Twenty Years of Monroe Crossing

Home , Jimmy Wakely, Roy Clark, The Louvin Brothers

May 2020

Inside: From the President 3 | MBOTMA Calendar of Events 4 From the Editor 4 | Meet the Board: Laura Cooper 7 Cover Story: Tweny Years of Monroe Crossing 8 | My MBOTMA Story 13 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight 14 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 19 CD Review: Hand Picked Bluegrass 21 | Token Creek Music 22 May 2020 Mission Statement: Vol. 46 To preserve and promote bluegrass and No. 4 old-time stringband music Newsstand: $3 in and around the state of Minnesota. Subscription: $35 www.minnesotabluegrass.org Thank you, MN Bluegrass members MBOTMA Hot Line 651-456-8919 Membership as of April 2020: 797 (to subscribe and for other information) [email protected] P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416 Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass Welcome New Members Minnesota Bluegrass Board of Directors President: Laura Cooper - [email protected] Vice President: Nic Hentges Grant Bakken Treasurer: Robbi Podrug Mark Bridge Secretary: Shane Zack John Ely Term expires in 2020 - President and Vise President Carla Fahlin Term Expires in 2021 Treasurer and Secretary Adam Grams Board Members at Large: David Vincent Term expires 2020: Dale Gruber - [email protected] Brett Day, Wayne Hamilton Kathleen Wallace Term expires 2021: Bill Lindroos - [email protected] Marvin Cofer Rudy Marti - [email protected] Country Music Foundation Mark Anderson, Jason Juran Greg Gardner Board Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Con- John Heine tact info@minnesotabluegrass or call for location George Hughes Board Meeting Minutes are available - [email protected] or Claude Kazanski call: 651-456-8919. John Meilner Minnesota Bluegrass Staff Rusty and Audrey Nelson Executive Director: Darcy Schatz Al O’Byrne [email protected] Sandi Pidel Events Manager: Dave Norell Ann Tessneer [email protected] David Tutje Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine Susan Wichmann Editor: Doug Lohman, [email protected] Contributors: Laura Cooper, Bob Douglas, Wayne Erbsen, Der- ek Johnson, Tracy Keibler, Phillip Nusbaum, Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: Cover: Jamey Guy Back: Tom Schrack Deadline for submissions: The 1st of the month preceding publication Submit content: [email protected] Advertising rates/sizes available at: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/Magazine

Minnesota Bluegrass is published 11 times a year by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts.

2 May 2020 From the President Become a Member The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association is open to everyone. Our members include people who love to listen to music and people who love to make music. As a member, you’ll Like many others, I’m feeling rather disconnected these be invited to participate in bluegrass and old-time music events days. I missed the Winter Bluegrass Weekend (WBW) as I was and celebrations. You’ll receive discounted prices on admission on my way to Florida on what was supposed to be a month-long to events and merchandise, and you’ll receive a subscription to road trip. Speaking of the WBW, I understand it was a great Minnesota Bluegrass magazine. success with much improved attendance and great shows. A big Becoming a member of MBOTMA is easy and affordable. Your membership will not only nurture your own interests, thank you to the WBW committee for their dedication, talent, but will help to ensure that the bluegrass and old-time music and hard work. As you know, the concerns about Covid-19 esca- tradition is sustained and grows in Minnesota. lated significantly in the week following the WBW. As a result, the executive committee decided that the Flannel Fundraiser Individual Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events dis- was a no-go, and we also cancelled the monthly board meeting. $35 counts for one person, and a free classified So far as we know, El Rancho intends to hold the Kick-Off ad. Jam, and it was announced as I write this that the shelter in place Family Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events order is to be lifted on May 4. Like last year, MBOTMA does $50 discounts and a free classified ad. not put on the event. Since there isn’t a stage show, it seems las Band Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance though we could continue to practice social distancing if neces- $75 booking information for MBOTMA sary. We have not made a decision yet regarding whether we will events, a free classified ad, and listings in put on Ranch House Live. We will be monitoring developments the MBOTMA member band directory in regarding Covid-19 and keep you posted via email and on the print and on our website. website about the Kick-Off Jam and Ranch House Live. At this juncture we are moving ahead with plans for the Au- Bronze Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class gust Festival and encourage you to purchase early-bird tickets at $100 postage, events discounts, and a free clas- a reduced rate. If MBOTMA deems it unsafe to hold the festival, sified ad. all tickets and camping fees will be refunded. I sincerely hope Silver Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class that is not the case, as I am so ready to listen to fabulous live $150 postage, events discounts, and a free clas- music and spend time with my MBOTMA tribe. sified ad. Gold Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class Please stay safe and healthy. $500 postage, events discounts, a free classified ad, and more. Platinum Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class $1000 postage, events discounts, a free classified ad, and more. Add $18 for First Class or foreign postage to individual, family or band membership.

Inside: Go to minnesotabluegrass.org From the President 3 and select the Membership tab to join online MBOTMA Calendar of Events 4 or download a membership form

From the Editor 4 Call 651-456-8919 for details Meet the Board: Laura Cooper 7 or if you would like to join by phone. Cover Story: MinnesotaBluegrass.org Tweny Years of Monroe Crossing 8 Funding for Minnesota Bluegrass is pro- My MBOTMA Story 13 vided in part by a grant from the Minnesota I Wonder Where You Are Tonight 14 State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant Bluegrass Saturday Morning 19 from the National Endowment for the Arts, CD Review: Hand Picked Bluegrass 21 and private donors Token Creek Music 22

May 2020 3 Minnesota Bluegrass Calendar of Events Concerts and events presented or supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

The following events are presented or supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Complete Info/Tickets at: www.minnesotabluegrass.org

May 29-31 2020 - Friday-Sunday August 6-9, 2020 - Thursday-Sunday Minnesota Bluegrass Minnesota Bluegrass Kickoff Jam August Festival El Rancho Mañana El Rancho Mañana Richmond, MN Richmond, MN Supported by The MN Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Assn Presented by The MN Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Assn

From the Editor Welcome. We live in an unprecedented and strange time. correctly, we have printed every one, well… the only one we have Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine will look a little different for the received in the last four years. The point: this is your magazine, next couple of months. The biggest change will be no Coming so we invite you to make the most of it. It will help us to stay Up, the listing of live music events. The “Stay at Home” directives connected. make this section obsolete as we social distance. We will be Another way you can support the magazine is to let the reassessing this as we go forward and will be reinstating the advertisers know you saw their ad in the magazine. We all music listings when the time is right. need strings, capos, and other accessories, and mail order is a The last couple of months we’ve been running new articles convenient way to get them, but, when the “Stay at Home” orders about your MBOTMA stories and Spotlight on MBOTMA are lifted, get out and support your local music store. Youth. If you have an idea about a story, let us know. The more It has been my pleasure to serve as editor for over four years. we know about the vitality of the music community, the more we I welcome your ideas, critiques, suggestions about how to make will feel connected to that community. this magazine even more relevant to all the members. I want This is your magazine and I invite you to make the most of to particularly thank Loretta Simonet and John Brandberg for it. We like to publish stories and articles about what’s happening their work compiling the Coming Up section. I would also like in bluegrass, old-time and string band music in the Upper to thank our faithful proofreaders, Loretta Simonet and Mary Midwest. If you are planning a new recording for your band, you DuShane. They have sharp eyes and minds. Volunteers make this can let us know ahead of time and we can run an article about Association work and they all work hard to keep you informed it. As bands learn how to connect to their listeners in new ways about upcoming events. via livestrem concerts and other technology, make Minnesota I also want to thank the MBOTMA Board over the last Bluegrass Magazine part of your marketing plan. We can all four years for their tireless dedication and work to keep this learn new ways to connect with each other in these times. Association vital and moving forward. Their work is not done Do you have a favorite jam? Write up a description about and has probably become harder in the last few months, but what’s happening at that jam. You have noticed the joy on others’ they are a dedicated bunch of folks who love this music and faces, so why not share that and invite others to join. community. Buying music online is a great way to support musicians Stay connected via the Facebook page and the website. Both whose income has disappeared. Many groups are doing will have the latest updates about what’s happening in our area. livestream music events, online, with a tip jar. IBCNU, Doug We invite you to write letters to the Editor. If I remember MinnesotaBluegrass.org

4 May 2020 May 29-31, 2020 El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN A Camping and Jamming Weekend!!

Mark Your Calendars Tickets and camping will be handled by El Rancho Mañana MinnesotaBluegrass.org

May 2020 5 August 6-9 2020 El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN

Five Time IBMA Event Of The Year Nominee! Beautiful Main Stage Shaded Seating Area 35 Hours of Concerts Nightly Dances Instrument Showcases Children’s Activities Sam Bush Band Over 20 Workshops Plenty of Campground Jam SideLine Sessions 30 Merchant & Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike Food Booths Campground with Special Consensus Showers & Beach Jim & Lynna Wolsey Shuttle Transportation Caleb Daugherty Band A Welcome & Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures Safe Environment Kids Are Free! More bands TBA

Tickets on Sale NOW!! 1-651-456-8919 - www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Guitar & Mandolin MinnesotaBluegrass.org

6 May 2020 Get to Know the MBOTMA Board

President: Do you play an instrument? If so, what is it and how long have you played? Laura Cooper I’ve toyed with instruments but nev- How long have you been on the er stuck with any of them. I strummed Board and what’s your position? Three chords and sang to my kids when they plus years as President. were little, a million years ago. I played What’s your occupation or what bass for awhile and was in an all wom- type of work did you do? I’ve been ful- en’s bluegrass ensemble, The Sod Sisters. ly retired for two and a half years. Prior I own a lovely LaPlant mandolin that I to that, I worked for Hennepin County, swear I’m going to play one day. I still play in Family Court Services. The work in- my feet--dance. volved custody and parenting time evalu- Do you have any pets? Jim came with ations, mediation, and alternative dispute a cat--Niles. He is still with us. We love resolution. him, he loves us, and he drives us nuts. What are some of your hobbies or What excites you about MBOTMA interests? When the weather is nice, I’m right now? Compared to my first two a gardener. My focus is native plants for years on the board, we are much more sta- pollinators and birds. My city lot has only ble organizationally and financially. I love a small strip of lawn left, and I will elim- to see younger folks participating--per- inate that in the near future. I also grow from Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and forming, volunteering, and on the board. vegetables. I love digging in the dirt. Germany make Old Wash their home. I Grass Seeds and the Family Area in Au- When the weather is crappy, I’m a also love the eclectic stage performances gust are wonderful and important for contemporary (as opposed to traditional) and jams. perpetuating the music and MBOTMA. quilter. Tell us about your family. I have two long-since-grown sons who have gener- ously supplied me with seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I’ve taken three of my grandchildren to New York City for their highschool gradua- tions, and I’ve taken the two oldest grandchildren and their girlfriends to Chicago to see Hamilton. I decided a long time ago to give my grandchildren experiences rather than stuff. I’ve lived with my partner Jim since 2011. He’s a prince--he’ll laugh if he reads this. How long have you been part of MBOTMA, and what brought you into the organization? I attended my first festival at Zimmerman in 1989, and I’ve not missed an August Festival since then. I had been involved in the dance commu- MinnesotaBluegrass.org nity starting in 1987, the Monday Night Square Dance, and I was a Bone Tones Ca- jun band groupie. I was introduced to the bluegrass community by Art Blackburn, and for that I will always be grateful. Do you have a favorite festival or activity at a festival? I camp out at Old Wash Machine at the August Festival, and it’s like a big family reunion. Folks

May 2020 7 Twenty Years of Monroe Crossing By Derek Johnson

I am no historian, but I am fascinat- was a bass player new to bluegrass named better than “pretty good.” They decided a ed by the subject of history, and it makes Mark Anderson. He had recently made name change was in order. In September up the bulk of my reading and watching the transition from the Minneapolis punk of 2000 Matt Thompson came up with materials. I even minored in History in rock scene and was enjoying the new, and the name Monroe Crossing and the band college, so I know what kind of painstak- somewhat normal, community he found officially came into existence. The final ing research goes into piece came into place when a topic before it can be Benji Flaming joined as the entered into the histor- banjo player. Benji was quite ical record. Thus, let it a bit younger (18 years old) be known that no such than the rest of the crew, but discipline is on display he and Mark had befriended in this essay. This is not each other through their mu- so much a history as it tual interest in computers. So is folklore. Benji was asked to join and The year of 2020 the original lineup of Monroe marks Twenty years Crossing was established: Art of Monroe Crossing. Blackburn (guitar & vocals), In a business where Lisa Fuglie (fiddle & vocals), even the most popular Matt Thompson (mandolin & bands may last only a vocals), Mark Anderson (bass) few years, it is no small and Benji Flaming (banjo). feat that Monroe Cross- The first Monroe Cross- ing has continued to ing CD, Across the Blue entertain audiences for Mountains, was recorded and the past two decades. Monroe Crossing 2020 released in 2001. At the end of Many of the bluegrass Photo by Jamey Guy this year, Benji Flaming de- acts that have endured cided to leave the group and throughout the years are often headed by among the bluegrass crowd. In contrast, thus began the ever-changing banjo posi- a single individual who employs a backing Art Blackburn was a seasoned bluegrass tion. Benji was replaced by Graham Sones band (i.e. Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass and folk performer already established in who performed with the band for over Boys). The backing band is often a rotat- the community. As it happened, Sandi left two years and appeared on the next three “In a business where even the most popular bands may last only a few years, it is no small feat that Monroe Crossing has continued to entertain audiences for the past two decades.”

ing cast of bluegrass characters. Monroe the group for other musical pursuits. The recordings: Then Sings My Soul, Green Crossing is different in that it is a collec- remaining musicians decided to move Mossy Ground & On the Road. tive made up of distinct personalities who forward under the name of The Pretty During this time period, the band’s all contribute equally. Good Bluegrass Band. bookings increased. They began to devel- Monroe Crossing was born out of a At its peak, The Pretty Good Blue- op a reputation as not only talented musi- series of band configurations and name grass Band consisted of Art Blackburn, cians, but a very entertaining musical act. changes. As is the norm, bluegrass mu- Mark Anderson, Barry St. Mane, Ross Monroe Crossing has always been very sicians tend to float between different Vaughn and the late Deb Boeh. As mem- aware of their audience. Early on it was bands, coming and going as life takes bers began to drift away they were replaced established that the band would honor them. In this case it all began when Art by other people on the scene. Mark re- song requests. To this day there is always Blackburn & Sandi Scott, performing as cruited his wife Lisa Fuglie to play fiddle. a portion of the show where the band per- a duo, were in search of a backing band. Art Blackburn recruited Matt Thompson, forms requests from the audience. “We They picked up some Minneapolis mu- who had been playing mandolin in anoth- were performing at a county fair in MN,” sicians to complement their act and per- er band with Art, named Big Skyota. The remembers Matt Thompson, “and people formed under the name of Art & Sandi’s newly assembled musicians soon discov- started yelling out requests. We started Pretty Good Band. One of the musicians ered The Pretty Good Bluegrass Band was playing them on the spot. People loved it! MinnesotaBluegrass.org

8 May 2020 We’ve been doing it ever since.” band, lasting less than a year but was was Benji Flaming. As the performance schedule became around long enough to appear on Mon- “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass more demanding, and thus more profit- roe Crossing’s second gospel collection Mass” debuted on Jan. 19, 2007 at Trinity able, the band reached a point where they entitled Into the Fire, which was released Lutheran Church in Stillwater, MN, and needed to make a deci- was a major success. sion. Should they switch However, the success to being a full-time act? wasn’t achieved with- “I remember when Art out a fair bit of stress. first proposed the idea,” Bluegrass musicians says Thompson. “He perform by ear and and I were eating lunch “The Bluegrass Mass at a McDonald’s. I liked “requires a lot of sight the idea because I didn’t reading and careful like my other job at the attention to the many time, but it was scary. time signature chang- We would be playing es. Also, the band had without a safety net.” to learn their parts Mark Anderson without the benefit describes a similar feel- of knowing what the ing, “It was like letting choir would be singing. go of the edge of the “There were no record- pool. You leave behind ings or YouTube videos a lot of security for a Monroe Crossing 2005 to learn from,” states small chance of actu- Matt Thompson. “We ally making your living really had to rely on the as a musician.” in December of 2006. The title track was director for cues. I don’t know how we It was indeed a very big transition written by Lisa Fuglie and remains one made it through those first few perfor- for Mark and Lisa. They had decided to the most fan-requested songs to this day. mances. I don’t remember most of it!” start a family, and Lisa had recently giv- It was also in 2006 the band said “yes” to a en birth to twin boys. “Frankly it’s a little unique opportunity which would open so blurry,” says Lisa Fuglie. “I remember car- many doors for this Minnesota bluegrass rying two portable cribs along with all the band for years to come. Monroe Crossing baby stuff, as well as traveling with sitters. was approached by the Minneapolis choir Sometimes we would have the venues line VocalEssence, under the direction of up sitters for us. I sometimes wonder how Philip Brunelle, to collaborate on a new- we did it, but we were young.” ly commissioned choral piece. The proj- Despite the challenges, in 2004 day- ect was a fusion of classical choral music jobs were jettisoned and the members and bluegrass instrumentation entitled, of Monroe Crossing made the leap to “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.” supporting themselves as entertainers. Two Minnesota artists, Carol Barnett It was at this time an Arkansas banjo (composer) and Marisha Chamberlain player named Jeff Whitson was brought (author/poet) had been commissioned to into the fold, to lend his talents, and his create this adventurous piece. The final open schedule. Times were lean but very product was complex and stunning, re- productive. The band recorded two CDs quiring Monroe Crossing to dig deep as simultaneously: Somebody Like You and musicians to learn the score. MinnesotaBluegrass.org their first Christmas CD, The Happy It was during the preparation for Holidays. But, as it happened, Jeff Whit- this piece that banjo player number four son quickly grew tired of the Minnesota abruptly left the band, as well as the state. winters and missed family and friends With the debut performance of “The back home. After two years banjo player Bluegrass Mass” quickly approaching, number three said goodbye and returned Monroe Crossing reached out to one of home to Arkansas. the few banjo players in the area with the Banjo player number four, Jason Er- skills to learn this complicated piece in a icsson, had a very short tenure with the short amount of time. That banjo player

May 2020 9 Mark Anderson has a similar memo- ing with choirs from Washington D.C. to stage and, more precisely, the road. Art ry, “The first performance of “The Blue- California. In 2013 and 2014 it brought was not only the guitar player and a lead grass Mass” was crazy. We were simply the group to New York City for perfor- vocalist for the band, but was also the trying to keep up and booking agent. Con- I constantly had to sidering their busy battle the urge to sim- performance sched- ply listen to the choir ule and all the work instead of play my involved in booking part.” the band, Art was Lisa Fuglie also essentially working remembers the ten- two full-time jobs. sion: “It was a sold- In order to prevent out crowd with re- the inevitable burn viewers attending. We out, Art decided to were all a bit nervous retire from the stage and very conscious and concentrate on of counting and stay- booking the group. ing laser focused on Although the band the conductor, Philip had replaced many Brunelle.” a banjo player, this All the hard work was the first time the and stress paid off group was replacing for the band as “The Monroe Crossing 2010 a founding member. Bluegrass Mass” was Photo by Rebecca Youngmark, Heirloom Art & Photography It was at this time I coined a “modern received a phone call. day masterpiece” and has taken Monroe mances at Carnegie Hall, and in 2014 Since 2006 I had been performing Crossing around the country collaborat- Monroe Crossing toured South Korea traditional and original bluegrass in The performing “The Bluegrass Mass” with High 48s. The group kept a relatively busy the Missoula-based choir Dolce Canto. To schedule performing in Minnesota and date the band has performed “The Blue- adjoining states, occasionally doing some grass Mass” over 65 times and continues extended road work. In fact, in 2008 the to collaborate with choirs from across the band had gone out to Lyons, CO and took country. In fact, in 2017 the group teamed first place in the RockyGrass Festival’s up again with VocalEssence, Carol Bar- band competition. This afforded some nett and Marisha Chamberlin to present extra road work in 2009, but the band was and record the companion piece, “Mor- still a regional act, performing on a part- tals & Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deum.” time basis. A position in Monroe Cross- With the success of “The Bluegrass ing would allow me to travel far and wide Mass,” Benji Flaming decided to return to as well as make music a full-time job. I de- the band. He now held the distinction of cided I could not pass up the offer. It was being banjo player number one and num- not easy leaving a group I had spent so ber five. At the end of 2007 the band re- much time helping to develop and whose leased a recording of a show in Branson, members I considered close friends. I’m so MO, entitled Live From Silver Dollar City. glad The High 48s are now on their four- A few years later the band returned to the teenth year of performing and recording! studio to record a collection which fea- My first show with Monroe Crossing tured largely original material. The title was in January 2011 in California, at the track was a song by Art Blackburn enti- Blythe Bluegrass Festival. Art was now tled “Heart Ache & Stone.” The CD was at home handling the bookings, and the released in August 2009 and contains a band was busier than ever. In fact, the host of songs which remain very popular new job started with a seven-week tour for the band today. which began in California, and then off As the first decade of Monroe Cross- to Alabama, Georgia and Florida. I then ing approached its end, Art Blackburn embarked on my first bluegrass cruise. decided it was time to retire from the Immediately after the cruise we boarded MinnesotaBluegrass.org

10 May 2020 flights for Monroe Crossing’s first tour of country, released five CDs, toured Eu- retired to Hawaii. Art, giving plenty of Europe. When we returned to the states rope three more times, performed twice notice in the summer of 2017, was ready to we flew directly to the Southwest for even at Carnegie Hall, toured South Korea and enjoy the quiet life, and thus, for the first more shows. It was quite time in 17 years, the band the introduction to life needed to find a new on the road. In fact, I booking agent. Not be- don’t think we have ever ing interested in outside been out that long since. representation, I took up When the band the challenge to perform wasn’t traveling, we were the booking duties. I had in the studio recording. some experience in this In 2011 we recorded a realm, but must admit tribute to Bill Monroe as there has been a bit of a well as the band’s third learning curve. To add to all-gospel CD which we the mix, at the beginning entitled Joy, Joy, Joy. of 2019 David Robinson The title track was a announced he want- song I had written a few ed to leave the band in years earlier and contin- pursuit of other musical ue to perform regularly. opportunities. With the That spring, after going loss of a booking agent, through my own stress- a great banjo player, and ful preparation, I partic- Monroe Crossing 2012 having logged in nearly ipated in my first perfor- Photo by Jamey Guy twenty years of life on the mance of “The Bluegrass road, Monroe Crossing Mass” as part of the Berkshire Choral in 2017 hit the milestone of performing had some decisions to make. Should we Festival in Massachusetts. It was a crazy over 2,000 shows! Of course, what makes do a nation-wide search for banjo player year of travels and hard work but was very all the achievements so amazing is the ex- number seven? Would our new booking thrilling and rewarding. tremely dedicated fan base the group has agent (me) be able to maintain a full-time At the end of 2011, and after an un- garnered over the last twenty years. We schedule? Or was it time to part ways and precedented five-year banjo player run, are so grateful for the many wonderful say goodbye to the road? Benji announced that it was time for him people who have taken the time, energy Needless to say, these were not easy to take a break from the road. The band and expense to come watch and listen. We decisions and the uncertainty was daunt- began the search for yet another banjo in Monroe Crossing thank you all! ing, but it was decided the band had come player and found a young, talented picker In 2018 the band entered another too far to call it quits. We still had so from right next door in Wisconsin. David period of transition when Art Blackburn many loyal fans and we still had plenty of Robinson was only 18 years old and had just graduated from high school when he joined Monroe Crossing. He had been home-schooled and had earned his de- gree just before the Christmas holiday, so Armadillo as of January 2012 he was ready to go on the road as banjo player number six. Sound & Design Minneapolis, MN David fit in great with the band on and off the stage, and for the next eight Serving the acoustic music community for over 35 years. years the band’s line up remained the Complete audio production services: MinnesotaBluegrass.org same, consisting of Mark Anderson, Lisa Fuglie, Matt Thompson, Derek Johnson sound - multi-track recording – live/studio. and David Robinson. Or as we some- You know Doug’s attention to audio detail. times called it, Lisa Fuglie and The Four Let him help you craft your next recording project! “Sons” of Bluegrass. It was the longest stretch without any change of personnel, Equipment: Midas, Behringer, dbx, Shure, AKG, AudioTechnica, and the band became tighter than ever. Crown amps, RCF speakers, Countryman, Radial, Protools During this time the band averaged over Doug Lohman - 612-306-3490 125 shows a year, traveling all about the [email protected] - armadillosounddesign.com

May 2020 11 opportunities to perform. There is a kind of Catch-22 to per- try to absorb the economic costs. Need- In the end it was decided it was time forming music as a living. The travel can less to say, bluegrass bands were part of for a slight pull-back in the schedule. We be very exhilarating and has brought the the “gig economy” well before that phrase aren’t getting any younger, and perhaps a band to so many places we wouldn’t have came into popular use. We survive on the few less shows and a few less miles would gone as individuals. At the same time the proceeds from our live performances, be a good thing. If we, as individuals, had travel can be exhausting and one of the and that has come to a screeching halt. to find a “side hustle” to help bring in a main challenges. Matt Thompson sums We hope our summer schedule remains little extra income, it would be worth it it up nicely when he states why Mon- intact but it is too early to tell. With that to continue. And instead of relying on a roe Crossing has kept it up for so many being said, I am happy to report we all single banjo player and full-time member, years, “I enjoy presenting new audiences are in good health, we all have a roof over Monroe Crossing would take a different to bluegrass music, making new fans. I our heads and our cupboards are stocked approach. David Robinson still had room enjoy teaching music to young musicians, with food. We hope to ride this out like in his schedule to play with us from time bringing in the next generation. And I the rest of you and emerge on the other to time, so why not draw on the many love the happiness we bring to our fans. side ready to get back to doing what we other talented banjo payers here in Min- That, more than anything, keeps me go- do best, putting on an entertaining and nesota and split up the duties? We call it ing.” uplifting bluegrass show. “banjo by committee” and it’s come to I was going to wrap up this article by It’s hard to say what the future will work out even better than we thought. saying, “as Monroe Crossing approaches bring. After all, the only thing consistent The “committee” is made up of past asso- its 20th anniversary the schedule remains in this life is change. We certainly aren’t ciates including great pickers: David Rob- busy,” but I’m afraid this is not the case. getting any younger, but why stop doing inson, Graham Sones, Benji Flaming and The measures needed to combat the coro- something you love? Thus, we will do our (Pretty Good Bluegrass Band member) navirus have made for a very challenging best to keep the 20-year tradition of Mon- Barry St. Mane. Monroe Crossing loves time for Monroe Crossing as it has for so roe Crossing alive, especially if people working with all of these great musicians many people across this country and ever- keep standing up out of their seats at the and enjoy the variety each one brings to shrinking world. Like so many other mu- end of each performance yelling, “more, our show. sicians, we have had to cancel shows and more, more!.

SATURDAYS AT 7 P.M.

LEARN MORE AT PIONEER.ORG/GRASSLANDJAM. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

12 May 2020 My MBOTMA Story: Mac Mckay By Tracy Keibler Q: How did you become a bluegrass Mac: I found MBOTMA once we musician? moved to the Twin Cities from Roches- Mac: Nancy and I retired in 2002, ter. I just wandered in to a jam, and they bought a motor home, and headed to Voy- needed a bass player. Then it was: “Are ager RV Park in Tucson, Ariz. Looking in you going to the summer festival?” And the book of park activities, I found myself it went from there. Now my bride of 60 sitting next to Bob Nible, a musician who years and I go to bluegrass festivals in played with Jethro Burns of Homer and Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota in our Jethro fame. Bob was extremely helpful, Ford van RV—it’s perfect for festivals. leaning over and giving me chords, as I Q: What do you find valuable about hadn’t touched my guitar since1958. MBOTMA? Q: What do you like about bluegrass Mac: For me, MBOTMA is the music? greatest fraternity of like-minded people Mac: I fell in love with Bluegrass. It’s around. No state has anything exactly like through my shirt when it was my time to uniquely American. It has an unusual set this. When you have an organization that pick a song, to discovering MBOTMA — of instruments that come from Africa, puts on festivals like El Rancho Mañana, Bluegrass has changed my life — and ev- Europe and the U.S., like the dobro. Blue- and has a publication that goes out regu- ery jam is better than the last. grass just captured my soul in a way that larly telling you who’s where and what’s I consider myself to be the worst mu- I can’t describe. When you have a strong coming up, it’s special. I just wanted to sician in MBOTMA, but I know of no one feeling about something, you’ve got to be come and contribute to this organization. who has more fun playing than me. To around it and live it. Attending MBOTMA festivals, I can all the very gifted MBOTMA players, re- Q: From a jam circle in Arizo- quickly connect with dozens of people I member someone has to be on the bottom na, how did you become involved with know and have jammed with. From my of the bell curve to make all of you look MBOTMA? first jam in Arizona, where I sweated and sound so good. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

May 2020 13 I Wonder Where You Are Tonight by Wayne Erbsen

One of the joys of my life has been cially Jimmie Rodgers. His older sister, Johnny had amassed the sum of 98 cents, sharing my love of bluegrass music with Mary, managed to save up enough to a and ordered a ukulele from Montgomery my students. For the past fifteen years, buy a radio, where Johnny was exposed Ward. He then borrowed a guitar and I’ve been coaching a group of interme- to the Western Swing music of Milton a banjo and became proficient on them. diate level players on all the bluegrass Before long, he was playing for dances in instruments. Like clockwork, we meet on rural Oklahoma. Thursday nights in a rustic log cabin for In 1937, Johnny graduated from high two hours. Of course, we call it the “Log school and went to live with his brother, Cabin Band.” For me, part of the fun Howard, in Oklahoma City. Wanting to of coaching this group is learning each make a career with his music, Johnny member’s strengths and weaknesses so I approached all the local radio stations can select songs they can feel good about and was finally given a radio slot on performing. KFXR. The main drawback of this “job” For the past year or so, a guitar play- was that there was no pay. For Johnny, he er by the name of Jon has been a regular was just happy to get his foot in the door member of our group. Initially, he mainly on his way to becoming a professional played rhythm guitar with a thumb pick musician. At first, Johnny broadcasted and was very modest about his singing. under the name Cyrus Whitfield and Gradually, I’ve been feeding him songs then Johnny Whitfield. Eventually he to learn that would suit his style and yet settled on Johnny Bond. challenge him to find his own voice. Well, Before long, Johnny was recruited brother, let me tell you, he found it! Not Brown, W. Lee O’Daniels, and Carson to play with Billy McGinty’s Oklaho- only does he have good tone, but he also Robinson. In high school Johnny was ma Cowboys, which later became Pop has a huge range. Recently, I came up asked to join the school’s brass band, so Moore and His Oklahomans. Johnny with the idea of teaching him “I Wonder he borrowed an E flat alto brass horn and then teamed up with Jimmy Wakely and Where You Are Tonight.” figured out how to play it. Before long, Scotty Harrel. They called themselves the I went on YouTube to find a version Singing Cowboy Trio but changed their to send him and was shocked to find page name to “The Bell Boys” when they were after page of bluegrass versions people sponsored by the Bell Clothing Company have put up of “I Wonder Where You on KVOO radio, in Tulsa. Dressed head Are Tonight.” I know it’s considered a to toe in cowboy outfits, their repertoire bluegrass standard or an evergreen, but leaned heavily on the Western music of I had no idea it was that popular. After Gene Autry and the Sons of the Pioneers. listening to several different artists sing Johnny’s gamble to play on the radio for it, I finally settled on sending him a link no wages paid off in spades when Gene to a live recording by Flatt and Scruggs. Autry heard one of their radio broadcasts Lester had the feel of the song that I like when he was on tour in rural Oklahoma. best. That’s probably because the Flatt Johnny later recalled that Gene invited and Scruggs version was the first one I them to appear on his Melody Ranch CBS heard back in the early 1960s. network radio show. Gene’s exact words Since I’m an historian by trade, I were, “If you boys ever get to California, took this opportunity to look into the look me up.” history of “I Wonder Where You Are By May of 1940, Johnny was part of Tonight.” Here’s what I found. The song the Jimmy Wakely Trio that consisted was written in the early 1940s by Johnny of Wakely, Johnny, and Dick Reinhard, Bond. Growing up on the family farm who had replaced Scotty Harrel. Decid- near Marietta, in rural Oklahoma, his ing to take Gene Autry up on his offer, first instrument was the trumpet. When the band loaded up Wakely’s Dodge with his family purchased a Victrola in the instruments, kids, and wives, and headed early 1920s, Johnny became hooked on to California. When they arrived in the the records of Vernon Dalhart and espe- Golden State, the band had some time MinnesotaBluegrass.org

14 May 2020 to kill while waiting word on joining its demise in early 1961. number of recording artists. These songs Autry’s radio show. It was then that John- By the end of his career, Johnny had included “Cimarron,” “I’ll Step Aside,” ny composed “I Wonder Where You Are written and published hundreds of songs, “Tomorrow Never Comes,” and “I Won- Tonight.” Here is how Johnny explained many of which were major hits for a der Where You Are Tonight. “ The latter it. “Before that, all my songs had been song has been very heavily covered by cowboy, But I was convinced we’d have numerous other artists, including Johnny quicker success with a hillbilly love song. Rodriguez, Bobby Bare, Roy Clark, Flatt In the verse of a song we had sung on the & Scruggs, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Monroe, radio in Oklahoma, I found the line, “I the Louvin Brothers, Hank Snow, Red wonder where you are tonight,” and the Allen & the Kentuckians, and even Jerry idea was born. Over the years, many peo- Lee Lewis, Porter Wagoner, and Hank ple have come to the conclusion that it is Williams Jr. an old Pubic Domain song, and several For bluegrass fans, several of John- newer songs have come to life using the ny’s compositions have been favorites identical melody.” for years. These include “Your Old Love Not only did Johnny make guest Letters,” and “Love Grown Cold.” appearances on Autry’s popular radio Below are the complete lyrics of “I show, but he was a mainstay of that show Wonder Where You Are Tonight.” Most from 1940 until the show’s cancellation bluegrass singers only sing two or three in 1956. During these early years, John- of these verses, but here are the complete ny’s band recorded first for Decca as the lyrics of the song, just the way Johnny Jimmy Wakely Trio and also for Colum- Bond wrote them in 1940. bia as Johnny Bond & the Cimarron Boys. Jimmy Wakely Trio Check out Wayne Erbsen instruction In 1953, Johnny joined the Los Angeles and songbooks for bluegrass and clawham- TV show, “Town Hall Party,” as a regular mer banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, dulci- performer, lead, and rhythm, guitarist mer and ukulele at www.nativeground. and writer. He stayed with the show until com MinnesotaBluegrass.org

May 2020 15 Minnesota Bluegrass Member Bands

Bluegrass Bands Alternate Route Missy Haack Jerome Knopik - 651-208-5565 Mash Tun Brenton Haack - 763-360-2142 [email protected] Jamey Guy - [email protected] [email protected] Back Up & Push Middle Spunk Creek Boys Broken Heartland String Band Mother Banjo David Robinson - 6123852937 Alan Jesperson 612-751-1733 Wilson Goss - 310-310-4198 Ellen Stanley 612-281-1364 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Biscuit Boys Midwest Cowboys Ministries Joe Carson New Riverside Ramblers Daniel Fish - 763-434-2734 Karen Hahn-Brown - 641-832-7963 Laura Moe - 9528433457 Karen Kleinspehn 612-724-4687 [email protected] [email protected] 9528433457 [email protected] Blue Drifters Bluegrass band Monroe Crossing Cousin Dad Now and Then Stev Howard - 9525959819 Lisa Fuglie - [email protected] John Soderberg 612-441-7382 Daniel Fish 763-786-2524 [email protected] No Man’s String Band [email protected] [email protected] Blue Groove Nic Hentges - 612-387-0196 Curtis & Loretta Oh Sister David Smith - 952-974-5121 [email protected] Loretta Simonet 612-781-9537 Maura Dunst - 7159282601 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Noah John & Ringing Iron Blue Hazard Noah John Klingeisen - 920-229-5283 Due North Oluwatoyin Alowonle Louise Wiermaa 218-721-5250 Hannah Johnson - 651-500-0747 [email protected] Brady Perl - 612-720-7420 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Pale Ales Bluegrass Band Buffalo Galaxy Marty Marrone - 651-295-1376 Eli Quist One Ukulele Julia De Georgeo - 6126554728 Zach Tauer, - 763-226-6056 [email protected] Aaron Lockridge 612-670-3941 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Pickin’ Up Steam Dale Martell - [email protected] Fellow Pynins Pert Near Sandstone Buffalo River Ramblers Dani Aubert - 541-727-8334 Nathan Sipe 612-245-0159 Marty Solon - 218-850-8715 Prairiegrass [email protected] [email protected] Bonnie Hallett 701-429-1666 The Fish Heads Kim Curtis-Monson - 218-831-5181 [email protected] Prairie Anthem Carver Creek [email protected] Brad Borg - 651-4334746 Bluegrass Sarah Mae Gated Community [email protected] Julie Monsen - 952-466-2089 & the Birkeland Boys Sumanth Gopinath 612-332-2006 [email protected] Rosby Corner Sarah Birkeland - [email protected] [email protected] Jeanne Marti, 763-559-7552 Def Lester The Silver River Band Georgia Rae Family Band [email protected] Lincoln Potter - 651-303-0728 Ari Silver 651-491-4013 Ronilyn Mussared 815-675-2554 [email protected] The Seldom Herd [email protected] [email protected] Gary Cobus, 612-859-9013 Double Down Daredeveils Tim and Cindy Ginstrings [email protected] Tom Peschges - 612-232-5292 Tim Roggenkamp - 218-821-0342 Jon Miller - 763-213-3735 [email protected] Sherry Minnick [email protected] [email protected] Sherry Minnick 651-644-8682 Fine Line Bluegrass Timbre Junction Gloryland Gospel Band [email protected] Darin Manson - 641-895-4522 darinman- Karen Radford 612-623-0261 Vicki Andersen, 952-457-7672 [email protected] Singleton Street [email protected] [email protected] Sherri Leyda, 763-225-7857 Flattgrass Revival Tom & Jed Good Morning Bedlam [email protected] Tom Furrer - 320-766-7007 Jed Malischke 715-635-2479 Tyler Rehm [email protected] Sloughgrass [email protected] [email protected] Soren Olesen 218-634-2800 Gentleman Dreadnought Tony Rook Band The Hacklewrappers [email protected] Derek Johnson - 612-720-3746 Tony Rook, 612-669-3511 Mark Rubbert, 612-387-8189 [email protected] Sprig of That [email protected] [email protected] Krissy Bergmark - 7084664424 The Good Intentions Trackside The Halvorson Family Band [email protected] Chris Silver - [email protected] David Anderson 763-263-3985 Loren Halvorson, 507-345-7431 Terrance Smith Hand Picked Bluegrass [email protected] [email protected] 218-728-1438 Joe Cronick - 715-966-6463 The Woodpicks Harper’s Chord String Beans, Chick Pea & [email protected] Joel Kezar 218-681-2148 Roger Fink Kim Harrington & Helen Miltich [email protected] [email protected] Garbonzo Roger Cuthbertson - 952-737-3281 Kim Harrington - 218-244-9892 The Haws [email protected] [email protected] Related Bands Jason Leonard - 612-499-1242 Switched at Birth Hell Burnin’ Sinners Bad Posture Club 612-499-1242 Shirley Mier - 612-720-0820 Rick Anderson 651-230-2431 Morgan Kavanagh - 360-510-4116 Homesteaders [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Terry Schwartz 701-659-3154 The High 48s [email protected] Tie Dye Chick The Barley Jacks with Julie Kaiser 218-308-3131 Anthony Ihrig - 612-889-5878 The Houdeks [email protected] Brian Wicklund [email protected] Brian Wicklund 651-433-4564 Hollie Brian 651-240-0125 Troy Flemming The Hummin’ Birds [email protected] [email protected] Mike Silbernagel - 303-501-2703 Sandra Flemming - 952-758-7522 Bernie King & The Midwesternaires [email protected] [email protected] Clive North - [email protected] King Wilke’s Dream the Guilty Pleasures The UkuLadies Bernie King 763-242-6943 Lady Spruce Gig Amal - 612-267-4603 Robbi Podrug - 612-562-8402 Aubrey Weger - 612-384-9391 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bill & Kate Isles Band [email protected] Wild Goose Chase Cloggers Laura and the Lagerheads Mary DuShane & Matt Johnson - 612-462-3546 [email protected] John Njoes 612-419-4576 [email protected] Boston Imposters Nicholas Jordan [email protected] David Harrison - 262-490-8952 Nick Jordan - 651-895-3770 Wink the Other Eye Long Time Gone [email protected] Ben Manning - 651-448-8216 [email protected] David Gourhan 651-674-8668 [email protected] The Broadfork Mike Gunther and [email protected] Mark Kreitzer Band String Band the Total Crapshoot York & Robinson Mark Kreitzer - 612-724-7334 Anne Sawyer 507-491-8393 Mike Gunther - 612-710-6343 David Robinson - 612-385-2937 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MinnesotaBluegrass.org

16 May 2020 Minnesota Bluegrass Member Bands

Old-Time Bands Gritpickers Roe Family Singers Old Time String band Quillan Roe 612-599-0266 Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner [email protected] Bob Bovee 507-498-5452 Rob Daves 612-822-0085 [email protected] [email protected] Tickwood String Band Doug Wells 218-736-4469 Bob & Lynn Dixson Hole in the Bucket [email protected] Bob Dixon 612-377-6819 John Wenstrom, 651-500-0671 [email protected] [email protected] Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers Michael Sawyer - 469-877-8859 Corpse Reviver Hoof on the Roof [email protected] Mikkel Mikkel - 612-710-2176 Mary Pat Kleven [email protected] [email protected] Whinnie-Muir Dick Kimmel & Poor Benny John Wenstrom, 651-500-0671 [email protected] Pam Longtine David Furniss 651-699-0557 Dick Kimmel - [email protected] [email protected]

Classified Ads Looking for a string player Blue Drifters need players who For sale: Deering Calico 5-string (any instrument except guitar and bass) sing. Need bassist or other picker that banjo, in excellent condition, $2,499. who sings harmonies. Band does 2/3 sings and then another picker who Comes with strap, capos and original original vocal based stringband music. sings. I can show you how to sing trio hardshell case. Email: john@jscarch- Contact: Lance Wendlandt, 651-338- harmonies. But, you’re going to need tops.com. 6534, [email protected] a day job. Steven Earl Howard, Blue Drifters, 952-595-9819 PHOTO:MIKE CHOJNACKI

MONROE CROSSING - COMING UP Friday, May 1, 2020 CANCELED Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival Chickamauga, GA 423-605-7975 Saturday, May 2, 2020 CANCELED Little Roy & Lizzy Music Festival Lincolnton, GA 423-605-7975 Sunday, May 3, 2020 CANCELED Thomas Persons Hall Monticello, GA 706-468-2659 Sunday, May 10, 2020 The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass * Minneapolis, MN 612-871-7400

11 am Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. MinnesotaBluegrass.org Sunday, May 17, 2020 Mount Olivet Lutheran Church * Minneapolis, MN 612-767-2263 9 am, 10, 11 & 12:00 5025 Knox Avenue South Friday, May 29, 2020 * Prairie Days, Memorial Park Long Prairie, MN 320-266-5640 7 pm Saturday, May 30, 2020 Westminster Performing Arts Series, Westminster * Minneapolis, MN 612-332-3421 7:30 pm Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave. *Check online or call to verify before attending www.MonroeCrossing.com | Booking: Derek Johnson, 612-720-3746 [email protected]

May 2020 17 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

18 May 2020 Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum

Now There is No Normal It would be normal to begin a May column with hopes that Saturday Morning, there are two special pieces offered by the Minnesotans are done with snow, or that we’re getting ready show from time to time. One is called Gems of Bluegrass and the for the good times of summer, under shade trees where we are other is a series of conversations with Bluegrass artists reflecting playing and listening to bluegrass. But as this is written, right on the connections between their lives and songs. Until recently before the April 6 deadline for this publication, past notions of we ran one or the other during the show segment beginning what is normal are not in play. We are not hearing about festival at 11:30AM. But how to accommodate both on a 5-hour radio lineups, or camping at festival grounds, but about hoarding toilet show? Well, separating them by a couple of hours seems like paper, about obtaining face masks and the number of ventilators a good idea. “Gems” is running in the 9:30 segment, and the needed to fight an epidemic. interviews run in the 11:30 segment. In the last issue of this magazine, I was announcing the When we fade into the next normal phase, expect surprising coming of KBEM’s on-air fund-raising. In terms of normal new music from musicians nationally and locally. expectations, those fund drives rate with death and taxes as far Thank You Andrew Tuchowski as probability. When I needed a break recently, Andy Tuchowski, formerly But there is no normal in the first half of 2020. The fund of KSVC-FM in Saint Cloud was available. Good that he was, and drive was supposed to take place the first two weeks of April. But my spies in radio-land affirm that he did a fine job. “Let’s have the KBEM-FM studios are located at Minneapolis North High more” is all I can say. School, and Minneapolis schools are closed until further notice. Also, KBEM-FM and the Hook and Ladder Club was expecting Music Listings to present Corpse Reviver at the Hook and Ladder on April 12. To access the Acoustic Music Listings, at www.jazz88.fm, But under the current government guidelines, there simply are click on schedule. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on no shows! Bluegrass Saturday Morning. Then scroll down to Blog Posts and I can tell you that the fund drive will take place, but who click on Bluegrass Saturday Acoustic Music Calendar. knows when? And, you can add “who knows where?” Perhaps all of us KBEM-FM radio announcers will be able to go to the studio Weekly Playlists, Listen Online - www.jazz88.fm to conduct the fund drive. Then again, we might be improvising To stream KBEM programming, at www.jazz88.fm, click on on-air work from our living rooms or kitchens. “listen live.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at Anticipating the Next Normal www.jazz88.fm. At the top of the home page on the right-hand The official numbers that are used as gauges of the economy side, select “playlists.” Then click on the desired date. To listen to make things seem like everything is at a standstill. These archived shows, at www.jazz88.fm, click on “on-demand.” Then numbers are of course important to musicians, because if click on the date and show. everything is down, it means their businesses are suffering, too. However it is wrong to assume that there is no musical activity going on. Musicians are using the enforced period of isolation without work by attending to various aspects of their crafts. They Contribute to Minnesota are writing new pieces, learning songs and tunes they’d always wanted to learn, rehearsing and becoming more adept at public Bluegrass Magazine relations and technology. Write a Review of a favorite concert or MinnesotaBluegrass.org Once COVID-19 is contained, we’ll find out about all the CD. improvements the players are working on. It’s probably true, too, that people in all walks of life are using the time to refine Write an article about your favorite jam. whatever they do. You often cannot work on refinements when Tell us about how you came to like you are up to here with the stuff that you have to get done in the Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Mu- next ten minutes, by noon, or by the end of the day at the latest. But having time on one’s hands causes reflection. This does not sic. mean that everything is being reinvented. However, many are [email protected] seizing opportunities to re-think things. In the case of Bluegrass

May 2020 19 CD Review: Hand Picked Bluegrass V By Chris Silver

As someone who had the honor of recording one of the group’s first projects, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Hand- Picked Bluegrass’ most recent project, V (five). The band is comprised of four individuals who have a long and rich history in performing bluegrass throughout the Upper-Midwest. Their playing and singing reflect this. A band that is willing to play from the heart without posturing or copying styles seems like a rarity, which makes Hand-Picked Bluegrass such a pleasure to listen to. Mandolinist Joe Cronick has written and arranged most of the songs on this album, and the delivery is reminiscent of some of the best bluegrass created a few decades ago. This is the perfect road trip soundtrack that will make you hit repeat more than once. The instrumental elements encom- pass what you might expect from seasoned pickers. It’s clear that the band members have built a musical vocabulary that goes deep, and their solos reflect a wide range of genres. Joe’s wife and musical partner, Sue, has a rich fiddle tone and solid style that supports the diverse set of material. Holding down the bass is Bruce Royal, a second generation picker whose Reached A New Low” will delight any can be played. The arrangements are father, Bruce King (Art Stevenson and honky tonk fan. This tune sounds like thoughtful and will leave fans of Hand- High Water) is a regional all-star. Bruce’s a classic from the 1950s telling the bar Picked Bluegrass wanting more. Highly bass playing is spot on and provides the room story of someone heading down the recommended! perfect texture and drive, especially on wrong path. the non-traditional tracks. His runs and In addition to the nine original tunes fills provide more than a hint of jazz styl- penned by Joe, the group has carefully ing. A number of banjo players were used selected some great covers. A a youth of on the project, including Gabe Dettinger, the 1960s, I was especially intrigued with an amazing talent who rounds out the the Boxcar classic “The Letter.” The tune LaPlant Instruments maker of fine group’s fourth. works perfectly with bluegrass instru- As a fan of good songwriting, listen- mentation, and Sue’s vocal is as smooth mandolins & guitars ers will appreciate Joe’s lyric sensibility. as silk. Other outstanding covers include Buy - Trade In the spirit of Jimmie Rogers, his songs tunes by regional legend Tuck Pence and carry messages that we can all relate to. Grass Cats frontman, Russell Johnson. Sell - Repair Take “Beyond Lonesome” for instance. Fans of solid traditional bluegrass, (stringed instruments) This tune in ¾ time starts off with beau- instrumental polish, and great three-part tiful twin fiddles from the legendary Mi- harmonies will not be disappointed. For 31751 LaPlant Road chael Cleveland and is followed by a re- me personally, the album brought me Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ally sweet three-part chorus reminiscent back to a time when bluegrass was about 218-326-4456 of the Osborne Brothers. “The Bar Has soul and not playing songs as fast as they MinnesotaBluegrass.org

20 May 2020 Token Creek By Joe Cronick The tune appears on Hand Picked Bluegrass V album.

“Token Creek” is a tune I worked on in 2017 while visiting my daughter in Florida. Back in Wisconsin, Gabe Dettinger collabo- rated with me on the chords. It has that “Monroe feel” with major/minor contrast. Token Creek is an actual place near Gabe’s family home in Sun Prairie, WI. It seemed to be the ideal title for this tune. It is recorded on Hand-picked Bluegrass V (five) CD and can be found on Spotify and on HPBB’s website - handpickedbluegrass.net. Michael Cleveland plays a fantastic 3-part fiddle break, tran- scribed by Shaunce Ali. Here are all three parts. Enjoy, play and share with friends. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

May 2020 21 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

22 May 2020 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

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Grass Seeds - Minnesota Bluegrass Winter Weekend - 2020 Photo by Tom Schrack