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MANDOLIN  

Where to go on the internet when you're looking for tips and tricks on playing the mandolin.

There are dozens of entry-level mandolins, and only a few have even fairly good tone. Though it's no match for a high-end Gibson or Weber instrument, the Kentucky 250S is a great way to get started on the mandolin.

Bernier Japanese Mandolin Slicer is an effective tool provided you know how to use it safely. You may not get it right the very first time and this requires a knack to handle the slicer at right angle to get the desired size and shape.

Rogue makes good student-level instruments for very low prices, and the $50 Rogue mandolin is a fine example. It's not a perfect mandolin, but it is the best instrument you can find at under $100.

In recent years, the mandolin has been picking up an impressive fanbase. With mandolin taking it's place among more music styles and settings, these 5 albums will help fans and the uninitiated alike broaden their horizons.

They probably won't top many Christmas lists next year, but many mandolinists will eventually give in and buy one of the Neapolitan mandolins. They're easy to find if you know what to look for, provide great tone for the price, and are often heirloom quality instruments.

When most people think about really good Italian food, they tend to picture a fancy restaurant featuring mood enhancing lighting and a subdued decor, with typical mandolin music in the background.

An amazing recording. The music of Victor Roggio captures the mood of an evening in Italy. The mandolin, two guitars, mandola, mandocello and mandobass. All seven instruments played by one talented man.

The Music Forced Me To Look At My Own Life

An outstanding bluegrass album by those who have created and continue the tradition.

A concert and evening review of Bob weir and Ratdog in Ventura Ca. February 10, 2007

The Music Is Fresh And Inviting

Chicago-based artist/musician Jon Langford talks about his two bands and being snubbed by critics in both disciplines.

Festivals, whether in the city or the country are a tradition in all parts of the county and they are a great opportunity to visit a new place and see the people like they really are, without all the tourist attractions.

A solid casting of CCM heavyweights complements solid songwriting to make Glory Revealed a pleasant listen.

Indie Rock at its best.

There are many useful violin and string websites which can help the beginner, but these are my personal favorites.

If you like bluegrass and country, you might enjoy the blues and pop inflections that LaTresa has woven into her music. The purist will not be offended.

Solid music by one of the most respected musicians of our time

Mikey J And His Music Is Food For Thought And Reflection

A collection of short CD reviews from the best of 2006.

It is a ew and exciting year for Elkader Opera House - and it begins its year of household names and new talent with a Piano Series.

Old fans and those new to Cowboy Junkies would do well in picking up this fantastic set.

Nickel Creek is a trio of youngsters that stormed onto the country and bluegrass scene in the early 2000s. This is a review of their first commercial release.

and Respected

Check out Roberto Moreno's latest disc.

The best movie, TV show, CD, song, comedy CD, book, actor, actress, host, and newcomer of 2006.

An interview with Nickel Creek guitarist Sean Watkins, which originally ran prior to a Scranton, Pa. concert.

This is a review of the Dropkick Murphys show - as much a review of the music, as a review of the crowd.

In terms of the labeled music follower, there's Deadheads, Phishheads and even Parrotheads. So, with this lets introduce an up and coming group of music loving fans known as Butterspreaders. This coined term is just the first

Stuart and his band, The Fabulous Superlatives, showcase the best of what they have to offer on their newest release, Live at the Ryman.

On Jan. 19th the famous bluegrass band Cherryholmes will perform at McFarlin Auditorium at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

With his fifth solo album, How to Grow a Woman From the Ground", Chris Thile and his aptly-named band, "How to Grow a Band," carry the essence of Nickel Creek but continue to reach out, bridging genres and sounds.

The Martin Guitar Factory, located at 510 Sycamore Street in Nazareth, PA hasn't always been the home of these famous acoustic guitars.

I Like This Album Because It Feels Real

Blind Man Walking is an album that marks the entrance of a group that is set to leave a mark upon the bluegrass world.

Clint, Michigan is a scorching hot new band that has a residency at Jimmy Fallon's New York Club.

This is an article listing 9 summer music festivals in Indiana and the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

I believed Rascal Flatts was an extraordinary group who would go far in country music from the beginning of their appearance on CMT.

American Doll Posse is the ninth studio album by Tori Amos. It is available May 1, 2007.

5 of the most heavenly beaches around the world

Todd Snider's PEACE, LOVE AND ANARCHY album collects rarities, B-sides and demos from the six years he spent with John Prine's Oh Boy Records.

As a member of the band Kane Steve Carlson is poised on the verge of country stardom. With his own band he has occupied another niche in the music industry which is not only saleable but extraordinarily like able.

An easy to use, accurate guitar tuner that works reading the vibrations rather than by listening too the sounds of the individual strings.

Choosing what you will name your baby is a very big deal. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.

A review of Paul McCartney's 21st solo album. 13 brilliant new songs plus more!

This article shares information on this year's "Nashville Star" including cast bios and episode summaries.

Spock's Beard guitarist Alan Morse gets together with his brother Neal and a few friends to record an impressive solo debut album with Four O' Clock And Hysteria

I'm not just saying this because one of the band members happens to be my cousin, but Burnt Toast and Jam is a great band. Each member is a gifted, very musically inclined, and talented addition to the band.

Armadillos. Crawdads. Shelled creatures may seem to have the lock on Arkansas summer festivals, but there is a lot of music to be found during the season as well.

A romantic short story penned for an exercise with another fiction-writing buddy of mine. It includes 5 mandatory words or phrases, but who knows what they were at this point because they are no longer bolded in the story. Happy reading!

Before you spend money on lessons, after you've purchased an instrument, you might want to take advantage of free lessons online

Opening for Jessica Simpson was pretty random and unusual to me. But everyone else seemed to think it was cool. I don't really love her music all that much though, thus it felt pretty wierd. And they only paid me and my band $50. But whatever, it was good exposure.

I recently had the opportunity to hang out and talk with THE Zeb Bartels, local classical guitarist from DuBois, PA...Here is what he had to say...

As the front man of indie rockers the Decemberists, Colin Meloy (who majored in creative writing at the University of Montana) spins musical yarns about orphaned chimney sweeps, the ghosts of stillborn children and revenge at sea.

Full Moon Fever is a revelation--Tom Petty pays tribute to the musicians who influenced him, and even has a few of them over to play.

A two-CD set of unreleased material that Crowes fans will be happy to hear.

This one features musical virtuosity and flawless production. It also has some interesting time signature experiments.

North Carolina's Maggie Valley (and relatives) inspired Kerry Madden's beautiful books

We traveled to Clay City, Kentucky, the Saturday before Easter to hear some wonderful Bluegrass music at the Meadowgreen Park.

Rae-Ray is a treat for the Memphis music scene with humorous and crafty songs.

Doing artwork for websites, bands or the everyday art lover, has given me the opportunity to meet some very interesting and down right amazing people. Pearls Mahone & The OneEyed Jacks are no exception! Get to know them in this AC exclusive interview!

The series continues, but if you are wise, you won't

Norah returns with another disc of bliss-filled tracks.

Hate me if you want, but I love the Dixie Chicks. Natalie Maines along with sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison are an extremely talented trio. When it comes to music, the Dixie Chicks know how to make hits. Here are my top 10 picks.

This is music for everyone but the lyrics are not for those who are shallow or feel personal introspection is a waste of time

RRE takes bluegrass and the listener to a whole new realm of what bluegrass can be.

Rockygrass band Champions TOWN MOUNTAIN make their return to Colorado for 7 shows in mid January. Do not miss the opportunity to catch this up-and-coming traditional bluegrass and roots country band.

If you are confused by the chronology of the Jack Ryan series, this guide's for you....

From the French Riviera to the Coast of Gibraltar there are hundreds of great beaches and seaside resorts, perfect for those romantic getaways.There are many choices along the European Coast that make for a pleasurable and enjoyable holiday or vacation.

This is classic album and it was Edgar Winter and his band in their prime

This album is a perfect intro to the band for bluegrass fans who have yet to discover them. For those new to the bluegrass, YMSB are good entry points to learn whether or not you like the genre.

A review of Phil Vassar's second album, American Child.

Home, the Dixie Chicks third album, goes back to their roost. I mean roots.

Do you like jazz? How about the blues? Do you like to run or walk hills through grand old neighborhoods? Maybe you enjoy picnics by the river or outdoor concerts? Perhaps you'd care to gamble on a new thing? You'll find fun on the Mississippi banks.

The first studio effort from Kris Kristofferson in a decade that exemplifies why he is considered one of todays most gifted songwriters is a combination of simple and natural songs rich in depth and truth.

Robinella's album, Solace for the Lonely, is great. It combines country with a jazzy feel. The singer/songwriter has developed a unique style that is appeasing to the ear.

Is there a better place on Earth to take guitar lessons than Nashville Tennessee? The town where 1000's of the worlds best guitar players arrive daily in search of stardom.

The John Butler Trio has been Australia's best kept secret who can without a doubt now take the title of Australia's best export.

Whether you like your sounds with a dash of the old world, a hint of grunge or a dollop of the digital frontier, chances are you'll find something pleasing in this seasoned blend of up-and-coming artists!

Alt-Country, bluegrass and urban life fuse together and explode into sound on Small Business, the latest CD from Lane Murchison and his Bad Ass Chickenbones!

Reviews of Scenic Byways, Buckskin Stallion, Jett Black, Fade to Bluegrass, Barbara Cue and John Hermann. A rootsy blend of reviews, from acoustic picking to '50s-inspired fare.

Music Reviews of "jambands" Widespread Panic, String Cheese Incident, Jemimah Puddleduck, Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule, Keller Williams, The Radiators, Mr. Blotto and Little Feat.

Reviews of recently released bluegrass/newgrass including music by Sam Bush, Darol Anger and Joe Craven.

Shopping online for a guitar can be risky. You don't get to play and try out a few instruments before you decide, the axe can be damaged in shipping, or -- worst of all -- you might waste your money on a junker or even get scammed.

With Old-School Country Star Merle Haggard in tow and Fast-Rising Crooner Amos Lee Opening the Night, Bob Dylan brings his Endless Tour to Denver for a Classic Night of Music.

Gutterflower (2003), the Goo Goo Dolls' follow-up to their hugely successful Dizzy Up the Girl, is a strong work by a constantly growing and evolving group.

I enjoyed it a great deal and would recommend it for any serious music fan's library because of its historical significance and the sheer brilliance of the music.

Though famous, and rightly so, for its mega-hits "Slide" and "Iris," The Goo Goo Dolls' Dizzy Up The Girl is a diverse and powerful pop rock album that marks a change in the sound of the Dolls.

The rock disc is a great summer soundtrack for young men between 15 and 25. The acoustic disc has more diversity and subtlety in the music and I found it to be the better of the two.

A wonderfully harmonious gumbo that combines the music of their Cajun heritage with a multitude of influences, ranging from genres, such as alt-rock and the blues

If you don't have a fun time seeing The Fenians play, the fault is most likely yours.

If you were into music back in the glory days of the 1980's, you know who Bruce Springsteen is. Bruce Springsteen is considered THE BOSS of Rock. Now he is back and he is singing a different type of music, folk music.

autobiography