Since the 1960's here has been an extraordinary revival of old-time string band music in California, and indeed throughout the American West. Despite being born blind, Kenny Hall has been a mainstay of many fiddle festivals and of the Western fiddle and string band revival in general. Kenny's musical style is passionate and energetic. This book is a helpful guide to his vast repertoire learned through years of careful listening. It is also a wonderful addition to the fiddler's bookshelf and a fitting tribute to a man who, for many an aspiring fiddler, has been a friend, guide, exemplar, and patron. Many of the tunes includes nonsense lyrics that Kenny used to help him remember the melody, and each tune is accompanied by Kenny's comments. the book is divided into five chapters: fiddle- based tunes (Fiddle Faddle), mandolin-based tunes (Rags, Tags, and Wags), Waltzes, tunes from an origin other than the United States or the British Isles (Kenny's Rambles); and vocal-based pieces including lyrics (Songs, Ballads, Ditties). Some of the transcriptions are written primarily for fiddle or mandolin, but most tunes can be performed on either instrument. This deluxe guide to Kenny Hall's vast repertoire offers fans of old-time music a great way to get to know Kenny and his music.

Mandolin Picking Tunes: Early Music Gems by Dix Bruce is a collection of 34 wonderful songs from the 1200s to the 1600s especially arranged for intermediate and advanced mandolinists. The titles span the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras and the sounds of the individual songs reflect those years. The music includes standard notation, accompaniment chords, and tablature. Includes access to online audio recordings of each piece for listening and playing along.

Lively Mandolin Tunes is a collection of 38 lively, up-tempo tunes arranged by Tommy Norris for mandolin. The collection includes fiddle tunes, reels, hornpipes, jigs, sea chanteys, bluegrass and old-time melodies–an ideal collection for adding to repertoire, improving picking technique or just having fun playing the mandolin. Backup chords and tablature are included. These tunes are also great for jamming and for playing in bluegrass or old-time bands. Includes access to online audio.

This revised and updated book is a guide for the listener, collector, singer, player and devotee of folk music. It covers music from string band to bluegrass, Canadian, Creole, Zydeco, jug bands, ragtime and the many kinds of blues. The book evaluates, reviews and recommends on such subjects as where to buy records and instruments and places where folk music flourishes.

A collection of 16 hot, intermediate-level flatpicking guitar solos from five of the leading exponents of this technique. David Bromberg is known as the leader of one of the most successful acoustic bands of the 1970's and 1980's. The Kitchen Girl, a fine Kentucky tune, is an example of Bromberg's good taste in choosing material. Dick Fegy is a master picker of fiddle tunes and is the most heavily-featured player in the collection. San Francisco Bay area favorite Eric Thompson crosses old-time with traditional Irish playing. Michael Aumen contributes three tunes associated with Clarence White and a very interesting version of Soldier's Joy, with a flair that pushes the limits of the hot country style. Richard Lieberson is a fine bluegrass picker who has developed a convincing swing jazz style with exciting results, and a touch of humor. Written in notation and tablature. Includes access to online audio featuring performances of all the tunes in the book.