[srick]

Thom Bresh, probably the best exemplar of the Merle Travis style (that was his father) has just put a video instructional series out on Truefire. It's entitled "The Breshman Chronicles"

In some ways, the instruction is reminiscent of his previous outing on Homespun, "Like Father Like Son", but the video audio and tab are far superior. (of course it's also 25 years later!)

Songs in the series include:Vermillion, Diana, Sidewalks of Bourdeaux, Blue Belle, Marcel's Thumb, Oolala Rochelle, Muhlenberg Moon and Hanging with the Girls I Know. In between takes, he discusses differences in the styles of Travis, Chet, Jerry Reed and Nokie Edwards.

I just started listening tonight - this is pretty deep stuff as the chords are not your usual cowboy chords. There is a lot of Gypsy and Jazz influence, lots of 9 chords, some 6s too.

Regardless, if you are a fan of the style, you know you'll have to check it out.

best,

Rick