A DUAL-Mandolin Workshop with MIKE COMPTON and DAVID LONG

Tuesday , February 08, 2005
05:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Elderly Instruments
workshop ($70.00)

We're excited that Mike and David are offering their mandolin workshop at Elderly when they bring the "Mandolin Duets" tour to the Midwest in early February. Their popular Bill Monroe-based hands-on bluegrass mandolin workshop is presented at select locations throughout the U.S. as part of their coast-to-coast tour, when and where time and circumstances allow.

Before we describe the workshop in detail, there's a hitch--one you might be able to help us work out if you or a friend is interested in attending this three-hour hands-on workshop. We MUST have TEN (10) students SIGNED UP by FEBRUARY 1 in order to guarantee that the workshop will be held, and time's a-flittin'. If you're interested, please help spread the word--fast. Thanks in advance. (IF the workshop has to be cancelled, payment will be promptly refunded.)

The workshop focuses primarily on the mandolin style of the late Bill Monroe. A brief history of Monroe's life and influences is covered, to give students an overall view of what theoretically shaped the man and his sound. Mike and David will explain the preferred right hand usage for Monroe's style of playing, followed by briefer discussion of the left hand. They'll share techniques and devices for reproducing the sound of Monroe's
mandolin language. Some of the topics include tone, triplets, tremolo, downstrokes, double stops, slides, melody insinuation, and the preferred chop chord sound.

The workshop is geared toward intermediate-level players who are interested in learning more specifically how to play in the Monroe bluegrass mandolin style. All skill levels are welcome, however, and efforts will be made to accommodate everyone and to answer every question. "No question is considered 'too simple'," say Mike and David. Bring your mandolin and come prepared to ask questions and actively participate; the class is not a lecture. Also, there is an extensive list of tunes available for those who have specific questions concerning specific tunes. It's a great chance to hone your skills and pick the minds of two of the foremost mandolin players on today's traditional music scene.

The Compton/Long duo formed in 2003 after discovering a mutual interest in a variety of string-band music: rural country blues, old-time, bluegrass, early string-band music... "Mike Compton and David Long are two men possessed with their craft, cut from the same traditional bluegrass mold. What a marvelous show they put on. They're the real stuff..." - www.mandolincafe.com

Grammy winner MIKE COMPTON was the mandolin player on the Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou? movie and soundtrack. He performed on the Down from the Mountain and Cold Mountain tours. Mike is well-known for his extensive work with the late John Hartford and has collaborated with such other notables as David Grier and Ralph Stanley. Mike currently plays with the Grammy-award-winning Nashville Bluegrass Band. In March,
2002, Mike's achievements were acknowledged and awarded by the Mississippi State Senate under State Resolution #45. It was probably the first time strains of Bill Monroe's "Old Ebenezer Scrooge" were heard in a Senate meeting. A prolific composer, Mike treasures memories of his friendship with mentor Bill Monroe.

Traditional stylist DAVID LONG has played with the Wildwood Valley Boys and the award-winning Karl Shiflett and His Big Band. David's recent CD Midnight from Memphis received staunch reviews, including both Mandolin Magazine and Mandolin Quarterly. "David Long is clearly a next generation musician ably stepping forward to honor and keep the traditional sounds of bluegrass alive in his playing and composing." - Country Standard Time Magazine "David brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to his music. His playing is confident and forthright, and his knowledge of the Monroe songbag is second to none. Add...his amazing right wrist and super strong attack and you have one of the best traditional mandolin players to come along in recent memory" - Pittsburgh reviewer Bob Ardis.

John Hartford said that Mike Compton knows more about Bill Monroe style mandolin than the Father of Bluegrass himself. Quite an accolade from Mike's friend John. And here's what Mike himself says about David, according to Mandolin Magazine: "(Mike Compton) has been drawing rare reviews of his tours with young Monroe master David Long, who Mike says has 'probably the best understanding of Monroe's right hand of any of the new guys. He understands the tone and attack, and it turns out he and I love the same stuff'...."

Tone, attack...together they teach the Monroe magic. Remember, we need ten attendees by February 1 to assure that it's a go. Call (517) 372-7880 or toll-free 1-888-473-5810 to sign up.

Check out recordings we carry featuring Mike Compton; David Long