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James Stuart
posted January 29, 2001
I guess it all started when I was 10 yrs. old. My
grandfather, John Stuart, has a dog-house Englehardt
bass. I exspressed an interest in learning it. My papaw,
started out by showing me the chords, and then off to
practice. Practice consisted of him and me going to the
living room, and playing piano and bass. He plays great
bluegrass on the piano, and that was a good start for me.
I played the bass for about 3 yrs.
When I was 13, My dad and I went to a jam at a woman's
house. My dad talked with this man he knew about finding an
instrument for my little brother. The man walked over to his
house and brought back an old Kay Acoustic/Electric A style
mandolin. My brother never did take to it, so I picked it up.
My dad showed me some 2 finger chord and it went from there.
I started listening to Grassroots on Saturday nights with my
dad. I started buying tapes of mandolin players. Some of those
tapes were of Sam Bush, and some were of bands that I had
seen. My papaw has a bunch of records that I listened to when
I was younger. Skip ahead a few years. I have discovered Chris Thile,
David Grisman, Mike marshall, Wayne Benson, and Adam Steffey.
These players helped shape my style into what it is now. I
have been playing mandolin for almost 7 yrs now. I especially
love to jam. There is nothing like a good jam to get your blood
pumping.
Now to present day. I have discovered other influential
mandolin players. I have also picked up the guitar, and fiddle.
I jam with my Cd player when the real thing is not available.
One day I hope to be a household name along with all of the
other greats.
I would like to thank the Academy for:
My Papaw and Dad, for helping me get into this wonderful
music, and providing me with transportation to and fro.
Mr Ross May, for being a wonderful mentor in life, and
letting me use the bunk in his camper for an oversized
bluegrasser.
The late Howard Pickett, for building a wonderful mandolin,
that has provided me with many hours of great fun.
The Deepgrass list for being a wonderful discussion group, and
a good reason to get a computer.
All my Bluegrass friends, who are to numerable to name, for being
so nice to me through the years.
All of the people who put up with me.<g>. See ya.
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