by Maggie Sokolik | Jan 27, 2022 | Bluegrass History, Bluegrass Musicians, Welcome Column
Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, publicity photo, University of Missouri, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons I took another dip into the archives this month, and I chose an issue of the Breakdown that had a bit of sentimental meaning for me. I chose one that...
by Bert Daniel | Jan 26, 2022 | Welcome Column
Most people know what ginseng is. It’s an herb, prized for centuries by the Chinese and you see it all the time these days as an ingredient in tea, energy drinks and cold remedies. What many people do not know is that ginseng grows all over the northern hemisphere,...
by Bert Daniel | Jan 22, 2022 | Welcome Column
A certain time eventually comes in the life of any string musician when it’s time to change your strings. Unless you have a good reason to change your strings, like an upcoming gig or event, you probably avoid the chore just like I do. It might still be fun to noodle...
by Bert Daniel | Jan 22, 2022 | Welcome Column
A little over ten years ago we lost one of the finest bluegrass musicians of all time. Kenny Baker, who fiddled for Bill Monroe on and off for a quarter century, died of a stroke at age 85. One could argue forever about who is the best bluegrass fiddler of all time....
by Patrick Campbell | Jan 20, 2022 | California Report
CBA’s Regional Director for Contra Costa County, Bruce Campbell, in the news! This vibrant music scene is not San Francisco, Nashville, New Orleans or Memphis, but one of California’s oldest towns, Martinez. This East Bay city of 38,000 has transformed their...
by Bruce Campbell | Jan 19, 2022 | Welcome Column
Nobody loves gear and instruments more than I, and I have often waxed poetically on the joys of fine guitars, banjos, fiddle, basses and the like. That love burns strong. The recent find of a Lloyd Loar mandolin in some old barn was fascinating – can you...
by Patrick Campbell | Jan 17, 2022 | Old-time scene
California, with immigrants from the world over, has always been awash in traditional music and continues to be. New releases on the Tiki Parlour label from Southern Cal spotlight the many directions that current and past Old-time music has taken. From San Diego via...
by Bert Daniel | Jan 16, 2022 | Welcome Column
We all face crossroads in our lives, important junctures where we could take one path or a different one. It may be a decision about which direction is better or it might be a choice about which is the lesser evil. The crossroad can be a powerful image for music...
by Bruce Campbell | Jan 12, 2022 | Welcome Column
I like playing music. I bet a lot of you like doing it too. And, nine times out of ten, it’s a no brainer. You grab your instrument and attend a jam or a gig. Piece of cake, right? Not so fast! Evil forces are at work, conspiring to keep you from the musical...
by Patrick Campbell | Jan 10, 2022 | Coming Event(s)
Attention all CBA members – CBA will be hosting a table in the lobby. Be sure to stop by and visit! Goldenvoice presents Punch Brothers at the historic Theater at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles! Punch Brothers are mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge,...
