Author Archives: Bud Bennett

Night Noises

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Bud Bennett

Last night after work I met my wife out in the country for dinner.  We met at our cabin in the mountains of Floyd County and ate at the picnic table outside since it was a cool evening.  As we sat there, … Continue reading →

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Banjo Construction Photos- Form vs. Function

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Bud Bennett

I like banjos. There….I said it.  I guarantee that is a true statement too.  I like to play them, I like to hear them, I like to learn about them and I just plain like to look at them sometimes. … Continue reading →

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John Bullard Interview

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Bud Bennett

For those who want to jump right to the interview-  Part 1…… Part 2 As a banjo player, I have always been attracted to music that is a little out of the mainstream.  For several years I played banjo in a … Continue reading →

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Banjo Masters Interview Series

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Bud Bennett

For the past two years, our Archives department has been conducting interviews of master banjo players and builders.  As of now we have published interviews of Butch Robins, Sammy Shelor, Jens Kruger, and Tom Nechville.  This is a fascinating and … Continue reading →

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New Interview- Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Bud Bennett

  Tom Nechville- Banjo Building’s Mad Scientist https://vimeo.com/173492693 A few years ago when I came up with the idea to interview various banjo masters, I intended to focus on both players and builders that I felt were innovative, influential, and … Continue reading →

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A.J. Gaither- Home Made Musician

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Bud Bennett

A.J. Gaither is not technically an Appalachian, he lives in Arkansas actually.  He does though, live by the Appalachian belief in using what you have, repurposing things to make up for what you don’t have and making the best of your … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Bill Keith

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Bud Bennett

(photo copyright Fred Robbins, used by permission) William Bradford Keith (12/20/1939-10/23/2015) joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1963. Bill Monroe called him Brad Keith because he didn’t want another person named Bill in the band. What he did want … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Alison Brown

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Bud Bennett

Today I am highlighting a very non-traditional selection. The music today is mostly jazz with enough Celtic thrown in and a nod to Doc Watson so I feel it appropriate enough- besides, I love jazz music played on a banjo … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Conversations With North American Banjo Builders

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Bud Bennett

This month’s highlight selection is very different from all of the others. This week I am featuring volume 1 of a 9 DVD series in three parts. This series is composed of interviews of banjo builders. AND HISTORIANS!! (I have … Continue reading →

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Jens Kruger Interview

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Bud Bennett

(Photograph ©John Hildreth 2014 and used with permission.) I can remember the first time I ever heard The Kruger Brothers’ music.  I had heard the name Kruger Brothers and was aware that Jens was an amazing player but that was as … Continue reading →

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