 The Vintage Martins (left to right: Bud Bierhaus, Ron Block, Eric Uglum). Photo by Rolly Ladd.
Award-winning musicians, Eric Uglum and Bud Bierhaus, have played music together for over 30 years, including time in the acclaimed California bluegrass band, Copperline. They reunited in 2015, forming Bluegrass duo, The Vintage Martins and now often play as a trio with Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station. In 2017 The Vintage Martins signed a record deal with Kentucky based indie label, Eastwood Records, and are poised to re-release their debut album, Traveled, and a new album in 2018. Recently, Eric and Bud took some time to answer a few questions via email where they discussed musical mentors and songwriting, relayed advice received, and more.
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? EU: Like most serious players, I have many mentors. Bonnie Raitt, Stuart Duncan, Tony Rice, and Ron Block to name a few. I am always drawn to instrumentalists and vocalists who show depth and legitimacy. Several years ago, a bluegrass band I was in called Lost Highway was thrilled to get Ralph Stanley to sing with us on a project. It was my job to sing whatever remaining part in the vocal trio that Ralph chose not to sing. I prepared the session by singing the tenor and high baritone harmony's in my best 35-year Stanley style. When Ralph arrived, I asked him which part he would like to sing. He said, "I believe I'll sing the tenor!". So I muted my best Stanley-style tenor part that I had sung only an hour before, and was shocked to hear the real Ralph Stanley sing the same part! I was floored by his unique and soulful approach, and I realized anew how brilliant a traditional singer he was. Definitely one of my heroes! Why did you chose to anchor the album with the songs you did? EU: Both Bud and I try to choose material that we can put ourselves into emotionally. That usually means strong melodies and sad pensive lyrics! BB: We sort of backed into the ultimate selection of songs for this record with no real starting vision. I was recording songs I liked in my home studio and playing them for Eric. The ones we both liked ended up on the record. While recording the final version of them, some songs emerged that have long been favorites of Eric that neither of us had recorded previously (example: Its Only the Wind, Darcy Farrow). Eric also suggested I write an original or two, which I did...in the studio. This is not the first time he has persuaded me to write a song in his studio for a record, an odd approach but it seems to work out occasionally. When/where do you do your best writing? BB: In my garage, a favorite place to play because of the solitude and nice sounding acoustics. A place where I am completely and utterly alone. For me, its too embarrassing to really let loose and try out creative ideas in front of other people, even those who are closest to me. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? EU: Lots of great advice. A veteran musician once told me when I was young, "Don't play to the other musicians in the audience. They don't buy records! Play to that nice grandma in the third row. Make your music accessible to everybody." What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? EU: Resist the temptation to fall for your own propaganda and make excuses for your musical weaknesses. Always have an unemotional, accurate assessment of those weaknesses and work on improvements (regardless of the praise from your fans). Pitch, rhythm and tone can be improved if you are honest and uncompromising in your pursuit of excellence. You will find that the listener will be more moved by your music if those fundamentals are there! What do you love most about being on the road? EU: I love the unpredictable events that often occur on the road. It's what makes a musicians life unique as compared to, I suppose, something like a hedge fund manager. I have been very fortunate, due to my commercial recording studio, to have collaborations going on all the time! Sierra Hull, Alison Krauss, Neal Casal, Ron Block, etc. Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? EU: Alison Krauss sang harmony with me on my album Shenandoah Wind several years ago. Her phrasing, pitch and tone were really something! I have fond memories of listening to her studio takes on the band bus driving through Tennessee after the session. Website/Facebook/Purchase The Vintage Martins records will be released via Eastwood Records. Find out more here: http://www.eastwood-records.com/
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |