Okay, I have been slacking… but only in regards to updating my blog (and buying a dresser for the lump of cloths on by bedroom floor). I’ve actually been quite busy with my new band (This is the) Squirrel Hunters.

For some time I have known that in order to get my playing to the next level, I need more reps and to be forced into sweating every detail. In other words, I need a band. As luck would have it, I have some good friends who’s playing I enjoy and who all have similar interest in improvement. Thus was born (This is the) Squirrel Hunters.

We recently had our debut… our maiden voyage… our, if you will, debutant ball (oh, and I will)…. The event took place at one of my favorite bars, the Roxbury Tavern. Tom, the owner/proprietor of the Roxbury, showed his TITSH colors by cooking up a fantastic squirrel stew in honor of the occasion!

It was a fine time to be sure. There’s work ‘o plenty still to do but it was a fine beginning. You’re welcome to see for yourself. There are a few videos up on YouTube, as well as a photo sideshow on the band site. Our next show is this weekend at the Brooklyn Bluegrass Festival in Brooklyn, WI.

Even if you’re not that into Bluegrass, I would think you’d find the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show DVD pretty cool. If you are even remotely into Bluegrass, then this DVD series is absolutely essential! I don’t think I can hype these DVDs too much… just go buy one and see for yourself. In addition to the many, many great tunes, they also included some of the original Martha White commercials… which are priceless!

I had the pleasure of filling in for the missing Bruce King at a recent New Pioneers show. Here's some footage from the show... and even more footage if you're crazy like that... or on YouTube if that's your thing.

The show turned out to be a bit of a Bluegrass-smack-upside-the-head. It reminded me that I've been spending a lot of time in the Old-Time world and neglecting the 'Grass. Message received.

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QuickTime 7 required.

And please note, because Internet Explorer totally sucks, I can't embed quicktime safely any more. Please stop using Microsoft products where possible. I'd appreciate it.

Being relatively new to Wisconsin, I am continually discovering new (to me anyway) Bluegrass resources. the Northland Jamboree is another fine example. The show is no longer being recorded but is available online to download or as a podcast (see below). It features both national and local Wisconsin artists and… well… is just plain good! Give it a listen!

The Northland Jamboree was recorded live from the stage of the Northland Ballroom, in the heart of Wisconsin’s dairyland. Each week the program’s host, Art and Stephanie Stevenson, welcomed a special guest for a jam-packed quarter-hour of music. This live radio show was recorded and is offered as a podcast and features some of the best bluegrass and acoustic music in the Northland.

You can find a listing of shows that are available to download and listen to by searching kyouradio.com. You can also subscribe to the Northland Jamboree podcast via iTunes or get the RSS feed

The eldest of the Brothers Ray has just recently turned 40. In addition to the obligatory ribbing for being old and at least relatively feeble, the whole family got together to celebrate the milestone in grand fashion. All the usual characters were there and in especially rare form.

As a special surprise, some friends from days long (really, really long) past were in attendance with their respective families in tow. It was quite interesting to watch the 15+ year absence almost immediately dissipate and vanish. Granny Ray, the clan elder at a spry 94 (and at least an inch shorter than last time), made an appearance and was seen eating an impressive amount of food, though she mentioned multiple times that she was full and couldn't eat a thing. This would be the first time in many many years that the whole family was together under a single roof. Quite remarkable really... and an extremely fine time was had by all.

During the festivities, Sean and I picked a few songs for the crowd... another first in many many years. This was partially caught on tape by the infamous Milwaukee Mike (aka Mikey "Tie, hold the die").

I've been playing lately with a band called Rosebud Blue. It's been quite fun and they've been nice enough to put up with my shenanigans... Here's some video from a show we played a few weeks back in lovely Morgan Hill, CA.

Well, I've been working on a few new mando tunes... here's one that was a lot tougher than I expected. It's still not right but there is progress being made. Many thanks to a certain bald headed, 50 year old in overalls for the continued support. It is much appreciated. Eventually, even the most stubborn digits must comply...

I spent some time playing around with the built-in video camera on one of the new Intel Macs. The quality is actually surprisingly good, though it is only capable of 15fps. Apple may not have had it in mind when they developed it, but it makes an excellent mandolin practice tool. Here’s a few scenes from today’s episode of MandoBoy, featuring “Orange”, my beloved BRW…

Evening Prayer Blues
New 5 Cents
New Camptown Races
Frog on a Lilly Pad
Jerusalem Ridge
Poor White Folks
Right Right On
Tennessee Blues

QuickTime 7 required.

Last night, my buddy Josh and I had the pleasure of attending the Santa Cruz Guitar Company’s Christmas potluck/pickin’ party. We ate, drank and bluegrassed the night away. Every room in the place had a different jam going on inside… It was especially interesting because there were guitar parts and wood everywhere you turned.

Those guys and gals make some of the worlds best guitars (including my own H13) and throw a mighty fine party to boot…

I’m a big fan of David Byrne. His self-titled solo record (pictured here) is one of my personal favorites. He offers a radio show on his website which is currently offering an interesting collection of “classic country” tunes that he’s calling Rednecks, Racists and Reactionaries: Country Classics. Some nice choices in there… including some good ‘Grass.

David’s show has also garnered him some unfortunate attention from the RIAA/DMCA.