Picking the Faith features Travis-style thumbpick guitar, and so it only seemed appropriate to include a Merle Travis song or two on the album. The album contains Preacher Lane, a song from Merle’s Songs of the Coal Mines album. … Continue readingPreacher Lane: Picking the Faith Release Concert
Shaker Hymn, Simple Gifts
In the spring of 1979, the University of Kentucky Choristers began an annual reactment of a Shaker worship service at the Shaker village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. I was blessedContinue readingShaker Hymn, Simple Gifts
Paul and Silas Bound in Jail
I recorded this bluegrass gospel standard for the online worship service (July 24, 2011) of DisciplesNet Church. The history of the song is unclear to me, but I’m using most ofContinue readingPaul and Silas Bound in Jail
I’ll See You in My Dreams
This was recorded during the finals of the National Thumbpicking Guitar Contest at Mountain View, Ark., on May 12, 2012. The contest is part of Thumbpicking Weekend, an annual tributeContinue readingI’ll See You in My Dreams
My Old Kentucky Home
You know who writes a good song? Stephen Foster does, and My Old Kentucky Home is my favorite of Mr. Foster’s tunes. I typically combine this with Back Home AgainContinue readingMy Old Kentucky Home
Five Foot Two
Five Foot Two, also known as Has Anybody Seen My Gal?, was a popular song of the 1920s that has stood the test of time. It’s been recorded and performedContinue readingFive Foot Two
March Madness: Go Big Blue!
Kentucky born and raised, I grew up a fan of the Kentucky Wildcats. I remember back as far as when Ronnie Lyons graduated from Mason County High School and wentContinue readingMarch Madness: Go Big Blue!
When You and I Were Young (Maggie)
George Washington Johnson was a Canadian schoolteacher who fell in love with one of his pupils, Margaret “Maggie” Clark. They were married in 1864, but she died only a fewContinue readingWhen You and I Were Young (Maggie)
The Ninety and Nine
When three adorable sheep ask you to sing their favorite song, how can you refuse? … Continue readingThe Ninety and Nine
Baby On Board
This week’s Thumbpick Thursday tips a hat to fans of The Simpsons with the classic hit from the Be Sharps, Baby on Board. It was a fun arrangement to work out and hasContinue readingBaby On Board