Howdy folks! I hope your summer was filled with fun music making. This issue is our third and there are several new features. We are pleased to announce a new column by bluegrass legend Roland White. Roland has performed with a who's-who of bluegrass artists including: The Kentucky Colonels (with Scotty Stoneman and brother Clarence,) Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass, The White Brothers, Country Gazette, The Nashville Bluegrass Band and The Roland White Band. Roland teaches a Christmas tune from his new collection. Start working now so it will be ready in time for the holidays. The mandolin Roland is holding in the picture is a custom Randy Wood bought by Clarence White in 1972.

Talented Canadian luthier Peter Sawchyn is featured. There are some great pictures here and on the Sawchyn website. I played the Sawchyn custom octave mandolin that author Joe Mendel mentions in the article. It sounds awesome and it is on par with the best work being done today!

Mel Bay author Dix Bruce is back with a great jazz standard. Part 2 will appear in the next issue. We also feature Dix in an artist interview.

Steve Kaufman provides us with a cool, very notey version of a classic folk melody and I continue my soapbox about pick direction.

In upcoming issues look for the promised John Moore article and contributions by the incredible Evan Marshall.
     -Joe Carr