If you got into bluegrass in the 1970s, you probably first became aware of Pete Wernick as half of the twin banjo tag team (along with Tony Trischka) from the New York State band Country Cooking. Or maybe you bought one of the first copies of his best-selling instruction book “Bluegrass Banjo” from Oak Publications. (Remember those flexi-discs?) … Read More
I am excited and honored to be part of an unprecedented tour this fall—the New York Banjo Summit. Béla Fleck, Tony Trischka, Bill Keith, Eric Weissberg, Richie Stearns, and myself will visit ten northeastern cities from Albany to Washington DC… 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
The powerful musical force known as Bill Monroe turns 100 this month. It’s hard to believe he’s been gone 15 years, though in many ways he’s far from gone. The force of his personality and the power of his musical vision left more than an indelible imprint… it’s in the bones of so many of us bluegrass musicians whenever we pick up an instrument.… Read More
Just last weekend I really wanted to jam and there was a good one going in the campground at our local Bluegrass on the River festival. I watched and listened… and didn’t get out my banjo. Why? … Read More
First, big congratulations to Steve Martin for winning the Bluegrass Grammy! From my research, this is the first time that the Bluegrass Grammy has gone to a banjo instrumental album. … Read More
This article by Bill McKay originally appeared in the September 1996 issue of Banjo Newsletter. For most musicians, mastering a new lick or tune now and then is rewarding enough. And if any of us are lucky enough to grow … Read More