No. 279, March 2016

On the Cover: Texan Robert Earl Keen takes a detour into bluegrass; plus, more on Texas bluegrass pioneers and events.

Songs:

• Traditional- Will the Circle Be Unbroken
• Traditional – O the Wind and Rain
• Tommy Emmanuel- Rubys Eyes

Features: A look back at the Nitty Gritty Dirt Bands enduring classic album, Will the Circle Be Unbroken; Slash talks about the now-famous Honduran mahogany tree that produced his acoustic guitar; Peggy Seeger revisits her historic collection of Child Ballads; custom luthier Linda Manzer.

Lessons:

• How to be a better accompanist
• Unlock I-IV-V progressions
• 3 variations on ‘Pete’s Barrelhouse Rag’

Gear Reviews:

• Martins vintage-looking 00-15E
• Taylor326e baritone
• Blueridge modern jumbo 1500E

CD Reviews:The Allman Bros. Idlewild South reissue, and discs by Eric Bibb and the Punch Brothers.