The Punch Brothers (inspired by this photo of Critter on my dashboard, while channeling Al Hirschfeld)
I have a crush on every single member of this band. It’s true, I stalk them every time they play live in the city I happen to be in.
But in all seriousness, they are one of the most talented group of people I’ve had the pleasure of watching, live. Seeing them perform is always such an inspiration. I want to be as good as these guys are in what I do. They can really make their instruments sing.
This Machine Kills Fascists
Did this pencil drawing of Woody Guthrie. I haven’t used pencil in a long time, it’s nice, so easy to control.
Today is Guthrie’s 100th birthday. If you don’t know Woody Guthrie, you do, because everybody knows this song.
Funny that today “This Land Is Your Land” is considered one of those nationalistic songs, when it was originally written by Guthrie to criticize the song “God Bless America.” He was sick of hearing it on the radio so much, because he thought it was unrealistic.
There’s a free screening of Bound for Glory tonight at Coney Island, it’s a recreation of Guthrie’s life. Billy Bragg and Steve Earle will perform Guthrie songs on the beach before the film.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2010
Speaking of Hardly Strictly… I dug up my old sketchbook to find this drawing. I drew this such a long time ago, I’m not sure if that’s Doc Watson or not, but I know he was playing the Banjo stage on this date. So that could be him.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2010
Banjo Stage! It was crazy fun times. I hope I’d get to go again one day.
Doc Watson died today. That’s two geniuses in one month. I’m glad I get to see him live at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Thanks Jamie!
“I would not have been worth the salt that went in my bread if my dad hadn’t put me at the end of a crosscut saw to show me that there was not a reason in the world that I couldn’t pull my own weight and help to do my part in some of the hard work”
Hahaha I worked on that CD cover!! I’m so excited that it’s finally out (actually it’s been out for a while now, this is just the first time I’m seeing it on Tumblr). It’s so cool to take a small part in something I truly enjoy.
Banjo-player Noam Pikelny, better known for his work in the Punch Brothers, has recently come out with his own album, called Beat the Devil and Carry a Rail (Compass Records, 2011), which features guest performers such as Aoife O’Donovan, Steve Martin, and Chris Thile.
Most of the pieces are Noam Pikelny’s own compositions, with a couple of exceptions including one Tom Waits and one which Steve Martin contributes to. This track, The Broken Drought, is a more like a ballad and works very well for banjo.
Our folk/bluegrass section is growing, and this album is one that should certainly be checked out!
(via fuckyeahbluegrass)
One of the bands I was most looking forward to see (if I were going to HSB). I sure hope Mr. Warren Hellman lives to be very very old.
I love that man. And that woman. Can I marry both of them?
That might get a little awkward, I’ll just settle for listening to her new CD. Right, NOW!
Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings doing their thing yesterday at Newport Folk.
(Source: countryandwestern, via fuckyeahbluegrass)
2nd Annual LA Bluegrass Situation, at The Largo.
Is it weird that I think the most recognizable part of the sketch are their hairs? And in case you’re wondering, I watercolored it once I got home. But I was so psyched when I saw that I drew in Gabe’s beard, I really couldn’t see what I was drawing, so it was a crap shoot.
2nd Annual LA Bluegrass Situation, at The Largo.
It was a challenge trying to draw them, it was dark and they move around so much. But you can basically tell who’s who, since they always keep the same formation.
2nd Annual LA Bluegrass Situation, at The Largo.
The Punch Brothers!
2nd Annual LA Bluegrass Situation, at The Largo.
Hey, we got to see Nickel Creek! Joined by Gabe Witcher and Pickles right towards the end.
I really wasn’t planning on it, but I did some super quick sketches during the show last Thursday and Friday.
You just can’t watch Chris Thile perform on a stage and not be tempted to record him. And since we weren’t allowed cameras, these sketches would have to do.
