Intermediate/Advanced Dobro
This class will feature two different approaches. First, we will dig into a rhythm boot camp to look at the Dobro as a rhythm instrument through different lenses depending on who we are playing with (duet, trio, quartet, quintet, or bigger bands). There is no ‘one way’ to play rhythm on this fascinating instrument! As we spend our time backing people up, either vocalists or other soloists, it is really fun to have a variety of ways to play. We will also look at other baseline topics including tone, intonation, and how to easily find melodies on the neck of the instrument.
The second approach to group lessons will be depending on the group. On day 1 we will get to know each other and find some common threads on what the group would like to learn. A variety of materials and subjects will be looked at to find what will resonate with the whole group.
Billy Cardine
Billy Cardine is a slide guitar pioneer, taking the dobro with him into somewhat unchartered territories and helping make them feel like home. Bluegrass Unlimited says “Billy Cardine proves to be one of the new generation of resonator guitar players who truly understands the possibilities of the instrument.” His patchwork of diverse musical influences contributes to his chameleonesque ability to fit in with whatever collaboration he joins on the stage, or in the studio. His newest release, Concrete Garden, only available digitally, features musicians from around the world and groupings of instruments maybe never heard before. Next year’s release, Old Crooked Mountain, poises the acoustic Dobro alongside drums, bass, horns, and more, in a Covid fueled exploration of new sounds.
As an engineer and producer, Billy’s distinctive voice shines through any instrument he plays, song that he composes, and album that he produces. His works have won national and international awards and recognition including Indie Acoustic Music Project’s Roots Album of the Year, Apple’s playlist of the year, and Chicago Tribune’s Best Bluegrass records of the year. His memorable compositions and emotive playing have been featured on Television productions such as The History Channel's Our Generation, BBC World's Destination Music, and PBS' RoadTrip Nation.
In addition to his busy touring schedule with a variety of lineups, Billy has been teaching workshops throughout Europe, India, Canada and the USA, as well as taking part in cross cultural programs thru the US State Department.
Billy ‘the farmer’ is in year six of building a permaculture food forest on his land outside of Asheville, NC, where he lives with his amazing wife Mary, 2 boys Bodie and Julian, and 3 of the best dogs ever.
