On our 357th episode, we heard an incredible guitar safari tale from the Po' Ramblin' Boys' C.J. Lewandowski that involved a trip to Greece in the middle of a pandemic, an underground bank vault and the Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson mandolin he ended up bringing home. Today we're sharing the second half of that interview where C.J. talks to us about the Po' Ramblin' Boys' new record, 'Never Slow Down' (out now), his band's lineup, signing to Smithsonian Folkways, and much more. Yes, there's even another great mandolin lost & found story.
This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time).
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Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about life on the road, his 2020 album 'Sad Hunk,' Bahamas' often hilarious Instagram feed and so much more. We also talk about his gear of choice (including the Nachocaster guitar he recently purchased), the importance of walking, and the perks of ending up on all those Spotify "chill" playlists. It's a fun chat with one of our favorite artists.
During Afie's visit, we also filmed him performing two songs. Look for those soon on fretboardjournal.com.
This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more).
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our 50th issue. Join us by clicking on this link.
Norman Blake turns 84 this week. To celebrate, we’re joined by guitarist Bob Minner who is about to release an entire Normal Blake tribute album, From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn (Engelhardt Music Group). Minner, longtime guitarist for Tim McGraw and FJ contributor, recruited a who’s-who of virtuosos on the album, including Mike Compton, Chris Eldridge, Vince Gill, Trey Hensley, Kenny Smith and Tim Stafford. It’s a gorgeous album.
During our chat, we talk to Bob about the project, his visits to Norman's house, the vintage guitars used on the project, and the Martin that Norman is currently excited about (it may just surprise you). Plus a lot more...
Whether you’ve been inspired by Norman Blake like countless others or you just want to hear about this unique American treasure (and all the cool instruments he’s championed), you’ll love this chat.
This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more).
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our 50th issue. Join us by clicking on this link.
How far would you go for a great deal on the instrument of your dreams?
How about a 5,500 mile trip halfway around the world in the middle of a pandemic?
On this week's podcast, we meet C.J. Lewandowski, mandolinist and lead singer for the Po' Ramblin' Boys. C.J. just flew to Greece to buy a Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson F-5 mandolin, dated July 9, 1923, just like Bill Monroe's.
He recounts the leap of faith he took to obtain it, the complexities of buying an instrument overseas, the condition of the mandolin when he finally obtained it (which had likely never played bluegrass prior to his ownership), and what's next.
It's the ultimate guitar, err, mandolin safari tale... all the way to Athens, Greece and back.
The Po' Ramblin' Boys have a great new album coming out March 25, 2022 called Never Slow Down on Smithsonian Folkways. We'll hear more about that on a future FJ Podcast episode.
This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more).