In the latest episode of Toy Heart, we embark on a journey with the amazing Jody Stecher through the primordial musical oozes that gave birth to bluegrass, old-time, and country music.A multi-instrumentalist with expertise in a variety of styles and traditions, he also performs himself. sarodHindustani Instruments – Stecher's entire career is an interesting case study in the interconnectedness of American folk music styles.
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Host Tom Power begins a fascinating and philosophical conversation by asking Stecher about his childhood in New York City. The grandson of Eastern European immigrants, he “discovered” country and bluegrass like many of his contemporaries, listening to WWVA's radio show Wheeling His Jamboree and listening to the Osborne Brothers and Jimmy Martin & Sunny Mountain. I listened to performances by first generation pickers such as the Boys. Shortly thereafter, Stecher replaced mandolin player (and one-day industry heavyweight) Ralph Rinzler with the local bluegrass band The Kings. He became a member of County Outpatients and later joined another group. New York Ramblers.
From his early days, he immersed himself in local, regional, and eventually national outfits, producing iconic albums such as; Climb mountain Given her current status as a respected expert and admired elder statesman of American roots music, Jodi Stescher uses her music and her expertise to ensure that the boundaries between these folk genres are It demonstrates how ambiguous it really is. Power and Stecher talk about education, David Grisman, and their collaboration with Jerry Garcia. – Meditation and music, early sounds and recordings by people such as Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, members of Peter Rowan’s band, the duo with Kate Brislin, Utah Phillips, and others.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of roots music or new to these scenes, Tom Power and Jody Stecher's episode of Toy Heart brings bluegrass, old-time, and country music to life right in the heart of today. It will focus on the stories, traditions and techniques that are used to inspire you. .
Photo by Eric Thompson