Welcome to the August - September issue of Mandolin Sessions®!

First a story:

Back in the early 1980s I was performing in Country Gazette with Mike Anderson, Alan Munde and Roland White. We played an East Texas festival near Nacodoches that also featured Jim and Jesse McReynolds and Jethro Burns. During the afternoon mandolin workshop that featured Roland, Jesse and Jethro, an audience member asked Jesse about his unusual natural topped mandolin. Jesse explained that it was a Stiver, gave the approximate price and added, "Blondes are more expensive." Without missing a beat, Jethro quipped, "That's been my experience!" The surprised audience broke into laughter that grew as an embarrassed Jesse began to blush. This was a wonderful moment.

This issue contains some more great time challenging Balkan music from Seth Austen. Ted Eschliman sheds light on using pentatonic scales in jazz. Joe Mendel interviews Mike Stevens about his electric mandolins. Wendy Anthony shares the essential Sally Goodin. Michael Gregory includes a new polka and plays a great set on his mp3. Bobby Clark with a "Best of" his column. Have fun!