Another Sunset

Another Sunset

My latest sun is sinking fast. My race is nearly run My strongest trials now are past My triumph hath begunI I wish I had brought a paint brush and knew how to use it. Sitting here watching this sunset in the mountains of Nevada, that’s the idea I get. I wish I had a...
Can’t Sing ‘em

Can’t Sing ‘em

A lot of good songs tell a story. Some of them have a very emotional quality. A good singer will try to milk an emotional song for all it’s worth. You can hear the extra emotion from their singing if the song is done right. I like to sing. It’s one on the talents that...
It’s Just Me

It’s Just Me

Larry Sparks: It’s Just Me www.rebelrecords.com Song List:  Long Way to Denver, Don’t Neglect the Rose, Mom and Dad’s Waltz, Great High Mountain, Sweetheart, How About You, She Thinks I Still Care, Bring ‘Em on Back, Mama’s Apron Strings, The Scarlet Red Lines. Larry...
A Century of Doc

A Century of Doc

Doc Watson’s birthday was this past Friday. He would have turned one hundred on March third. I celebrated with my best jamming buddies by cutting short our session and walking down the street to hear Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands at the Sweetwater Music Hall in...
In Praise of the Banjo

In Praise of the Banjo

The banjo has always held a certain fascination for me. I was enthralled when Bill Evans presented his Banjo in America extravaganza ten years ago. What a cool instrument I thought, as Bill played through a series of vintage instruments to illustrate the venerable...
A Novel Banjo Style

A Novel Banjo Style

I suppose everybody who’s hooked on bluegrass is by definition hooked on banjo. Some people say, with good reason, that Bill Monroe “invented” bluegrass. But without those Earl Scruggs banjo rolls to drive the music, that invention would be hollow. Without the banjo,...