Things That Make Me Smile

by | Oct 8, 2014 | Welcome Column

Lately, harsh realities have forced their way into our lives. Some people we love dearly have departed this blue marble, and that’s always a cause for some sadness and reflection. The column I wrote for this morning was going to be about that – but then I...

Things That Make Me Smile When I Think of Them

by | Aug 15, 2012 | Welcome Column

If you’re lucky like me, several times a day, certain thoughts or mental images flicker across your mind and make you smile. Here are some of the things that do this for me (above and beyond the obvious kids and family). Vocal phrasing from Red Allen, Jimmy Martin and...

Things That Make Me Smile When I Think of Them

by | Oct 31, 2015 | Welcome Column

(Editor’s Note–Okay, this is gonna sound like sucking up, but the truth is that when we decide on a fifth-day-of-the-month to go with a retro column, one that’s run before, it takes extra time to select the best Bruce Campbell column to post. ...

Think Globally, but Vote and Pick Locally

by | Sep 2, 2015 | Welcome Column

This is the time of year when the CBA holds its Board of Directors elections. You’d think, in a tight knit little musical community such as ours, nearly every member would vote in the election, but that’s not the case. Our voter turnout is less than the national...

Think Globally, Listen Locally

by | Jan 9, 2013 | Welcome Column

I know of no art form that embraces amateur participation like bluegrass. It’s instantly accessible, eminently portable and provides both instant gratification and lasting enjoyment. The professionals in this music form are a curious anomaly – it’s not their fault...

Thinking About the Groove

by | Oct 1, 2020 | Welcome Column

It’s fricking October already and I haven’t played any music with anyone (besides my wife) in 7 months. I see and hear of others doing it and I am very envious of them. I was invited a couple of times a few months back and turned them down as the news was indicating...

This ain’t no mouse music

by | Sep 11, 2015 | Welcome Column

I just saw a wonderful documentary on Netflix about the history of Arhoolie Records and it’s interesting founder, a fellow named Chris Strachwitz. Chris is a German immigrant who  was smitten by the beauty and primitive majesty of all forms of American roots...

This Ain’t Your Granny’s Generation

by | Jul 1, 2012 | Welcome Column

It’s Friday night and I sat down at my desk and thought that I might actually get a jump on my Sunday column. After pouring a bit of my customary pre-writing bourbon, I began to stare at the computer screen. I’d planned out my bit of monthly prose while watching the...