RIP Earl Scruggs

Posted by Lance Davis - March 30, 2012 - Bob Dylan, Byrds, Clarence White, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Joan Baez, Ron Swanson

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What Scruggs had done was to begin playing a five-string banjo with three fingers. His thumb, middle, and index fingers were all picking, creating two strands of harmony to buttress the melody. In a sense, he could function as a trio all by himself. Because he alternated three fingers, Scruggs could play one note […]

Ringing the Doorbell in Your Mind

Posted by Lance Davis - August 4, 2009 - D. Boon, Dinosaur Jr, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, J Mascis, Mike Watt, Minutemen, Ray Charles, Richard Manuel

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When in doubt: Minutemen. That’s a personal code and I’m passing it along to you free of charge. Don’t forget it. Etch it in your brain. Not many people got a code to live by anymore. To that end, I’ve found that playing Double Nickels On The Dime at least once a month is […]

Clarence White: Strap Yourself to a Tree with Roots: 1970

Posted by Lance Davis - July 17, 2009 - Bob Dylan, Byrds, Clarence White, Earl Scruggs, Jimi Hendrix, John Hammond

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“We’re getting standing ovations for the first time. We’re tighter and more together. We’re a much, much better band.” –Roger McGuinn to Rolling Stone, late 1969 1970 was The Byrds’ last great year of sustained excellence. They played around 200 gigs in the US and Europe and were consistently lauded for kickass live performances. […]