Like many of you, I’m watching the situation in Ukraine with dismay, while deeply inspired by the spirit of the Ukrainian people. Last month marked one year since the passing of a great Ukrainian-American musician, Peter Ostrousko, a good friend who performed on Prairie Home Companion throughout the show’s 40+ years. … Read More
It’s been something of a shock to lose three of the most prominent and respected banjo players of all time, in a matter of a few months. Sonny Osborne, Bill Emerson, and J.D. Crowe. Every 5-string 3-finger player alive has to have been influenced by these enduring and legendary pickers.… Read More
The death of Tony Rice on 25 December 2020 was a huge loss for the music world. I feel very fortunate to have known Tony and to have performed with him several memorable times. … Read More
Rize, passed away from cancer in his native New Jersey. Mike was on the demo tape that led to the album that led to the formation of Hot Rize in January, 1978 — with Mike on guitar, age 22. … Read More
Author David Russell recently approached Pete concerning a book he’s writing on the influence of Earl Scruggs. Thirty years after writing the Masters of the Five String Banjo large chapter about Scruggs, Pete’s answers to Russell’s questions lets the reader in on some memorable aspects of his interactions with the man who changed his life.… Read More
The passing of Doc Watson seems especially momentous to me. Though his banjo playing was wonderful, he was of course known primarily as a guitarist and singer. But I think his significance goes far beyond what instrument he played. … Read More
Everyone has a story about the first time they heard him. When I was 12 or so I was at my friend Jake’s apartment in the Bronx and Jake said, you like banjo, listen to this, and he put on Shuckin’ the Corn from the “Foggy Mt. Jamboree”album.… Read More
Here we are again, beginning of summer. Are you ready to hit the festivals, do some fun listening, visiting, and jamming? If you’re one of those still stymied by the mysteries of jamming, no matter how well you can play lead arrangements by yourself, the checklist below might just cut through the confusing landscape.… Read More
A giant of American Roots Music has left us, after a week in hospice, following a long struggle with cancer. When I heard he was near the end, I wrote him:… Read More
As probably one of the few who knew both of these amazing individuals, may I say that there is an interesting comparability between the two. One in Brooklyn, one in Nashville, each was an offbeat, unpredictable, often hilarious, sometimes difficult, deeply knowledgeable ringleader type who didn’t trade in virtuosity or tight-ship organizational skills, or mass entertainment, but who gave shape, encouragement, camaraderie, and creative inspiration to many musicians and their respective musical communities. … Read More