” during their visit to the the Summer Arts Festival.► observations that are consistent scored, improvised duet with Josh Calgary Stampede in 2011. across my interviews: One, the Day, the Kruger’s unofficial fourth The tradition started in the Profile musicians have all jumped at the band member.) And representing 1950s, when Calgary's Mayor, Don chance to play with the Kruger Kruger Brothers’ fans, I couldn’t MacKay was inspired by the white Strings across the Brothers, in many instances not resist the urge to gently explain to hat after traveling to Toronto with border even having heard them or heard these young folks that while 250 excited Calgary fans to see the of them. Secondly, and in support “bluegrass” is included in the Stampeders compete in the 1948 It’s perhaps another example of of that leap, is a strong, almost Krugers’ repertoire, it does not Grey Cup (the Canadian Football worlds colliding: some of the best zealous desire, one often born of define their music, but League championship game). The young string players in Canada, frustration, to play “out‐of‐the‐box” unfortunately remains a label they exuberant group sported white chosen for residency at the Banff – to break the mold, to apply can’t seem to shake. cowboy hats, which soon became a Centre, joined the Krugers in (maybe even set aside) their And what was it like playing hit with easterners, and presented workshop, rehearsal, and classically trained backgrounds in with the Krugers? “Great writing” a hat to Toronto's mayor as a way performance. If they weren’t aware favor of new, unconventional says Luke. “Sometimes it sounds of saying 'thanks' for the city's of the Kruger Brothers before, they genres. And finally, sheer like a Bach bassline, a fugue, hospitality. Years later, when he certainly won’t forget them now. unbridled enthusiasm – a youthful sometimes a trace of Shostakovich was mayor of Calgary, MacKay While in Banff for the premiere, Dan spirit that fits perfectly with the and sometimes funky. Playing with began distributing them to visiting Shearer took a moment to ask four Krugers’ style of playing while they them encouraged us to not so much dignitaries. ► of the players what it was like to be perform…or maybe it’s the other look at what’s going on, but to involved with such a new and way around. listen to each other. This has just Venue unique work. Take MacKenzie “Kenzie” been a really great experience, not The Banff Centre Slottow, Luke Krafka, and Katie worrying about keeping up by Dan Shearer Rife who played flute, cello, and appearances – a joy to play with The Banff Centre is the foremost timpani (drums) respectfully in the them.” Kenzie agrees, “Everyone arts education facility in Canada. fourteen‐member ensemble at with the Kruger Brothers has a It’s also one of the most innovative, Since Music From the Spring Banff. Kenzie, the single flutist, contagious love of life – it emanates inviting artists and arts premiered in 2007 in Bangor, recalls, “As soon as I heard they from them. And they’re not administrators to come, test out Maine, the Krugers have played were bluegrass, I was in. Playing in distracted by little stuff. When I new ideas, create new works, and across the county and in Europe genres other than traditional talk to Jens I can sense his feel for work collaboratively together. with many orchestral ensembles – orchestral repertoire is more beauty. He doesn’t follow all the Sounds like a great place for the full orchestras for the performance appealing.” That preference was rules; he has a totally different Kruger Brothers, doesn’t it? at Bangor and string quartets for echoed by Luke who had never style and left me feeling that I don’t the Appalachian Concerto (with the been to Banff but was invited there have to fit into a mold.” The mission of the Banff Centre is exception of their performance at to play in a “Bluegrass Opera” with And from Katie, “Amazing – I’m to inspire creativity. Set high in the Ogden, Utah with a twelve‐member the Kruger Brothers only two going to miss playing with them. mountains of Banff National Park string ensemble). Often, their weeks before the actual They are phenomenal musicians— in Alberta, Canada, the centre hosts musical partners have included performance, when he summed it fantastic and challenging to work artists and leaders from around the accomplished, young adult all up, “Branching out is fun.” with—wonderful people.” That world to create and perform new musicians who have been chosen Then there’s Katie whose been about says it all. ► to become summer musicians in coming to Banff since 2005, who works of art; to share skills and knowledge in an interdisciplinary residence with an established when asked if she was willing to orchestral program, such as the play with a Bluegrass band replied, environment; and to explore ideas and develop solutions in the arts Eastern Musical Festival in “Of course; don’t know if I’ll ever and leadership. Greensboro, NC or more recently get a chance to do it again.” (And I the month‐long summer program wonder if she’ll ever get another Arts programs are at the core of The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and The Banff Centre. Programming with the Banff Festival Orchestra. chance to play timpani in front of edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story supports the commissioning and My conversations with these an audience the way she was ideas to [email protected] To subscribe young musicians have very much “allowed to” (Thank you Jens) in or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. creation of new work by individual artists and arts collectives, and impressed me and left me with that delicious two minute un‐ www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 10 October 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Snyder Family Band are friends of the Kruger Brothers, and were profiled by Dan Shearer in the July 2011 newsletter. Zeb, a fantastic guitar player, made it to the second ballot for the IBMA guitar player of the year award and Owen made a video about it. As Owen’s father, Bud, captions the video, “He dressed himself, set up the camera on a tripod and came up with this clip all on his own. We found the video on the camera this week.” And then he let fly. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =oaC2DJSvmpY ● We had nice note from John and Cathy Duda who used “Moon Over Switzerland” as their wedding song. A great choice, “The Spirit of the Rockies” premiered at the Banff Centre on the evening of August 25. for sure. John writes with thanks to the KBs for their music. Nice. The motto of DTM music (as in the logo above) is “nice music for nice people,” and notes like that from John just prove how true that is. A really nice shot of Jens from last summer. This photo and other photos we’ve added to the Kruger Brother’s Congrats to John and Cathy on their website were taken by Julie Macie, a wonderful photographer and great fan of the KBs. marriage. ► Listening In The Kruger tune “Watches the He takes off his cap, looks up to On the Road Clouds Roll By” is one such song the sky When a song becomes but in stopping to really listen I And watches the clouds roll by art discovered more ingenuity than I October 5, Oklahoma had first supposed. Her shift has just ended at the all International Bluegrass Art: noun ­ the quality, production, It starts with an instrumental night café Festival, Guthrie, OK expression, or realm, according to section in C major. Just a sprinkle She takes off her apron and calls October 11, Prescott Park Arts aesthetic principles, of what is of attention getting banjo notes it a day Festival, Porstmouth, NH beautiful, appealing, or of more hesitatingly building into a cascade I’ll see you tomorrow it’s time to than ordinary significance. running down to A minor and then go home October 12, Boothbay Opera ramping back up to C major using And steps out the back door alone House, Boothbay Harbor, ME by John Lafferty the song’s secondary vocal tune. As It’s a Tuesday night in the middle October 20, Ashe County Arts if to say “Now that I have your of June Center, West Jefferson, NC attention, we’ll get started.” She stops by the roadside to gaze November 16, Douglass Theatre, All four verses are sung to the at the moon Macon, GA I’m drawn to different types of primary vocal tune repeated twice Hears up in the distance a music but my favourite is music for each verse. The verses describe whippoorwill cry November 17, Diana Wortham with lyrics, that is, songs. Songs everyday events giving them And watches the clouds roll by Theatre, Asheville, NC that resonate most powerfully for narrative power. The pictures in November 30, Chalmers Church, me are those where the music my imagination are skillfully An instrumental break follows Kingston, ON interacts with the words affecting painted with the words. verse two giving a chance to December 1, Molson Canadian me emotionally so that afterwards complete the pictures in my mind’s Studio at Hamilton Place, I am not the same. I am somehow The clover still glistens with eye. The secondary vocal tune is Hamilton, ON transformed to an understanding morning dew again used to get your attention to of what the singer is saying that His feet are all wet in his old start verse three, for me a December 2, Hugh’s Room, affects how I think and feel. The leather shoes delightfully recognizable scene. Toronto, ON transformation can be of a deep or He’s been fixing the fence since December 15, Madison County spiritual nature but it does not early this morn His textbooks are covered with Arts Council, Marshall, NC have to be. I am equally drawn to It’s time for a coffee back home things that he draws clever and humorous songs that January 18, Carolina Theater, It’s a beautiful day with plenty to While the teacher expounds about put a smile on my face. Either way, Durham, NC do natural laws the artistry of words and music All is the same and everything’s He’s trying to wipe up all the blue together is what creates the magic. new on his hand www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 10 October 2012

From the ink of the pen that he poignant image of a man alone broke watching the clouds roll by. In the last thirty minutes the A gentle instrumental eases us words that were said out and the song ends as it began Never quite seem to make it with a sprinkle of banjo notes. I am inside of his head no longer the same. The song has So he looks out the window and transformed me for a moment to a lets his dream fly better understanding of life’s And watches the clouds roll by transitory nature. And that for me is when a song becomes art. ► The lines of each verse rhyme in John Lafferty lives in Hamilton, Ontario. pairs except the third and fourth He is also the owner of “the Beast,” a lines that break the rhyming banjo that Jens played for a large portion pattern as if to say wait, the picture of his career, and which he used when for this verse is not yet complete. recording “Carolina in the Fall.” At the end of each verse the subject looks skyward “and watches the clouds roll by” making me curious Profile as to why that image is so important it bears repeating. Who is Harold? A soothing instrumental follows Harold’s diner, in some senses, has until the listener is jolted out of been the Kruger’s home away from their reverie by a flurry of loud home. Listeners to the Carolina rapid notes that then settles to Scrapbook, Vol. 1, will also gently land in A minor for the recognize the radio ad that the kicker sung to the secondary vocal Krugers created for Harold’s, and tune. which aired on local Wilkesboro, NC,

radio. The clip was collected on disc Nothing remains in this world 3 of that first scrapbook, which was forever titled “Scraps.” We are all just passing by

Sharing our lives for a few by Dan Shearer precious moments It may not look like too much from the outside (above), but locals know that Then we move on like the clouds it’s just one of those classic diners where, if you sit long enough, you’ll see in the sky Little did I know in 2005, when I just about everybody come through the door. was early for my first banjo lesson And there’s the Aha! moment. with Jens Kruger in North The cloud simile is revealed and I Wilkesboro and decided to kill see what the song is about. Each of some time by driving down the Harold’s is not your garden‐ Switzerland.” And Uwe, who us is alone, our lives are given road and grabbing a cup of coffee variety restaurant with several frequented the restaurant almost meaning by our interactions with at the first restaurant I came rooms and a hostess. Rather, it’s so daily during the years he lived with others but these precious moments across, that I would return last small – one room, a counter, and the Shepherds and still comes by are as fleeting as the clouds in the month to meet the man who the some tables and booths – that I once or twice a week, “taught us sky. But there’s one final scene in restaurant was not named after. almost missed the place when I how he wanted his food verse four that consolidates this Harold Call grew up in was looking for coffee. But it is a prepared…different varieties with point. Wilkesboro and attended high very friendly place, and as the a twist of cheese and eggs. They school and college there while Kruger Brothers will tell you in were likeable people and I got to He brushes the leaves off an old working (from the age of sixteen) person and in a radio know them real quick and liked mossy stone at a mirror company, starting at advertisement, absolutely the place what I saw. I also learned their To spend a few moments with an rock bottom – literally, in the rock to go for great, home‐cooked meals stories and liked what I heard. old friend alone quarry. Years later, after having where almost all the customers are They were our kind of people. I’ve Sits down on the stump of an old worked his way up to foreman, he known on a first‐name basis. supported and followed them ever cypress tree left the company to work for In 1997, the year of the Kruger’s since.” For Uwe, “Harold’s was And cleans out the bowl of his Kearns Bakery where he was the first MerleFest, Robert Shepherd my surrogate home from 1998 to pipe number one salesman in the state brought Joel, Uwe, and Jens to 2006. I ate there three times a day Shadows are rushing through for several years in a row. Harold’s for breakfast, and the guys and must of gained two X’s of my fields that lie bare But then in 1993, Harold left the have been going there ever since. size. The food is absolutely There’s so many stories but no bakery and bought Harold’s Harold recalls how impressed he delicious. You walk in there; they one to share Restaurant from Harold was with Jens’ and Uwe’s know exactly what you want. I He takes off his hat looks up to the Blankenship – yes, I know what appreciation of free coffee refills, realized that I evolved into a sky you’re thinking. By that time our something they never enjoyed in Southerner when I ordered tea in And watches the clouds roll by Harold had been married twenty‐ Europe. Also, according to Harold, the middle of a blizzard. As I was three years and was raising two during those first few years, “The sipping the iced tea I realized A man in a location where sons, one of them Allen, who has Krugers could not get enough of something was wrong with this friendship was previously shared. run the restaurant since last year the beef served here ‐ so tender picture, because in Switzerland we The scene is familiar but now he is when Harold “retired.” and plentiful, unlike the tough and drink our tea hot. alone. The precious moments are expensive meat served in gone forever leaving me with the www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 10 October 2012

`It was also the place I met Venue everybody. The mayor would The historic Douglass come there, the cops ‐ everybody eats there. If you have a problem Theatre you can just go to Harold’s and find whoever is in charge. The history of the Douglass Theater It’s as close a thing to a is the history of America, one of community center I could find in equal parts of discord and Wilkesboro – that and the opportunity. Its founder, Charles pawnshop. I check in about once a Douglass, is a classic example of an week to have a cup of coffee, just to American: he found a need, and he see everybody, read the newspaper worked to meet it. and see if everybody is all right. Harold, his son Allen, and the Born the son of a former slave in whole family became part of our 1870, Charles Henry Douglass own family as well. Harold’s is just grew up in a one room house built the place to go. by his father. Working as soon as Harold’s also hosts live music, he was large enough to earn usually on Friday nights – not big money, he peddled light wood and productions but more laid‐back vegetables in the morning, and informal. The Krugers were attended school in the afternoon, frequent performers back in the and chopped cotton for fifteen days before the demands of their cents a day. busy concert schedule took In a time of racism and priority. And after Joel, calling on segregation, Douglass saw his well‐practiced DJ voice, opportunity in serving the black recorded, “Harold’s Restaurant population of Macon, GA. In 1898 Radio Spot” with Jens playing “Pull he entered into the bicycle repair That Brake” in the background on and renting business and did well the Carolina’s Scrapbook Volume I, until the automobile craze came. In Disc 3, “Everyone who came to the 1901, Douglass worked as the area from Europe wanted to eat at director of the Georgia Loan and Harold’s,” claims Harold proudly. Savings company. There he met his Harold told me the story about future wife Fannie, who was an assistant cashier. how for two years in a row he Circular for the Douglass Theatre advertising Macurio's Indian He became involved in the purchased the last two raffle Vaudeville Company with Jack Macurio the “King of the Rifle,” Sue Ray, tickets at Carolina in the Fall entertainment industry at the time—this being the height of Chief White Eagle, and Wild Horse Harry, and the Watts & Willis Stock (Harold’s catered the festival as Company. well as the more recent Kruger vaudeville—and organized the

Brothers studio opening) and won Florida Blossom Minstrels and a Deering Banjo the first year and a Comedy Company. He also took before moving on to the city Errata guitar the second. Another story advantage of TOBA (Theatre auditorium in the 1940s. Harold likes to tell is about a good Operators Booking Agency)—a In 1958, a local DJ Hamp Swain Ooops … friend of his, Annie Cox, now network of over 40 theatres— introduced a Saturday morning live deceased, who used to drive all the which was the major source of broadcast program and talent In the last newsletter is that I way to Harold’s from Surry County, employment for many black show called The Teenage Party forgot to give photo credit where it NC just to visit and have a meal. performers. which offered local performers like was due: Dave Schmidt took the Somewhere along the way Annie He founded the Douglass Otis Redding the opportunity for photo of the KBs receiving their befriended the Krugers and invited Theatre as primarily a vaudeville exposure, and by early 1960s, the white hats in Banff, Alberta. Dave, them to play at her country store in hall, though one which was open to theatre became a showcase for many thanks for the use of that Rockford, NC, which of course they African‐Americans, which was new musical talent such as Little photo. ‐GH ● did ‐ more than once. Granted, this unique for the city at the time. The Richard and James Brown. is not a news‐breaking story; I’ve facility hosted early jazz and blues The Douglass closed its doors in included it as an example of the greats such as Ida Cox, Bessie 1972 after running for more than Kruger’s generosity, how they so Smith and Ma Rainey and comedy fifty‐two years. It was dormant for often give of themselves without stars such as Butterbeans and many years before being saved asking for credit. And as you might Susie while at the same time from the wrecking ball in 1990s by have guessed, the Kruger Brothers running feature‐length films and a community group which became played at Annie’s funeral. ► serials popular in theatres the non‐profit Friends of the throughout the country. During the Douglass Theatre. It was reopened Harold’s Restaurant is at 1748 Statesville 1920s the theatre was an on January 11, 1997, and is now an Rd , Highway 115, just north of where important venue for early African‐ historical building run by the city that highway intersects with Highway American films written and of Macon. ► 421. It’s in the heart of the fabled produced by blacks for black moonshine routes that were the mainstay audiences as well. Musical stars The Kruger Brothers play the Douglass of the liquor trade that gave rise to The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and such as Cab Calloway and Duke Theatre in Macon, GA, on the evening of NASCAR racing. edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story Ellington filled The Douglass November 16. ideas to [email protected] To subscribe

or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 3 Volume 3, Issue 11 November 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The KBs are heading north for six dates in Ontario in late fall. They’re in Kingston on November 30; Hamilton at the Molson Canadian Studio on December 1; they return to the fantastic and fabled Hugh's Room in Toronto on December 2; they'll be at London's Aeolian Hall on the 3rd, then on to a fundraiser, open to the public, at Peterborough's historic Market Hall on December 6. The tour culminates in an evening with the KBs at Canada’s National Gallery in Ottawa on December 8 (see below). ● The KBs have announced the dates for their fall European tour: On November 3 a concert will be preceded by a workshop at the Eagle Music Shop in Huddersfield, England. Then they head off for three dates in Switzerland: November 8 at the Alte Kaserne in Zurich; November 10 at On stage for the sound check at BalloonFest. The KBs were the main and final musical talent to be showcased at theater(uri) in Altdorf; and this year’s 39th Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville, NC. Photo by Julianne Macie. November 11 at the Alts Schlachtuus in Laufen. Drummer Josh Day will be appearing with News At the Academy, students are Profile them for the three Swiss dates. ● challenged to think about what Uwe has been adding his personal Dates set for the 2013 music is, to think about what music The Deerings posts to the website. Most recently, Kruger Brothers Music means to them, and to learn how to in his post “Cover Art: Behind the Today they’re the first name in realize those ideas in their playing. American banjos—Bela Fleck, Tony Picture” he tells the story behind Academy Students will emerge better some of the photos that have Trischka and many others have used The second annual workshop players, better listeners, and Deering banjos for decades—though appeared on a number of recent KB having had an unforgettable album covers. ► weekend at Double Time Studios in something special happened when North Wilkesboro, NC, will take experience. Greg and Janet met the Kruger place next May 4–6. The Academy offers instruction Brothers. This is the first in a three­ On the Road by Uwe, Joel, and Jens, and is open part series. by Glen Herbert to bass, guitar, and banjo players. November 16, Douglass Theatre, While there are breakout sessions by Dan Shearer Macon, GA This year the Kruger Brothers are for each instrument, students are holding the second annual also encouraged to consider not November 17, Diana Wortham academy weekend, in part due to only their own playing, but also Theatre, Asheville, NC This is a story about two young the success of the first, held last how they can fit within an people who fell in love – with each November 30, Chalmers Church, May. “It was a wonderful ensemble setting. other and with the idea of making Kingston, ON experience,” says Jack Fetters, “my “We arrived on Friday night with musical instruments of the highest only regret was that it ended all too December 1, Molson Canadian excitement and some nervousness quality, of building a sustainable soon.” Studio at Hamilton Place, about what to expect,” wrote business that would last beyond An intensive weekend of Hamilton, ON Wayne and Cori Merris. “But in their lifetimes, and of dedication to masterclass instruction by the true Kruger form, we headed home design and craftsmanship. And December 2, Hugh’s Room, Kruger Brothers at the academy on Sunday afternoon with a song in finally, it’s the story about how Toronto, ON was held on the property of the our hearts and a greater fifteen years ago Jens Kruger December 3, Aeolian Hall, Double Time Studios in appreciation for communicating serendipitously (or maybe not) London, ON Wilkesboro, NC. with music.”► came into their lives and how he “It was everything I hoped for December 6, Market Hall, helped guide their dreams into and more,” says Charlie Webb. “As I Registration for the 2013 Kruger Brothers Peterborough, ON reality. told the Swiss women making the Music Academy will begin online in the Greg and Janet Deering grew up December 8, National Gallery, coming weeks. documentary, this will affect my in San Diego, California five miles Ottawa, ON music making and mental health apart from each other. Eighteen‐ for the rest of my life.” www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 11 November 2012

the next three years working with In the next issue we’ll continue her dad on renovation projects with the “The American Dream Co‐ while learning lots of construction Op.” ► skills. Greg, on the other hand, learned The story continues … watch this space his craftsmanship, namely the art for two more installments of Dan’s three- part profile of the Deerings. In the of building, design, and meantime, you might want to check out a woodworking, at a much earlier very nice video of Jens being interviewed age when, as a two year old, he while building a banjo from spare parts at watched his dad, a fine craftsman the Deering San Diego factory: and aircraft engineer, build model http://www.krugerbrothers.com/archives/4235 airplanes, an experience that prepared Greg at age seven to Venue design and build his first model KBs to play Canada’s airplane – hand tools only, many of which he still has today. National Gallery, Ottawa Then there’s the music. Greg For Canada, it’s a venue on par with played violin and viola all through the Smithsonian in D.C. For the the early grades and high school. world, the building is a treasure Janet started piano at age five, then designed by Moshe Safdie. guitar ten years later. When Greg

was eight years old he heard the A centerpiece of the national Kingston Trio for the first time – on collections in Ottawa, ON, Canada’s a 45‐RPM record. Then at age capital, the gallery also hosts a thirteen, after hearing his best range of concerts and events. And friend Tom play guitar, he “fell in on December 8, it will host an love with the music” and decided to evening with the Kruger Brothers. buy a banjo, which he did – a used Canada’s National Gallery is one one ‐ spending a month’s pay ($20) of the foremost galleries in North from his paper route so he and America, and is home to the most Tom could play Kingston Trio extensive collection of Canadian songs together. But it wasn’t until and international art in Canada. Greg was sixteen that he actually And in many ways the building saw someone playing banjo. Later, itself is a Canadian national Greg bought his first guitar, which Some sights from a great annual fall treasure. Overlooking the he will tell you that, even though event that took place this past parliament buildings, it was his passion and profession is October, BalloonFest in Statesville, designed by Isreali/Canadian making banjos, he plays better. NC. Clockwise from top: balloons Moshe Safdie. His other projects Playing guitar stuck, and for the getting ready for takeoff; Philip and include the Peabody Essex Museum last thirty‐seven years Greg has his children Ben and Nora at the in Salem, MA, the United States been playing guitar with his friend board; Joel on stage; friend and fan Institute of Peace in Washington, Joe Faletta on banjo. Kathryn Shearer looking on; Jens DC, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust However, in choosing a career, and Maynard Holbrook. All photos History Museum in Jerusalem, Greg had to put his love of playing were taken by Julianne Macie, a Israel. ► music on a secondary level, wonderful photographer and great because his parents, looking out for For ticketing and event information see friend of the KBs. his best interests, wanted Greg to ticketweb.com or email me at become an academic, so he could [email protected] . pursue a more predictably year old Greg met fourteen‐year‐ blood in our veins.” In fact, during rewarding profession. old Janet when Greg, who had one of their talks, Janet agreed to So, not unlike many of his peers agreed to give Janet’s older sister a help Greg build a gazebo, their first (and perhaps many of us) Greg, by guitar lesson at her home, was met joint building project. And like so process of eliminating less at the door by Janet. Greg, shall we many other couples who grew up interesting majors, became a say, registered that meeting. But it together, they were friends before biology major. But what he really was through a local church where they began to date. Several years liked was hanging around the for almost four years while he was later, after a four‐month Industrial Arts building. (Bear in attending college, Greg served as engagement they got married and mind this was 1970 when the youth advisor ‐ preparing and are the proud parents of two industrial arts thrived.) One day, Greg took the leap and signed up delivering the sermons ‐ that they grown children, Jeremiah and really got to know each other. After Janice. for a woodshop class, and applying these church meetings Greg and Wait. Help build a gazebo? My the design and building skills he Janet would meet and talk ‐ about guess is that Janet did more than had carried with him since how, according to Janet, “We both help, for at age twelve, when her childhood, built his first banjo, wanted the same things, to build dad needed some help in adding on then, you guessed it, changed his The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and something to pass on. And we both to their house and when neither of major to Industrial Arts. The next edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story wanted to be part of a family her other two older sisters raised a semester, he built his first guitar. ideas to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. business. We had entrepreneurial hand, Janet volunteered and spent www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 12 December 2012

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News In this issue, we continue a three‐ part profile of Greg and Janet Deering of the Deering Banjo company. Last month Dan Shearer wrote about the early life of the duo that would become the first couple of American fretted instruments. This month we look at an important decade in their lives, one which took them from enthusiasts to founders of Deering Banjo. ● The KBs are back from Europe where they played some sold out shows in Switzerland as well as a date in the UK. ● This month begins with a nice tour of Ontario, which has grown from two nights to six, including a stop at Canada’s National Gallery in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. ►

On the Road

December 1, Molson Canadian The Kontras Quartet, from left to right: Dmitri Pogorelov, Ai Ishida, Jean Hatmaker, and Francois Henkins. The Studio at Hamilton Place, quartet recently took part in a production of the Appalachian Concerto in Newton, NC. Hamilton, ON December 2, Hugh’s Room, Toronto, ON News premiere of the concerto and are quartet, this position opened up in December 3, Aeolian Hall, featured on the concerto CD; Hickory, and after competing with London, ON Combining forces with another example, selected student several other groups we were December 6, Market Hall, the Kontras Quartet musicians in the summer residence offered the tenure. It’s been an Peterborough, ON program at the Eastern Music incredible experience, but the fact When the Kruger Brothers perform Festival in Greensboro. But the that we got together in Chicago December 8, National Gallery, with the Kontras Quartet, it’s like Kontras Quartet are an established was a stroke of luck. Ottawa, ON the United Nations—it involves group; they are former members of “When we came down here we December 15, Madison County citizens of six different countries. the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and were just struck with the warmth Arts Center, Marshall, NC Still, it’s less about the “nations,” are currently in the third year of its of the people. What big support for January 18, Carolina Theater, and more about “united.” tenure as the Hickory Metro the fine arts they have here,” Durham, NC Resident Quartet with the Western exclaims Francois with pride. by Dan Shearer Piedmont Symphony in Hickory, “As far as the quartet program, January 19, Thalian Hall for the NC. The quartet is comprised of classical people know about it – Performing Arts, Wilmington, Dmitri Pogorelov from Russia on actually, the locals now refer to NC “I feel like we’re pulling on the first violin, Francois Henkins from ‘the’ string quartet as ‘our’ string January 31, South Florida same rope,” says Jens South Africa on second violin, Ai quartet. In the chamber music Community College, Avon metaphorically when asked to sum Ishida from Japan on viola, and world, Hickory is on the map.” And Park, FL up his relationship, both musically Jean Hatmaker from Illinois on Jean adds, “The community may be and personally, with the members cello. small but it’s mighty.” February 1-4, Mountain Songs at of the Kontras Quartet. Sea, Miami, FL “We’re all musicians from four Francois continues, “In August Until this October in Newton, NC, parts of the world … four 2011, Reggie Helton, now February 4, Amelia Island all of the string quartets with countries,” observes Francois, who Executive Director of our Chamber Music Festival, whom the Kruger Brothers have seems to serve as unofficial symphony, swung the idea of Amelia Island, FL performed the Appalachian spokesperson for the group, “but playing with the Kruger Brothers Concerto have been individual February 24, Winter Village we all somehow got together in by us. Then in November at the musicians who formed ensembles Bluegrass, Ithaca, NY Chicago while we were playing in Arts Market in Durham, NC where specifically to play with the March 8, Yadkin Cultural Arts the civic orchestra. We enjoyed the Krugers and we were playing Krugers. One example is the each other’s company and enjoyed (but not together) Reggie Center, Yadkinville, NC instructors at the NC School of the playing together. As fate would introduced us to Joel, who was Arts who participated in the have it, soon after we formed the manning the merchandise booth at www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 3, Issue 12 December 2012 the time,” remembers Francois. Profile years old and “didn't have any of Grove and hired seven employees, “Reggie had this grand vision to the necessary skills.” Taylor had using hiring practices that were not bring the Kruger Brothers to the The Deerings and the been building guitars as a hobbyist unlike those at American Dream. auditorium (in Newton). We did a American Dream and approached Radding to buy Deering noted that, for him, skill little research, fell in love with supplies, such as fret wire and was less important than them and now have their bumper It’s one of the great stories in the abalone for inlay. He brought commitment. In 1979 Chuck stickers.” history of fretted instrument guitars around for “show and tell” Neitzel was hired away from his The first time the quartet played building in the US: In 1970 Sam and otherwise just hung around, job as a house painter after Greg with the Kruger Brothers was at Radding began a small simply to be near like‐minded saw him in action painting his the Krugers’ studio where they manufacturing shop to serve a local people. banjo teacher’s house. He’s been rehearsed in March 2012. “We community of musicians in the Soon he pestered Radding into with them ever since. Joe Falletta think this was kind of a test drive,” greater San Diego area. Small, letting him have a bench in the was an electronics engineer. Many suspects the group in good humor. unassuming, not a little bit rag­tag, shop in order to do repairs to other long‐time employees began, Their next rehearsal was seven it was run like no other shop had clients’ guitars, and soon he was literally, sweeping the floors. months later in October of this been before, or likely would since. rubbing shoulders with a roomful “It’s really surprising how much year. Uwe said he wanted the And, in just four years, it left a of others who gained in you learn about somebody when music to “stew in our brains a little legacy like none other as well. enthusiasm and dedication their job is to sweep the floor,” said bit,” remembers Francois. whatever they lacked in skill, Deering. “When you don’t have to Talking about the performance by Glen Herbert including Geoff Stelling, Kurt Listig, keep pushing him, and you don’t of the Appalachian Concerto in and later Kim Breedlove, Larry have to keep pointing to what he Newton, Jean observes, “No matter “It was like co‐op,” recalls Sam Breedlove, and James Goodall. All didn’t do, you know you’ve got a where the audience members came Radding of the American Dream with the same perspective and the competent individual. And that’s from they came away unanimously Musical Instrument Manufacturing same dedication to what Radding what we look for more than having appreciated the experience, Company, a grand name for what was trying to do. anything, people who are just which was really cool, because you was a small and very fluid One of the builders who had competent individuals. If they had people sitting next to each organization. been there virtually from the start really care about what they do and other who were avid bluegrass fans “Everybody set their time. and was Greg Deering, who was often are conscientious, then you can and avid classical fans, and maybe put their effort into it. It was Just a tasked with training those new to train them to do anything and had they met each other outside group of people who were equally the shop. But, even for him, the they’ll learn. But if they don’t care, the circumstances, they wouldn’t interested in building and initial impulse was fairly basic. In you can’t train that into necessarily have bonded over that. repairing instruments. And we just an interview with David Holt in somebody.” But now, that connection we made tried to make it work.” 1988 Deering said of his initial Those values remained as the with the Kruger Brothers on stage Radding’s hiring practice was interest in the shop, “I wanted a company grew, later acquiring one went out to other people. They simple, and perhaps emblematic of better banjo and couldn’t afford it, of the most famed brands of banjo, have something in common they the time. “If you want to work here, so I built one. Then another one the Vega Banjo Company. It was didn’t know before.” that was enough for me! And we and another one, and the next thing the company that built the What’s in the future for the picked up a very interesting you know I was doing it for a instruments that were used in the Kontras and the Krugers? First a collection of people.” living.” folk boom of the 60s and which concert in Durham, NC in January, The aspect of the shop that While the shop was short lived, created for Pete Seeger his iconic then on to Wilmington, NC the next Radding feels was most unique was it’s easy to see that the lessons long‐neck banjo. Greg jokes that he evening, then Palm Beach, Florida that kind of open‐minded approach learned there have carried on long had always wanted a Seeger long‐ in mid‐April, and finally MerleFest to people and ideas coupled with a since, including that desire to share neck banjo, though to get one he at the end of April as Jens recently culture of learning, growing, and ideas. Geoff Stelling and Greg ultimately had to buy the company confirmed, noting that they’re sharing. He says, “I left hopefully, Deering worked together on the and build one himself. playing the concerto on the Watson even back then, a small legacy of first instruments in the Stelling While the American Dream Stage on Sunday of the four‐day ways of thinking about what you’re line. When Bob Taylor and Kurt Musical Instruments Company is festival. doing. This thing about sharing Listig bought the shop in 1974, now long gone, it’s ripples are still And if Ai has her way, someday information. I honestly believed they transformed it into Taylor being felt throughout the musical they’ll also be on stage together in that sharing information about Guitar. Larry Breedlove and Bob instrument industry and can be Japan. ► building something, it’s what one Taylor worked together on many of seen on the headstocks of guitar has to do if they have that the technological aspects that make shops from coast to coast: information. Taylor guitars unique today. Breedlove, Taylor, Stelling, Goodall, Kontras—which means “contrasts” “I could never understand why Greg and Janet remained within and Deering. in Afrikaans, the native language of anybody would look me in the eye that community of builders, and These days, Deering has an violinist Francois Henkins—debuted and say ‘I can’t tell you what that Greg worked for a time at Taylor, impressive legacy of it’s own. John in Chicago after the four musicians glue is.’ You know, you might use ultimately founding Deering Banjos McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt met while performing in the Civic that glue and do a better job than I in 1977. Working out of their Band has said, “The Deerings have Orchestra of Chicago. The quartet’s do. And I’ve always felt that if home, Greg and Janet made their a mission that I’m totally behind. members hold graduate degrees in someone can do a better job than I first Deering model to have They want to change the world five performance from DePaul do, then they should be doing the “Deering” on the headstock: an strings at a time, and I think they’re University, Indiana University, the job. And there was the knowledge intermediate model with a steel doing it.” ► Tokyo National University of Fine that, you know, you may have to drum. Their next model was a basic In our next issue, the Deerings meet Arts and Music, and the Chicago scrape and scratch, but you can one with a lightweight rim, a Jens Kruger and form a decades long College of Performing Arts. For make a living building something.” precursor to the extremely popular partnership that has proven to be as more information on the Kontras By his own admission, in his Goodtime Banjo which they would important for Deering Banjo as it Quartet, as well as a listing of book Guitar Lessons, when Bob premiere in 1996. has been for the Kruger Brothers. upcoming performances, visit their Taylor started working at The business grew and in 1978 website at www.kontrasquartet.com American Dream he was just 18 they moved to a shop in Lemon www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 3, Issue 12 December 2012

First Person Singular the comment that when people an effect on people. And it’s musicians. We share the tend to think about musicians we inspirational to us as well that immigration experience. There is Q& A with the Kontras put ourselves in a box. In the end it they’ve been doing this for so long, so much we can share and learn Quartet comes down to playing good music and you still see this excitement from each other; this is a real or bad music, which is what he said and warmth, an appreciation for collaboration. We’re going to have by Dan Shearer from stage. I think it is one their own music and willingness to a good future with them. hundred percent true; we honestly learn about other people’s music.” Q: What is it like to rehearse and do not care what we play as long as Q: What’s it like working with the perform with them? Did you find we feel enriched and we can enrich Q: What was it like working with Kruger Brothers? any common ground? people around us by playing it. If the Kontras Quartet? it’s good music, it’s good music. And that’s why they’re good Jens: “They are one of the best musicians, because they know string quartets we’re working with. about life ‐ curious about all I feel like Dmitri really is a fabulous aspects of life, not just music.” musician. He’s from Russia, and more typical of the East Block, Q: What are your impressions of there’s this sort of longing, a the Appalachian Concerto, now sentiment, especially with classical that you’ve rehearsed it and music that I feel very related to. performed it on stage? When I play music and I put my

soul into the music, it feels like he A: Jean Hatmaker: “I really felt so A: Ai Ishida: “They are very understands completely where I’m much warmth coming from them thoughtful people, not only about going. We don’t have to talk about and so much encouragement. music but I feel that they’re really where we want to go with the These are people who are not only caring. You can just feel it when music. professional musicians but are so you play music together; when you When we get together it’s not passionate and clear about what have lunch together. It’s really about the notes, because they go they want to accomplish with their interesting, because we play as a home and practice and really know music. There’s so much love for group every day for the last three the notes; it’s only about how we’re what they do that it’s infectious. It’s of four years, and they’ve played going to play; how we hear it. … impossible not to get excited when for thirty years. That’s why we can A: Dmitri Pogorelov: “The They know that every performance you’re working with them. understand. There’s an concerto is incredibly well written, is going to be different, and that we I think so much about how well understanding between both and writing for a quartet isn’t easy, always have to be on our toes to the concerto is done stems from a groups.” doing it in a way that there is a find each other. And that really really humble curiosity on Jens’ musical conversation among the takes a different caliber of part. For instance, on the day of the Q: What is your impression of the four of us and a conversation with musicianship. show, he was talking about writing Kruger Brothers and of their the band. It takes musical vision To have musicians who really for cello, wanting to learn about music? and great execution skills, interpret it together as a group, the instruments, what is possible understanding of instruments, of that really makes an indescribable and what isn’t possible. He told me just how things can be put together joy. I cannot express enough how he’d never really held a cello to come up with a piece of music much I enjoy the enthusiasm, the before. (He has now, and I’ve got like the Appalachian Concerto. It technical skill, and especially the photos of it.) For someone who’s so gives you enough musical material musical awareness – the alertness creative and so talented he still to think about for years. So many and the willingness to actually always wants to know more and do beautiful musical moments there create good music which is not ego, more with more information. I was that appeal to just about everyone. that willingness to pull on the same really struck by that, and it’s And Uwe has this incredible rope, to bring the music to a obvious he takes that intelligence story telling talent; whatever he different level. I can’t wait to do into his composing; he is really sings really touches you, but you much more with them.” A: Francois Henkins: “I love their thoughtful about how he writes. need to pay attention. You need to rich personalities. It’s awesome Even though they’ve worked listen to it. And Joel is an incredible Uwe: “The Kontras are a team; they how diverse their backgrounds are. together for so long they’re still so bass player, just incredible. He can are a band just like us. They live Because we’re from everywhere warm towards each other, and really play bass. I know; I’m a rock together, they eat together, they we really feel we can connect with they’re still so invested in what and roll fan. rehearse together. You can just them. Given the piece was written they’re doing and believe in what What we do that is part of the throw anything at them and they as an immigration theme, we all they’re doing in spite of the fact classical music experience is that can at least give it a try. Just like us feel we can connect to that. And that they’ve been doing it for so when you come to listen to music in a way. They’re different than when Jens was talking with Ai long. It can be a wonderfully you’re not just there for the show. most quartets we play with, about composing for a string rewarding experience even after And I think this is what we have in because most quartets have a quartet, with the preconceived decades.” ► common (with the Krugers). When leader and he or she decides what stereotypes we have about these two energies sort of get they’re going to do, and then you bluegrass musicians you don’t together, although our audiences deal with that person. With them expect a banjo player to talk to you come from two different directions, (the Kontras) you deal with all of about the viola part in Schumann’s the idea is the same; you come to them. Joel and I work with them string quartet. It blew me away hear the concert. When the concert just as much as Jens does. We really about how much this guy knew and The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and is good, when the music is right, perform as a septet which makes a edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story how curious he is to know about and the warmth is there, it’s much more collaborative effort, ideas to [email protected] To subscribe everything. In our concert he made or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. extraordinary … . Good music has and they’re all incredible www.krugerbrothers.com 3 Volume 4, Issue 1 January 2013

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News Happy New Year! We hope that you had a great holiday season, and send best wishes for 2013. ● It's with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Rosa Lee Watson, who died on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 81. The wife of Doc Watson, Doc and Rosa Lee spent a lifetime together, having first met at the time when Doc was playing for spare change in front of the courthouse in Lenoir, NC. Anyone who ever saw Doc perform will be aware of Rosa Lee, as he mentioned her frequently from stage and remembered her in countless interviews and press conferences. In his last press conference prior to Music Fest n' Sugar Grove he said, “To me entertainment is a pleasure, but … when I started out, my main motive was to earn a living for a sweet little woman and two children. And they were both young then, and every time I got a Doc and Rosa Lee Watson. good concert done and made a little extra money it pleased me.” ► News during their visit to the Calgary New partnerships Stampede in 2011. Looking back at 2012 … In January, the KBs teamed up with Then in November, the KBs On the Road the Imagine Ballet Theater and All told, it was a very good year. joined forces with the Kontras Weber State University Chamber Quartet for a presentation of January 18, Carolina Theatre, Orchestra to present what was Appalachian Concerto, a meeting of Durham, NC billed as a “night to remember.” both minds and music. Keep your by Glen Herbert Selections from Music from the January 19, Thalian Hall for the eyes peeled for upcoming dates Performing Arts, Wilmington, Spring and “Appalachian Concerto” with Kontras. NC This is the time of year that we were choreographed and And, especially of note, the first presented in Ogden Utah. annual Kruger Brothers Music January 31, South Florida tend to look back on the year, Last year the KBs were invited to Academy was held in May. There Community College, Avon perhaps a bit wistfully, perhaps with a sense of regret, or perhaps complete a residency at the Banff they made some great new Park, FL with a sense of good riddance. Centre for the Arts in Alberta, friendships and began an annual February 1-4, Mountain Songs at 2012, as any year, brought some Canada. In August they worked academy that will be a highlight of Sea, Miami, FL sadness, but it also brought many with young classical musicians the years to come. The 2013 from across Canada, culminating in February 4, Amelia Island great new partnerships, new academy will be held on May 3‐5 the world premiere of Jens Chamber Music Festival, friends, and lots of great music. (see page 2). Kruger’s new composition, “Spirit Amelia Island, FL Saying goodbye of the Rockies.” February 24, Winter Village When they arrived in Alberta, Last year we said goodbye to two New music Bluegrass, Ithaca, NY the KBs were feted by the city of abiding musical heroes: Earl In addition to the premier of the Calgary with a White Hat March 8, Yadkin Cultural Arts Scruggs passed away in March, new work, “Spirit of the Rockies” ceremony—they received the Center, Yadkinville, NC and Doc Watson passed away in the KBs also released The Best of white cowboy hats that are May. Doc was soon joined by his the Kruger Brothers, a CD New dates have been added to emblematic of the province of wife, Rosa Lee Watson, who featuring highlights of their career the schedule in March in Alberta. The white Smithbilt hat passed away at Thanksgiving. The as well as a new recording of a Arizona, Colorado, South has been bestowed on numerous Watsons, especially, offered an studio version of “People Get Carolina, and North Carolina. celebrities and dignitaries on their unwavering support, inspiration, Ready.” For a full listing see visits to Calgary, most notably to and friendship to the Kruger In April, Steve Spurgin released a royals William and http://www.krugerbrothers.c Brothers. They will be dearly new album, Folk Remedies, which Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge om/concerts missed. included a beautiful and quite different version of the Krugers’ www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 4, Issue 1 January 2013

students to explore new musical Sea will provide experiences that ideas, learn new techniques, and to you can’t get anywhere else – work with others to develop their shows in intimate venues, overall musicianship. Classes are spontaneous artist collaborations, augmented by masterclass jams, interactions with artists and instruction, including commented through it all the creation of performance and guided jam friendships and your own sessions. Mountain Song at Sea community. “Our aim for the academy,” says Artists will host Q&A sessions and Jens, “is to have a place where other activities, like a poker people can come and really talk tournament with Steep Canyon about music. Whether that’s over Rangers, beer and wine tasting, lunch, in the classroom, during a workshops, games, and more. ► jam … the music comes first.” It

intends to be very different opportunity than you may have Memories experienced through other music camps and workshops. “People Remembering Skip learn music because something Vetter grabs them, but it can be hard to Joel and Glen Herbert, the editor of this newsletter, on a hill overlooking find what it is,” says Jens. “It’s more He described himself jokingly as a Merlefest on the first morning of the festival. We were there to do a live than just what picks you use or groupie, though he was a lot more feed—music and interview—for a local television station. Uwe took this where you put your fingers … for than that. picture, and you can see Riley Baugus being interviewed in the me as a child what was amazing background. was not how music works, but We were deeply saddened to hear why.” of the passing a of a great, great Students meet together each day friend of the Kruger Brothers, Skip Carolina in the Fall. It was a really with the event in Kingston, for both as a single group, but also in Vetter. He had been diagnosed with thoughtful addition to what is a many in the crowd it was their first break out groups dedicated to a very aggressive form of cancer very beautiful and compelling CD. experience of the Kruger Brothers. specific instruments. Students are five years ago, though we were In the pinch‐me category, the free to attend any session no lucky to have so much good, quality Kingston Trio released a version I know someday … matter what their main instrument time with him since then. of “Forever and a Day” on their For the Kruger Brothers, though, as may be; if you’re a banjo player and Skip regularly traveled with the recent CD, Born at the Right Time. they’ve said countless times from would like to learn what the bass Kruger Brothers, including trips to When Jens, Uwe, and Joel were the stage or in conversation with players are thinking about, then Europe and Canada, the most growing up, and growing into a fans, there is a sense of being the academy can provide that recent being last summer to attend sense of themselves as musicians, blessed with the opportunity to opportunity and then some. the premiere of “The Spirit of the the Kingston Trio was impossible make music for such wonderful Rockies.” (We also profiled Skip in to overlook. and caring people. The world is full this newsletter in August of 2011.) To then have the Trio record one of different kinds of people, as He was a veteran of Vietnam, he of their songs is a very nice “full‐ we’re reminded all too often, but photographed wildlife, painted, circle” kind of event. (And as Dan there’s something about being at a toured the eastern seaboard in his Shearer reported in his profile of KB concert that just feels like, at RV. He was a father, a husband, a Greg Deering, it was the Kingston least for the moment, you really did dog owner, train spotter, wood Trio that to some extent turned find your way to the right room. carver. He painted birds, including him onto banjo. When Greg was So, many thanks again for your the ones on the covers of the two eight years old he heard the support and your friendship. ► Carolina Scrapbook Vol. 2 disks. We Kingston Trio for the first time—on have used his photographs many a 45‐RPM record—and “fell in love times in the pages of this with the music” deciding soon after newsletter, so while you may not to buy a banjo.) News have been aware of it, close readers The Krugers returned to lots of Looking ahead to 2013 Mountain Songs at Sea, will be familiar with some of his favourite venues this year, work. including Merelfest, Hugh’s Room, February 1-4 On his Flickr photo page, he Silver Dollar City, and the gorgeous Music Academy, listed his occupation as “trying to Stoughton Opera House in Mountain Song Productions and May 3-5 the Steep Canyon Rangers are make the most of every day.” Stoughton, WI. Indeed, he was an inspiration in They also played quite a few new partnering with Sixthman to fill an We’re particularly looking forward entire luxury cruise liner with that regard. Skip will be dearly places, making quite a splash to hosting another Academy missed, especially by his loving whenever they did. In Canada, they more than a dozen bluegrass, folk, weekend. Open to all, the weekend and acoustic artists, including the wife Charlotte. ► played in Kingston, Ontario, as part is a chance to immerse oneself in of the Live Wire music series to a Kruger Brothers. It’s the biggest music. ever festival at sea. crowd that was—despite it being The program is designed for the first KB show for many of There’s something special that players at any level who are ready happens when a group of artists them—very vocally enthusiastic. for the next step in their musical The KBs were also the darlings who share a passion for their music The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and exploration. Instruction will be edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story of the Goderich Celtic Roots and a community of like‐minded given in banjo, guitar, and bass fans gather together to journey ideas to [email protected] To subscribe Festival in Goderich, Ontario. As or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. technique. Classes will allow aboard one ship. Mountain Song at www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 4, Issue 2 February 2013

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers will be appearing at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA, on March 2 for a taping of an episode of the radio and television show Song of the Mountains. The program showcases the best talents in bluegrass and old‐time music from the heart of the region where it all began. Live concerts are held monthly at the Lincoln Theatre with shows videotaped for an award‐winning television series which can be seen on public television affiliates throughout the country. It currently airs on 180 PBS stations, so check your listings. For more information about the show or the concert series, see the Song of the Mountains website at songofthemountains.org ● The KBs are just back from NAMM, the annual trend‐setting industry trade show in Anaheim, CA. There they performed on a number of Kruger Brothers Music Academy banjo session, 2012. Photos courtesy Julianne Macie. different stages, and also attended the Deering Banjos booth. ● The guys begin this month with a first News The academy includes full Profile for them: a floating music festival. Academy countdown groups sessions as well as breakout The Mountain Song at Sea cruise workshops for guitar, banjo, and The beginning of a departs Ft Lauderdale, FL, on the The second annual academy bass, each lead by Uwe, Jens, and beautiful friendship 1st, returning on the 5th. With them weekend will see a host of returning Joel respectively. Meals are also on the cruise is David Grisman, the participants, and lot of new faces as included with registration. When Jens met the Deerings, it was Del McCoury Band, the Punch well. The academy takes place May 3‐ good for everyone involved, Brothers, Peter Rowan, Tim 5 at Double Time Studios in North including thousands of banjo O’Brian and Brian Sutton, and It’s full steam ahead toward what Wilkesboro, NC. To register, visit players who literally hold some of Steep Canyon Rangers. ► promises to be a great Kruger the website page at the fruits of that relationship in the Brothers Academy weekend. Spots krugerbrothers.com/academy or palms of their hands. are filling up, and we’re just about call Christine at the office at 336‐ On the Road at capacity, but a few spaces still 667‐2800. ► remain on a first‐come basis. by Dan Shearer

February 1-4, Mountain Song at Sea, Miami, FL If you know the story of the February 4, Amelia Island Kruger Brothers’ migration to the Chamber Music Festival, United States, you know how Amelia Island, FL significant the 1997 MerleFest February 24, Winter Village was for them. It was their first Music, Ithaca, NY MerleFest and their big break in America. It provided the setting March 8, Yadkin Cultural Arts and the opportunity for many, Center, Yadkinville, NC now historical, introductions to April 5-6, Common Ground on the people who became significant in Hill, Westminster, MD the Krugers’ personal and musical April 14, Society of the Four Arts, lives. The Deerings are no Palm Beach, FL exception. You might imagine the scene at April 25-28, Merlefest, that MerleFest when the Janet and Wilkesboro, NC Greg Deering sat down for dinner www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 4, Issue 2 February 2013 and Jens Kruger approached Greg as Greg says, “searching for a tone With Greg concentrating on For five years he also survived and said, “You’re the guy who ring that doesn’t fight itself.” design and inlay artwork and cancer quite spectacularly, not just builds Deering Banjos,” then, But there’s much more. When building the machines to build because his treatments were so according to Greg, proceeded to Jens describes the parts of the banjos, Janet focusing on marketing effective—his cancer was a “cross examine me about banjos.” banjo that he helped design and and sales, and Jens “consulting,” devastating one, in which a That’s how it all started, and before improve at Deering, there is not a Deering has produced more than survival of just one year post Jens left that day the Deerings gave single piece—be it metal, wood, eighty thousand banjos since they diagnosis was beating the odds— him a Goodtime banjo with “no plastic (in the case of the Remo started the company back in the but because he kept on doggedly strings attached.” heads), or the lacquer, the strings, days of the American Dream. They living his life. Not just breathing, the picks, the cases, and most are at the top of their game, making but really living. He was always Building a better banjo recently the pickup system—that some of the most sought after there at Merlefest, though some A year later, at an IBMA hasn’t received his focused banjos in the world. ► years not feeling so great; he also (International Bluegrass Music attention, always searching for toured with the Kruger Brothers, Association) event, Janet was sources of for the very best Memories most recently to Banff for the working behind a Deering booth materials and the best way to use premiere of “The Spirit of the right next to the Gibson booth. Jens them in service of tone, volume, Making the most of Rockies” in August of 2012. had agreed to be on hand as and projection. every day His photography continued, consulting musician for Gibson, but When Jens visits the Deering something that he loved, and his the Gibson rep stood him up. So, Company in California, which he Skip Vetter was a very dear friend last post to his Flickr site (he made over dinner, Jens and Janet got to does frequently, he doesn’t settle of the Kruger Brothers, one who more than 1000 posts, all of which talking and soon found themselves for sitting in a design room offered his talents to a number of are worth a look) was a photo of a discussing a business sketching; he always goes to the their projects, including the cover spider he found on a holly bush in collaboration. production floor where he says, “I art for the second volume of the his backyard. The date of the post “Even back then Jens knew look at how the people put the Carolina Scrapbook. More so, he is December 12, and the photo was exactly what he wanted (in a banjos together, helping them to was a friend and ardent supporter. taken after he had already spent banjo). We started working with put the pieces on the right spot, In early January Skip passed away time in hospice. him immediately and never looked where they fit best and how tight from the complications of cancer. He simply refused to stop living, back,” recalls Janet. “And it had a the pieces need to be—all details seeing friends, attending Kruger positive effect on our business.” that make a banjo” the best that it Brothers shows, spending time But just as important to Jens and can be. by Glen Herbert with family, no matter what the Janet and Greg is the close personal The banjos Jens helped develop scans might have showed. For friendship they have developed with the Deerings began with the Joel’s wedding he took out boat over the years working side by Saratoga in the Tenbrooks series, Skip was a lot of things to a lot of tours for the guests, this at a time side. built in 2003, and what Jens refers people, but here’s one thing of when he had just come off yet Then in 2000, Greg and Janet to as, “the first big step toward a which many of us were unaware: another round of chemo. Likewise, visited the Krugers in Switzerland. professional banjo” and an he designed clocks. “That’s where I he attended the first Kruger During their visit and in response immediate favorite of Bella Fleck make my money,” he once said to a Brothers Music Academy in 2012, to Jens’ need for a work permit and Tony Trischka. local reporter. “Cheap, low‐end enrolled as a bass student, right in which would allow him to come to Later, he worked on improving clocks, the kind you see in Wal‐ the midst of one therapy or the States, the Deerings offered the Goodtime, which the Deerings Mart.” another. He wanted to be there, no him a job. However, Jens wasn’t designed and built in 1996, and One of them was a 10‐inch wall matter how much he disparaged able to accept the offer at the time; more recently in 2010 the Eagle, clock, with a green plastic frame, a his bass playing, so he ponied up he remembers that it was in (named in honor of Greg Deering, white face and black numbers. “It’s and went. November 2002 when he called Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for just a cheap clock. At the last count I don’t mean to suggest that he Janet and reminded her of the offer. twenty‐five years), a banjo which, they had sold 19 million of them,” was a hero. If he was, he was a hero Janet and Greg immediately put according to Jens, took some time he said, lamenting that he wasn’t in the way that all of us try to be: him on a Deering Company team to build and price in order to paid through royalties. “Just a we try to meet the challenges of life that was assigned to Research and compete with the foreign markets penny a clock would have done it,” not because we choose to, but Development. “And that’s been our which were producing cheaper he said. “That would have been the precisely because we have no (business) relationship ever since, banjos with inferior materials. last clock. But they already know choice. While we’re here, we try to says Janet, “Although actually, Jens that, apparently.” give a little back, to do some good, is really more like a consultant.” Adventures in nylon In addition to the clocks, Skip to have some fun, and to spend When I consider the word Most recently—always thinking was a veteran of Vietnam, he some time with family and friends. “consultant” I picture an advice‐ outside the box—Jens has been photographed wildlife, painted, And that’s exactly what Skip did. ► giver operating in the background. working on the nylon string banjo, and toured the eastern seaboard in Well, nothing could be further from “because I believe the nylon string his RV. He was a father, a husband, A celebration of the life of Philip the role Jens plays at Deering. has a very big future because it a dog owner, train spotter, wood “Skip” Vetter will take place in From the beginning he was hands‐ sounds very pleasant, you don’t carver. He painted birds, including Carthage, NC, at 2:00 PM Saturday, on. Starting in December 2003, need finger picks to play it, and it’s the ones on the covers of the two March 9th at the Carthage when he and his family moved to very soothing to actually play.” Carolina Scrapbook Vol. 2. And Community Building (Old Town America, Jens worked with the To prevent the sound of the most importantly, he was a friend. Hall). Deerings on every aspect of the nylon string banjo from “dying off” Each year I arrived at Merlefest to banjo, most notably the tone ring as Jens puts it, Jens has developed a see that he was already in which Jens had produced by “trial patent pending “little piece of residence in the campsite that a and error” at a foundry in wood” similar to a guitar bridge number of us shared, awning out, The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Switzerland, aiming for a perfect plate, one that fits underneath the sitting under a plastic, rope‐lite edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story ideas to [email protected] To subscribe resonance produced by various banjo head directly under where palm tree. proportions of tin and bronze, and the actual bridge is placed. or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 4, Issue 3 March 2013

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Kruger Brothers will be appearing at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA, on March 2 for a taping of an episode of the radio and television show Song of the Mountains. There are still a few seats left, so if you are in the area, it will no doubt be a very special and dynamic performance. For details see songofthemountains.org ● There are one or two spots still open for the Kruger Brothers Music Academy, so … if you’re still sitting on the fence regarding plans to attend, you’re fast approaching the now‐or‐never moment. For info or to register, see the Academy page of the website or call Christine at the office at 336‐667‐2800. ● The first place that the Kruger Brothers played in Canada was at Camp Wanakita in central Ontario, and there remains a strong connection to the camp to this day. As the camp approaches its 60th Glen Herbert, who is profiled on page two, at Koshlong Lake in central Ontario. anniversary next summer, stories and recollections have been posted to an anniversary blog at News New music Kruger Brothers through Doc, http://wanakita60th.com/. Benefit for Community Two new CDs set for some of which they have been Included there is a song, playing since they were teens. Jens “Wanakita” which was recorded in Care spring release describes the collection as a the Kruger Brother’s studio in tribute, but also a chance to revisit 2004, and which features some some favorite songs that have instrumentation that, to Kruger The Kruger Brothers are delighted It’s been a while since a recording of informed the Kruger Brothers song fans, might sound a touch familiar to be supporting an important new music for the Krugers, though book, in one way or another, for … See the post titled “Wanakita community initiative with their this spring will no doubt have made the past thirty years. Song.” That song was also written music. On March 3 they’ll be it worth the wait. For further information on both and performed by Glen Herbert, playing at the Watauga High School releases, check back to the blog on who is profiled by Dan Shearer in Auditorium in Boone, NC, in order Two discs, both to be launched at the Kruger website, where we’ll this issue of the newsletter to benefit the Community Care Merlefest at the end of April, post details and pre‐order Clinic. represent the two poles of Kruger (see p. 2)► information in early April. ► Tickets for the show are music. available at the Mast General Store A live recording—the first for Essay On the Road in Boone or at the Community Care the KBs—will present “The Spirit Clinic at 141 Health Center Drive, of the Rockies” as performed at John Cleese on creativity Boone. The concert is a matinee, the premiere of that piece at the March 2, Lincoln Theater, with doors opening at 2:30 for the Banff Centre in August of last year. Could we do what the Kruger Marion, VA 3:30 show. It’s a symphonic work, big in it’s Brothers do? March 3, Community Care The Community Care Clinic was sound and arrangement, though Benefit, Boone, NC established in 2006, in response to expansive as well in the narrative by John Lafferty a growing number of uninsured in arc that it traces. The hour‐long March 8, Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, Yadkinville, NC our community. Nearly 10,000 piece presents a reminisce, of sorts, adults in Watauga County do not of a man who traveled to the I would guess that many Kruger April 5-6, Common Ground on the have health insurance. Through Rockies at the turn of the last Brothers fans, while marveling at Hill, Westminster, MD disease prevention, continuity of century, an event that changed his the virtuosity of this talented trio, are also appreciative of the level of April 14, Society of the Four Arts, care and active follow‐up, the clinic life, who he was, and even the creativity it takes to produce such Palm Beach, FL works to promote the health and world that he lived in. well‐being of the community it Also being prepared for release extraordinarily original music. April 25-28, Merlefest, serves. It’s a great cause, one worth is a tribute to Doc Watson, a Likewise, I suspect many of us Wilkesboro, NC assume that we don’t have the supporting. ► collection of songs that came to the requisite talent to be that creative. www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 4, Issue 3 March 2013

Maybe not, but recently I found a never written on the first go, so I the history of the Krugers’ to marry last night.” And he was YouTube video of the comedian will need to revisit the open mode connection with Glen and his right. John Cleese giving a serious talk on multiple times and commit myself friends by going to page three of Singing and playing guitar creativity (Google ‘John Cleese on to the requisite time needed to the “News” link on the Kruger continues to serve him well, for Creativity’) that’s made me look at produce the most creative product. Brothers’ website where you will these days, one of the joys in Glen’s this subject in a more objective Have confidence and try not to find an article written by Glen life is teaching at a local senior way. be afraid of failure. Play is by titled Making Connections, a piece center where, like Jens Kruger, Cleese has been studying nature experimental, so I must that appeared in the June 2012 Glen is committed to teaching how creativity for 25 years and while he allow myself the luxury of being edition of the MerleFest to, as Glen puts it, “engage in the can’t explain what it is, he does wrong. In the case of writing this Newsletter.) culture of music, not just where to describe what it isn’t. The good can be referred to as the luxury of a The summer camp in Canada put your fingers on the news is that it’s not related to IQ bad first draft. The bad first draft mentioned in that article where the instrument.” and it isn’t a talent. Rather, it is a is the marble from which I will Krugers were hired to perform as a Glen’s academic career as a way of operating and creating the sculpt my polished draft. Also, I surprise for the camp director’s publisher, editor, and writer was right circumstances to allow must have the confidence to share 50th birthday, while not named in launched when he received his natural creativity to shine through. my ideas with others I like and the article, is called Camp Masters in Literature at the Cleese defines two mechanisms trust as it is easier to be creative Wanakita. Having attended Camp University of Guelph in Ontario. of operating, what he terms the with other people around. In the Wanakita as children and now as However, before pursuing his “closed mode” and the “open open mode there is no such thing adults with their families, each professional career, Glen took time mode.” The closed mode is what as a bad or wrong idea, and all spring a group of Canadians, off to teach English in Japan for two we utilize to get things done; we ideas do not need to be my own. mostly from Ontario, many of years, followed by several months are active, tense, and impatient, Have a sense of humor, which whom play guitar or banjo, drive of travel throughout Europe and with little time for humor as we’re is something that can get you their RVs down to North Asia. When he returned to on a timeline and we’ve got to stay quickly into the open mode. This Wilkesboro, park them at a Toronto, he took a job at a on track. In this mode we might be does not mean I can’t write a campground they call “The bookstore before joining an effective but we can’t be creative. serious song, but I need to Compound” near MerleFest, and educational publishing company, Rather, according to Cleese, approach the task with a good enjoy four days of music at the first as an assistant editor, then, creativity requires the open mode, sense of humor and be aware that festival plus jamming at the five years later, as Developmental that time when where we’re when things are getting too intense compound. But unlike most of his Editor. relaxed, expansive, playful and it’s time to take a break. Canadian pals, Glen did not attend After getting married in 2002, open to humor. In this mode our So I’m going to give Cleese’s Camp Wanakita until his wife, Glen and Laura moved to curiosity can function, making us steps a go. Who knows, by the time Laura, who had been going to the Burlington, Ontario, a move which open to creativity. The problem is I next jam with the Kruger camp since she was five years old, found Glen commuting to Toronto that most people and organizations Brothers I just might be in a brought Glen to the camp soon while Laura, a pediatrician, found spend most of their time in the position to let my own creativity after they met. work in a local hospital. But, closed mode and thus fail to tap shine through. (Now that will take So as Director of Communication longing to leave the corporate into their own creativity potential. some confidence.) ► for the Kruger Brothers, what does world and become self‐employed, Cleese describes a five step Glen do? Almost everything you and with encouragement from method for operating in the open Profile can think of. He developed, wrote, Laura, Glen quit the publishing mode. I’ll use the example of me and now maintains the KB website, company and began his career as a writing a song, something I would Glen Herbert: writer, the online store, and all of the press freelance writer, specializing in like to do but have never been able editor, blogger, friend materials including promotional educational publications, a to manage. Always comes out as text; he writes and edits this profession he continues to enjoy to complete drivel. You may not know it, but if you’ve newsletter (which he started on a this day. Learn more about Glen Create an oasis of space, i.e., read the newsletter, visited the volunteer basis), serves as liaison and his projects by visiting his seal myself off from the outside Kruger website, or read the liner with venues—providing them with website: http://glenherbert.com/ world in a secure space free from notes to the recent recordings, press kits, text and photos—and Over the last several years of my interruptions. you’ve had a taste of some of the arranges interviews with the writing for this newsletter from my Create an oasis of time, time to things that Glen Herbert does, both Kruger Brothers. He also wrote the home in Saluda, NC, Glen and I have relax and get the closed mode professionally and for fun. CD liner notes for the Appalachian become good friends and issues out of my mind. Things like Concerto, the Christmas CD, and colleagues, frequently sharing I’ve got to call Jim and the kids Best of the Kruger Brothers. ideas that find themselves in print. need dental appointments, etc. by Dan Shearer Glen’s life and career before To put it simply, Glen does a lot for Cleese recommends sticking to this becoming involved with the Kruger the Kruger Brothers, most of it for 30 minutes to fully get in the Brothers is as impressive as it is from behind the scenes; this profile playful mode and once there Glen Herbert, free‐lance writer, varied. A native Canadian, Glen’s has only touched the surface. Glen, allowing a further 60 minutes for musician, and director of musical background began when Laura, and their three children live the creativity to happen. communications for the Kruger he took classical piano lessons in Burlington near the northern Dedicate the time to really Brothers, like so many others, from age nine to sixteen. Then, in shore of Lake Ontario. ► work at my song. This takes came to know the Krugers when he high school, Glen discovered the planning, and multiple 90‐minute attended his first MerleFest—that guitar, which he played throughout sessions are better than hours‐long was ten years ago—accompanied college. Later, as a young adult, marathons. Part of this plan is by a group of his Canadian friends Glen was singing in a Karaoke bar deciding when I would like my who have since become strong in Toronto—he had lived in Japan song ready for someone’s review, supporters of the Kruger Brothers. for two years, so was well‐versed The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and sticking to this schedule and not (Kruger Brother followers are well in Karaoke—when Laura Gerber edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story settling for a polished draft until aware of the presence the Krugers walked in. The next day he told a ideas to [email protected] To subscribe the date planned. Masterpieces are enjoy in Canada. Learn more about friend, “I met the woman I’m going or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 4, Issue 4 April 2013

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The MerleFest countdown is on! The KBs will be playing the Creekside Stage at noon on Friday and the Walker Centre at 2:30 that afternoon. They have another Creekside set at 1:15 on Saturday. On Sunday, the piece de resistance: a performance of the Appalachian Concerto with the Kontras Quartet on the Watson Stage. MerleFest has been and continues to be a very important event in the bands’ annual schedule. ● The CD Doc: Remembering Doc Watson, a Kruger Brothers’ tribute to the life and music of Doc Watson, will be launched later this month. Check back to the website in the first week of May for order info. ● It’s with sadness that, at the end of this month, we say goodbye to Philip Zanon, who is leaving the Kruger Brothers’ organization in order to pursue other interests, Dusty Bradshaw trying to look imposing and not quite pulling it off. He’ll be traveling with the KBs to provide tour one of the most important being to support so, when you see him at a show, be sure to say hi. Having spoken to him, you’ll be glad that you did. See spend more time with his growing family. While he may no longer be page 2 for Dan’s profile of Dusty. on staff with Double Time and the Krugers, he will continue to be the “fourth Brother” that he has been News support the work of Musicians richest wild fisheries remaining in since first working with Jens in the Musicians united to United To Protect Bristol Bay. the world, if not the richest. mid‐1990s, becoming a full‐time Every stop on Si's concert, festival, Approximately fifty percent of all member of the group in 1997. He is protect Bristol Bay and media tour that is being built wild fish caught in North America principally a sound engineer and around the album will be used to come from Bristol Bay, including One mine, a pristine bay, and a has mixed every show and spread the word about the struggle the great majority of the world’s group of musicians trying to make a recording the Kruger Brothers to stop the Pebble Mine and to sockeye salmon, which spawn in difference. have done since then. And, even if protect Bristol Bay permanently. the headwaters of the many rivers he won’t be at all the shows, he still that drain into the Bay. Over two won’t be that far away. Philip lives The issue thousand commercial permits are Si Kahn, one of the three co‐ in Wilkesboro, NC, with his wife Bristol Bay in Alaska is one of the fished annually in the region, founders of Musicians United To Sara and their three children, Ben, Protect Bristol Bay, is putting the Anna and Norah.► finishing touches on his 18th CD, Bristol Bay. The CD has 13 original songs that Si wrote during his first On the Road trip to Alaska in September 2010, April 5-6, Common Ground on the including a visit to Bristol Bay, plus Hill, Westminster, MD songs co‐written with Grammy winners Tom Chapin and Jon April 14, Society of the Four Arts, Vezner. Palm Beach, FL The CD closes with an April 25-28, Merlefest, instrumental titled “Bristol Bay” Wilkesboro, NC written and performed by Jens May 3-5, Kruger Brothers’ Music Krüger who also produced the Academy, Wilkesboro, NC album. (Jens also produced Si’s CD Courage, which was named the May 15-17, Silver Dollar City, #1 CD for 2012 on the Branson, MO international Folk DJ List.) May 23, Stoughton Opera House, All proceeds from the album, Stoughton, WI including Si’s songwriter and artist If built, the planned mine will transform the region of Bristol Bay, Alaska, royalties, will go directly to and endanger the world’s largest salmon fishery. www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 4, Issue 4 April 2013 supporting thousands of families. Si Kahn has long been a close every song are some of the most duties over the years as tour Bristol Bay is home to several friend and colleague of the Kruger memorable moments of our management, promotions, booking, thousand Native Alaskan families Brothers, and they have often musical careers. and production. More recently, living largely by what they call shared a stage. There are some The passing of Doc and RosaLee Dusty has worked with North ‘subsistence,’ who depend on the other musicians on the disc that in 2012 has not ended our Carolina based Jay Brown, who Bay, its rivers and forests to you may know as well, perhaps friendship. As long as there is a often plays with “The Lazybirds,” survive. Native Alaskans are among most notably, Pete Seeger, who song and a flat top guitar, there will and with whom Dusty occasionally the only native peoples in North contributed a recording of “Which be a part of Doc Watson living on. sings and plays guitar. One of America who are still living where Side are you On” to the project. ► his music related jobs was they have always lived. In Bristol The CD will be available in early producer of the Doc Watson May. Bay, members of the Yup’ik people New music Festival, also known as have lived along these rivers for Tribute to Doc Watson “MusicFest’n Sugar Grove” North over 10,000 years. Profile Carolina, where the Kruger The rivers that flow into Bristol Below is an excerpt from the liner Brothers are returning to perform Bay comprise one of the world’s notes to the upcoming CD Doc: ‘Dusty’ Bradshaw this July. It was at this festival great fishing and wilderness areas, Remembering Doc Watson a where Dusty became close friends A new face, and lots of new ideas— providing deep satisfaction to tribute to the life and music of Doc with Philip Zanon, working with the latest member of the KB team is those who are lucky enough to live Watson. Philip to improve the festival’s already a great friend and or visit there, contributing sound, staging, and lighting. Dusty accomplice. Starting this spring, substantially to the economic well‐ by Uwe, Joel, and Jens also helped at Carolina in the Fall being of people in that region of the Dusty Bradshaw will work with the in the first years of the festival. state and throughout Alaska. KBs providing road and technical Like so many others, Dusty first Now a British/Canadian gold and Doc was our friend long before he support. heard the Kruger Brothers at the copper mining consortium wants had ever heard of us. We felt close 1997 MerleFest when he and Josh to build what would be the world’s to him. Luckily for us all, he Day, the percussionist who often largest open‐pit mine next to the recorded a vast repertoire that by Dan Shearer performs with the Krugers, were enabled him to touch the hearts of headwaters of the rivers where the passing by the stage where the millions and fill them with a salmon spawn. No open‐pit mine in Dustin “Dusty” Bradshaw is “our Krugers were performing. But longing for a better world. His the world has ever operated ‘genuine’ mountain man,” says Joel Dusty didn’t meet the Krugers infectious enthusiasm yet humble without causing serious and Landsberg. And not just because themselves until about four years approach to his art made us want usually permanent environmental Dusty lives in the mountains—he later when he ran into Jens at a get‐ to travel the world as musicians. destruction to the surrounding lives outside of Boone, NC, on a together “somewhere in the state” We had always hoped that one area and beyond. If the Pebble large tract of land given to his and later met Uwe backstage of the day we would get the chance to Mine is built, it’s very likely the end family by his grandmother—but Walker Center at MerleFest. meet Doc and be able to thank him. of everything Bristol Bay is and also because he cares for the land Dusty recalls that his working The invitation to play at MerleFest stands for. and its resources, practicing relationship with the Krugers in 1997 gave us that opportunity. restoration forestry, the policy of started out casually with, in Joel’s The following fall we wrote a song The musicians returning forests to a more natural, words, “giving Philip a little relief that became Doc’s favorite song of In August 2010, recognizing the healthy, and fire resistant from all the heavy lifting that he the Kruger Brothers, “Carolina in role that music could play in condition. (He even cuts was doing.” Soon Dusty began the Fall.” motivating people to join the fight timber using a team of horses to traveling with the band, doing In the years to follow, our to stop the Pebble Mine and haul it.) everything he could, technically friendship with Doc grew. He protect Bristol Bay, Palmer That’s not to say that Dusty was and physically, to contribute to the invited us many times to their resident Dan Strickland, who has always a “mountain man” who, as effectiveness of each performance, home where we would play some fished commercially in Alaska for Dusty says of himself, “likes trucks, or as he says, to “grease the of the old songs for RosaLee that 30 years, and several of whose dogs, and dirt roads,” nor does he wheels,” whether that be working she so loved. Sometimes, he would children now fish in Bristol Bay, stay in the hills. Actually, he’s quite with amps, instruments, and cables go down to the basement and bring invited Si Kahn to come to Alaska a traveler, having been born in or serving as liaison with the house up Merle’s old banjo for Jens to to write songs about the struggle to England, then moving to North and/or stage managers. He’s proud play “Frosty Morn” or “The stop the Pebble Mine. He has a 47‐ Carolina with his family, and later of the role he is playing with the Cuckoo.” What an incredible feeling year history as an organizer and as a young man working with an Kruger Brothers in this transition it was when Doc and Charles Welch musician, and his experience with L.A. band. He visits Alaska a couple period, preparing for Philip leaving would show up at some of our local national and international of times a year and has traveled the band after MerleFest. shows and Doc would sit in with us campaigns of this nature. with the KBs to Europe, Canada, And, so far, it’s been working for a few numbers. We were and the Bahamas. exceptionally well. Joel says, “We extremely honored when Doc After moving to North Carolina all enjoy his great positive attitude asked us to take part in the and growing up mostly in and think that he's so easy to work recording of the 15th Anniversary Charlotte, Dusty attended two state with. He really is the ultimate DVD of MerleFest from which the supported universities, leaving the ‘caretaker’ for us on and off the track Shady Grove on this CD was first one to build a home for his stage.” ► taken. mom on the family’s property and Doc would always call Joel his leaving the second one to take “buddy” and called on him to help advantage of the opportunity to out on local shows when we were work and travel with Sally Jaye and not on the road. To be able to back the band “The Ladies Gun Club.” The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and Doc up as the Kruger Brothers on And so began his musical career, edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story some of his final shows and to ideas to [email protected] To subscribe one in which Dusty lists his various watch in awe as he gave his all on or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2 Volume 4, Issue 5 May 2013

The Krüger Brothers Newsletter The official voice of the Kruger Brothers “all the places they have been to, all the things that they have seen”

In the News The Krugers’ tribute to Doc Watson, Doc: Remembering Doc Watson, was released on the 24th. The album features 14 tracks, all recorded for this project, as well as a recording of the KBs playing “Shady Grove” with Doc on stage in 2002. It is available through our online store as well as at live events. ● The KBs are just coming off another great MerleFest! As always, it’s an important event for the band, and this year included some great collaborations. Jerry Douglas joined the KBs on stage during a tribute set to Doc Watson, performing with them a song that was a favorite of Watson’s, Tom Paxton’s “Leaving London.” On Sunday afternoon, despite lots of rain (see “Memories” this page) the KBs were joined once again by the Kontras Quartet for a performance of the Appalachian Concerto. And on Saturday Hey, that’s Phillip! The Kruger Brothers take part in the MerleFest outreach program, which brings music into afternoon Jens took part in what is Wilkes County schools in the days leading up to the start of the festival. Here, Philip set up the sound and then by any measure a true MerleFest took a seat within the audience—he’s able to control the sound levels wirelessly through the iPad that you can see blockbuster, the star studded resting on his knees. Philip Zanon has been a part of the Kruger Brothers for the past 15 years, serving as sound Hillside Album Hour hosted by engineer both on recordings and in concert. He’s been with them so long that there really isn’t anything that you the Waybacks. Each year they and a have heard from the Kruger Brothers that hasn’t passed through his eminently capable hands. Philip came as a stable of guests play, song‐for‐song, friend and, of course, he leaves as one, having decided to come off the road in order to spend time with his young an entire album from pop music family. Photo courtesy Patsy Schmidt history. This year the set was devoted to a presentation of The were, some of us in full rain gear, The concerto lasts about half an Band’s 1974 live collaboration with News others huddling under their hour, leaving another half hour of Bob Dylan, Before the Flood. ► Memories of MerleFest umbrellas, trying in good faith to playing time. Typically, the Kruger keep from blocking folks behind ‐ Brothers play a set by themselves On the Road 2013 those of us without boots getting and then bring out the Kontras. A great time, and lots of great our shoes soaked in the puddles For this performance, however, May 3-5, Kruger Brothers’ Music that had formed. after the concerto the groups Academy, Wilkesboro, NC music. But it was worth it! Unlike most played four songs for which Jens May 15-17, Silver Dollar City, By Dan Shearer of the previous performances of had written arrangements for Branson, MO the concerto, the Krugers and the string quartet—“Carolina in the May 23, Stoughton Opera House, string quarter started right in, Fall,” “Jason,” “Calling Banagher,” Stoughton, WI On Sunday, the final day of without the expected introduction the tune Jens composed so the by Jens about the sources for the group could play an Irish fiddle May 24, S.P.A.C.E., Evanston, IL MerleFest, only the loyalist of friends and fans braved the rain inspiration behind his composition, tune unknown to the Irish, and May 26, Strawberry Music that had been steadily pouring all the reason it turns out was that “Jack of the Wood,” which often Festival, Groveland, CA day, to find a wet seat in front of they needed the full hour for music. begins with Jens grinning and June 1, Strawberry Park the “Main Stage.” We came to hear And despite the distractions and sounding out the melody with Bluegrass and Folk Festival, the Kruger Brothers and the noise from the downpour, it was a “dahs,” but this time, much to the Preston, CT Kontras Quartet perform the spectacular performance, as one audience’s delight, everyone on Appalachian Concerto, a has grown to expect from this stage joined in with the “dahs” at June 15, The University of North unique musical partnership the beginning and the end of the Carolina School of the Arts, performance the two groups and their fans had been looking between the Kontras and the tune. Winston Salem, NC forward to for months, expecting Krugers, plus Josh Day, the Wilkes I thought the event was over, but June 22, Blue Ridge Music this special event to draw County “local boy” who these days then Uwe told the “crowd” that the Center, Galax VA thousands. And, except for the often performs with the Krugers, band wanted to play one more on drums. song. His intro, however, led me, rain, it would have. There we and I suppose others, to assume www.krugerbrothers.com 1 Volume 4, Issue 5 May 2013 that they would finish with a Doc The Kontras Quartet (the name Watson tune, because Uwe started means ‘contrasts’ in the Afrikaans with a story about Doc. Late in life, language) joined the trio for a Doc told him that, while life had performance of Jens’ ‘Appalachian been so good and fulfilling, Doc had Concerto’ …. There was an one regret. Looking back on how immediate connection between the his career had required so much piece and the string section, in that travel, Doc regretted having to be the members of the Kontras away from his family so much. Quartet are all from different Then Uwe told the audience how corners of the globe. This wide much he and the rest of the range of perspectives brought a Krugers shared with Doc that same vibrant approach to this colorful sense of loss that comes with composition. The Kontras held having to be on the road so their own throughout, carrying the frequently. sweet and sentimental second Once again, I thought that Uwe movement of the concerto with was leading up to singing a crisp precision, and then joining mournful Doc Watson song. But with the trio for the triumphant Uwe’s story took a right turn—a third movement that brought the segue so to speak. He announced audience to its feet. Red Molly: L to R Abbie Gardner, Laurie MacAllister, Molly Ventnor to the crowd that today was Philip As in previous appearances here, Zanon’s last day as the Kruger the second half of the concert was Chrysler building. Fortunately, Brubaker on fiddle, Jay Lapp on Brothers’ sound man, that Philip, more informal, with old Kruger David is happy to have me visit mandolin and Brian Dickel on bass. who is often referred to as the favorites like Watches The Clouds often so I hike down there at least They are top notch players “Fourth Kruger Brother”, was Roll By and Carolina In The Fall, twice a year. In planning my trips I contributing musically interesting leaving the band so he could spend many of which featuring new string check the websites of favorite solo and background more time with his family. Then arrangements by Jens were making performers to see if they will be in instrumentation. We thoroughly Uwe told us in a touching moment their world premiere. Of particular the New York area during my visit. enjoyed their set. that he, Jens and Joel were note were Sting’s haunting Fields Last year I saw Tim O’Brien and Next followed Red Molly, a dedicating their last song, “Fields of Of Gold and a musical experiment: this February it was Red Molly at fetching female trio from NYC I’ve Gold,” to Philip. The Kruger a live classical/bluegrass mash‐up, the City Winery in the heart of seen at Merlefest in past years. Brothers, Josh, and the Kontras where musical worlds happily Greenwich Village. They are Abbie Gardner on dobro, Quartet ended the show with that collide, this time on the classic I booked our reservations and Molly Ventnor on guitar and Laurie beautiful tune, which in my opinion Orange Blossom Special. As Jens seats for dinner and the concert MacAllister on bass. All three has become one of the Krugers’ slowly upped the tempo from online. We arrived at the City musicians have well trained voices signature songs. Boy, am I glad I ‘unbelievably fast’ to ‘full Winery for dinner at 6 pm as and take turns singing lead and went. ► breakneck’ a friendly competition instructed. It’s on Varick St. just harmony. ensued between the young south of the point where Varick Their material is mesmerizing; News ‘fiddlers’ and the master pickers – changes to 7th Ave S. The venue is beautifully sung with enchanting The KBs made the Shiny to the delight of the Four Arts a spacious handsome room full of harmonies that touch the soul. The Sheet! audience.” ► wood beams with seats on two music is accentuated by Abbie levels providing good views of the Gardner’s tuneful dobro solos. The KBs are delighted to play the The Palm Beach Daily News, known stage. The Winery has a vast Truly “Red Molly has earned a Society for the Four Arts each year as the Shiny Sheet, is the official selection of wines on tap, many of place among the elite female trio” as part of their subscription series. voice of all things Palm Beach. The which are made on site. I ordered (John Platt, WFUV New York, NY). photos carried there define the a house zinfandel and was very We were held enthralled for 90 pleased with it. For dinner David minutes, listening to well‐crafted rarified culture that exists in Palm Concert Review Beach, and many socialites long to had braised short ribs and I filet original material and cover songs be captured in its pages. This spring, Red Molly at the City mignon. Both meals were excellent ,including a tuneful and very sexy after a date at the Palm Beach and the service was friendly and rendition of “Fever” done by Molly Society for the Four Arts, the Winery, NYC efficient. with stand‐up bass accompaniment Krugers got a great notice in the The stage was set for The Steel by Brian Dickel. There is more to music than the Wheels from Virginia. I was The concert finale and encore sheet, and here is an excerpt from Kruger Brothers, of course, and here their review: pleased to see it arranged so David was performed by both groups and John Lafferty reports on two acts would experience the included a spirited rendition of that, while different, deliver what he “… On this particular Sunday, the choreography of a band singing Woody Guthrie’s “Oklahoma Hills” calls a “Kruger Brother­esque high.” and playing around a single to which we all sang along. I left trio was true to form, hitting on all cylinders, and the addition of the microphone. The Steel Wheels did the concert on a Kruger Brother‐ not disappoint playing original and esque high. ► Kontras strings provided a by John Lafferty delightful icing on the cake. cover material in “... a perfect blend Early on the Brothers went right of harmony and strings that take to one of their staples, the My childhood friend David, a you back to the old home place where it was a joy to be alive.” Krugerized version of a famous professor at NYU, has a penthouse ‘train song,’ Curtis Mayfield’s apartment in Greenwich Village (Larry Winters, KPFT Houston, TX) The Krüger Brothers Newsletter is compiled and People Get Ready, that was equal just 1 block south of Washington They are anchored around Trent Wagler’s tenor voice, guitar and edited by Glen Herbert. Send comments or story parts down home, Old Timey, Square. Really! I can sit playing his ideas to [email protected] To subscribe soulful and funky. grand piano and look out at the banjo, ably accompanied by Eric or unsubscribe visit www.krugerbrothers.com. www.krugerbrothers.com 2