By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
Playing or experiencing"live" music and being part of
a group of musicians slipping into a groove....what a ride
they'll take you on.
While yearned for, such treasures of excellence can't be planned or faked.
When GSC's Luke Shamblin and bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds played El Cumbanchero as a 'smokin' fast' mandolin duet - together, with the rest of the musicians onstage, found the magic.
Luke Shamblin, Buddy Griffin and Jesse McReynolds onstage
recently at Glenville State College's Fine Arts Center.
McReynolds is a mandolin master, credited with inventing the "cross-picking" and "split-string" styles of playing the instrument.
The jam followed McReynold's recent workshop here.
"I was on cloud nine," Shamblin said, "Jesse McReynolds is a legend."
McReynolds was generous with his time and talents. Afterwards when asked if he was staying overnight locally, he smiled, simply responding, "I'm playing at 'the Opry' tomorrow night."
Light on his feet, with a quick smile, he was in no hurry to leave Glenville.
The pair shared the stage with fellow GSC bluegrass band member, Josh Chapman, and 'dean' of Glenville's bluegrass program, Buddy Griffin. Well-known pros Ashley Messenger, Jeff Roberts and Jackie Kincaid rounded out the band.
Good Bluegrass Energy & Opportunities
When another bluegrass legend, Melvin Goins came up short a mandolin player several weeks ago, Shamblin was invited to audition for the spot.
The try-out turned out to be "a gig" to Shamblin's surprise. After two sets, Goins hired him.
Melvin Goins has been a professional musician for 57 years. Several bands and musicians joined him for a celebration concert earlier this year in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
There was a parallel interest in doing "something" for the military forces serving in Iraq. As ideas blossomed he contacted Glenville State College inquiring if Griffin was interested in lending his talent to produce a music DVD.
The whole affair became a "real life" learning experience for students in the bluegrass program. Three video cameras were used to cover the venue.
Griffin handled post-production and editing "in house" at the college.
Goins visited Glenville a few weeks ago for a final screening. According to Griffin, the plan is to distribute 1,000 copies of the concert to overseas troops.
Shamblin's now working with several bands
Luke Shamblin is fast becoming a sought-after talent.
It's easy to see why. Of course it's a "given" considering the caliber of talent he's working with - he hits a "mean lick" on the mandolin. Plus, his temperament would likely wear well just about anywhere.
After several gigs with Goins, to offset skyrocketing gasoline prices Shamblin and Goins agreed to reduce his travel requirements, and mostly use him when their gigs are in this region.
Meanwhile...Mountain Fury's Lizzy Long came calling and he's working with two other groups as well.
Shamblin hopes to be playing every weekend through the summer months.
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