Oh dear! I see my last blog was 2016; is it really that long since I posted? It’s my New Year’s resolution to do this more frequently (somebody’s New Year must start on 19th October…???) The now annual Mandolin Retreat at Kenwood Hall Hotel in Sheffield went off with a bang again a couple of weeks ago, with the resultant mandolin orchestra of 25 players sounding as sweet, if not sweeter than ever. We have many regulars at these gatherings, who enjoy not just the mandolin playing but the social side of things too. Where else do you get so many like minds in one place?!
This year threw up a surprise special guest in the form of bluegrass mandolinist Jordam Ramsey, a superb American player over on tour with his band Ragged Union and taking a few days holiday too. Jordan gave us a short tutorial on the technique of crosspicking.
Here are some videos of proceedings…
Kentucky Waltz.
Nellie The Elephant.
Jordan Ramsey discusses crosspicking
Interview with special guest Jordan Ramsey
Scarlatti Sonata