Guitar workshop with Leigh Gibson and Tony Watt

Ever since 1997 when I heard the Gibson Brothers at a bluegrass festival outside of Burlington Vermont, I have been a big fan. Each album has accompanied a different part of my life and re-listening to a song can bring back a whole set of memories, good or bad....mostly good. A couple of years ago, while in Saratoga, NY for a hospice conference, I met Leigh at Saratoga Guitar by chance. He has worked there over the years and I happened to walk on a day that he was standing behind the counter. 

Yesterday, Leigh and Tony Watt gave a guitar workshop at Lilian's which is just a few doors down from the guitar store. After opening up with alternating solos on Gold Rush, there was time for questions from the group of assembled guitar pickers. Tony and Leigh spoke a fair amount about guitar rhythm in a bluegrass setting. We then broke into two groups, intermediate and beginner and they switched off answering individual questions and sharing techniques. One of the highlights of the morning was when they each demonstrated how NOT to accompany a soloist.

Catching the Gibson Brothers is a joy for any lover of bluegrass or traditional country music. The brother duet tradition has a rich tradition and Eric and Leigh are the real thing: song writers, lyricists, performers, harmony singers and gentlemen. Accompanying them are Mike Barber "the third brother" on bass, Clayton Campbell on fiddle with newest member Joe Walsh on mandolin. Next show in the Capital region of New York is at Caffe Lena.  The Gibsons were just added to the Merlefest lineup. Their latest album will be released by Compass Records at the beginning of May 2009.