2022 IBMA Hall of Fame inductees...

[edwardofhuncote]

...include Norman Blake, Peter Rowan, and Paul Mullins. IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) made some good calls here I think.

I've been a fan of Norman Blake about as long as I knew what a guitar was, so I am overjoyed to see him get a little credit. Seems like every guitar-player knows what a masterful player he's been, but largely overlooked by the mainstream. I once played in a pickup jam with Peter Rowan (and Del McCoury!) during my starvation diet in Nashville. I'm sure a good many of you are familiar with his musical contributions. Good for him too!

I also had the pleasure quite a few years ago playing in an AcuTab promotional concert with Mr. Paul Mullins, and though I'm sure he wouldn't remember me, I'll never forget that one.

https://ibma.org/press-releases/ibma-announce-2022-inductees-to-the-bluegrass-music-hall-of-fame/

[cozmik_cowboy]

I have been in awe of Mr. Blake since he was in Kristofferson's band. 

I have not had the honor to meet, let alone play with (like I'd have the nerve to look at a guitar in his presence) Mr. Rowan, but did see him & Mr. Rice from 2nd row center at Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, WI (home of NPR's _Tent Show Radio_, a highly recommended listen).  As near as I recall, he was quite good (I confess most of attention was on Bryn Davies - or Bryn Bright, as she was then.  And not, I confess, entirely because of her splendid bass work.......).

Both choices inspire me to inquire "What the bloody hell took them so long?!!?

Peter (who is not familiar with Mr. Mullins - but will now be searchiong him out)

[edwardofhuncote]

Granted, it's kinda' old news now as they announced it a while back, but the induction was this past week in Raleigh, N.C. during the Awards Ceremony. (which I read was a technical disappointment, beyond the music)


Like awards things go, it's become every bit as polarizing as other genres of music these days. This year's hubbubs, Billy Strings wins Entertainer of the Year, and wasn't there to accept, didn't send a proxy with prepared comments. (Okay, did somebody tell him?) Bela' Fleck wins an Instrumental Group of the Year Award, with a rotating cast of band members playing selections from his "My Bluegrass Heart" project. (is there seriously anyone who believes anyone in any band he puts together isn't already an A-list player?) There's always something. And I've been out of IBMA long enough that I'm disconnected from the voting process.


I don't know... outside of being happy to see Norman and Peter get framed in the HoF, I'm happy to not have much of an opinion either way.