My guest this week is Thomm Jutz.

We're talking about Thomm's fascinating new project Ring-a-Bellin', an 18 track album and, for those wanting to dive even deeper into the process behind this new release, a beautiful, hardback Ring-A-Bellin’ companion book, which includes the stories and inspiration behind each song.

Thomm talks about the idea behind the record; his unique approach to music, creativity, and life; how imagery, psychology, and tradition inform his work and the importance of process, authenticity, and staying true to your artistic journey.

In this episode

Thomm explains:

• The concept behind his album, and the companion book of artwork and essays
• The influence of analytical psychology, alchemy, and symbolism on his songwriting
• His love of of organic, live recording techniques versus layered, processed music
• His thoughts on the role of tradition in American and Irish folk music, and the importance of maintaining a connection to old instruments and styles
• Why he sees song creation as an alchemical journey from chaos to clarity
• His views on technology, AI, and their impact on the authenticity of music
• How time and place influence his songwriting
• The parallels between craft, process, and the deeper spiritual aspects of musical creation

About Thomm

Thomm Jutz is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist, and media composer and veteran of the American Roots Music scene, with over 25 years' of experience in the industry. His latest project, Ring-a-Bellin' combines an 18-song album with a beautifully illustrated companion book, providing a multi-dimensional experience that captures the essence of his artistic process and journey.

Recent work includes Nothing But Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry (2023, with Martin Simpson), a transatlantic exploration of the women who contributed to Cecil Sharp’s folk song collection, featuring Sierra Hull, Odessa Settles, Angeline Morrison, and Tim O’Brien.

Resources & Links

Thomm's Website

Instagram

Facebook

Thomm Jutz and Martin Simpson discuss Nothing But Green Willow on Bluegrass Jam Along

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My guest this week is Alex Graf and we're talking all things Manzanita.

Alex made the shift from a more jazz based background to flatpicking a few years ago and Tony Rice's Manzanita became one of the absolute cornerstone records for him on that journey. We talk about why it became so important, what Alex learned from Tony's playing on the record and why he still finds something new in it every time he listens.

You'll hear about:

• How Tony's jazz influences shaped his approach to guitar
• The importance of musical conversation between band members on Manzanita
• The myths and legends that surround Tony's albums
• How Tony Rice's approach to chord voicings was inspired by jazz piano legend Bill Evans
• How reinterpreting melody, rather than just blowing through the changes, keeps music fresh

and much more.

To find out more about Alex, including his great teaching resource Alex's Acoustic Club, head to alexgrafmusic.com

For news, updates and great free content on improving your playing, check out Alex's Instagram and YouTube

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Welcome to this month’s Bluegrass Briefing, a monthly series of episodes taking a look at what’s going on in the world of bluegrass.

Here are the links to stuff mentioned in this episode.

Podcast news

• Brad Kolodner interview
• Bill Nowlin interview

Releases (The Grass is New)

• Del McCoury Band with Peter Rowan & David Grisman
• Michael Daves & Jacob Jolliff
• Tony Trischka Earl Jam 2
• Blue Highway - Live at ETSU! A 30-Year Retrospective (preorder)
• Jesse Apppelman

Other bits

• Thomm Jutz/Martin Simpson interview
• Full list of interviews
• Collings Guitars

Happy picking.

Matt

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