From John Lawless (Acutab Transcriptions)
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AcuTab Publications released Kenny Smith: AcuTab Transcriptions, Vol. 1 on November 29. The book contains transcriptions of 33 solos by the two-time IBMA Guitar Player Of The Year. Orders are now being accepted at the AcuTab website The book features solos from two Lonesome River Band albums, One Step Forward and Finding The Way, and his solo release, Studebaker. Kenny’s award-winning style encompasses bluegrass, old time and contest style playing and the book has many examples of each. You’ll find tasteful cross-picking on an old time ballad ollowed by blistering versions of contest standards like Bill Cheatham and grassy solos from LRB. We at AcuTab have produced many artist-approved tablature transcriptions of their pieces, but what about those of you who can’t read tab? We are delighted to announce the release of our first video product, designed to help 5 string banjo players learn from tablature. In this concise 30 minute presentation, we take you through the basics of reading tab with special emphasis on recognising and counting the rhythms - usually the biggest obstacle for new tab readers. All tab examples are shown on screen with a moving cursor that jumps from note to note to help you “see” the timing as it is shown in tab. The material starts with single notes, progresses to simple rolls and licks, and concludes with a simple version of Cripple Creek and a slightly more elaborate version of Boil Them Cabbage Down. Printed examples of all the tab is also included. All this for only $15! Believe it - you can learn to read tab! More details on the web at: http://www.acutab.com/read tab.html Editor’s note: Modesty prevents John from mentioning he is the tutor on this video! I spoke recently with Scott Vestal, Wayne Benson and Jeff Autry about the upcoming Bluegrass 2000 project for Pinecastle. Anyone who has any of the CDs from this fabulous series knows what high quality music is contained therein. Bluegrass 2000 was recorded in November in Scott’s new all-digital studio. Mixing is now complete and we can hope to see the project in the stores by springtime. Scott, Wayne and Jeff all told me independently of the others that they felt this album was the best of the bunch so far. The focus this time is on original material: 2 Vestal tunes, 2 Benson tunes, a Mark Schatz waltz, a Jeff Autry tune and a Ron Stewart fiddle tune. They also cut Foggy Mountain Rock and Farewell Blues and maybe one other standard. Personnel: Scott Vestal - banjo Wayne Benson - mandolin Jeff Autry - guitar Randy Kohrs - dobro Mark Schatz - bass Ron Stewart - fiddle. I can’t wait to hear it. If these guys are excited about it, it must be a keeper! The new Huber banjo is coming along well. It will be “Huberized” nearly from the ground up. Steve will be making the bulk of the metal parts, the rims and resonators and (of course) the rings. The necks are also of his design, involving a slight modification of the pre war scale and profile, with a new inlay and headstock. Nothing radical - just a great banjo that will be reminiscent of the pre-wars in both sound, feel and appearance. I can’t wait to have one myself. I had the pleasure recently to see both Alison Krauss & Union Station and The Lonesome River Band here in Roanoke. Outstanding, the both of them. AK&US were, naturally, supporting their new CD so they had a drummer (Larry Atamanuik) - but he played on only about 1/3 of the show. The grassy parts of the show were superb - exquisite even. I think Dan Tyminski is one of the best singers our beloved bluegrass music has ever produced and he was prominently featured. He even did a cut from his upcoming solo project on Doobie Shea, the wonderful Louvin classic, Tiny Broken Heart. Jerry Douglas was also front and center. And Alison was great too, of course! We made it through the Acutab Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend it one piece but I will admit to being both mentally and physically exhausted! Thanks to all for their support! A few personal highlights included:
Until next time,
PO Box 21061 Roanoke, VA 24018-0108.
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John with his Stealth banjo