Mike Compton in Newport - A Must See Concert for Cup Day

Just a quick note to everyone regarding the upcoming appearance of Mike Compton at the Newport Bowls Club on Cup Day and why I'm excited about it.  Mike is widely regarded as THE premier roots music mandolin player in the world today. Over a span of 35 years, Compton has made a career playing on recordings of others adding his signature sound.  Mike has made music with such diverse notables as the iconic mountain music man Ralph Stanley, British rock legend Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, guitar virtuoso David Grier, and producer T-Bone Burnett (O Brother, Where Art Thou and Down From The Mountain tours). In 1994, Mike became a sideman for John Hartford (American musical legend and writer of one of the most recorded songs of all time - 'Gentle on My Mind').  Mike remained a key member of the band until Hartford's death in 2001. To date, Mike has performed on over 100 CDs in a variety of genres, with some of the most beloved artists of our day.

 

Mike has been a hero of mine since I saw the movie 'O Brother Where Art Thou' and heard his wonderful 'melodic' rhythm playing. I was lucky enough to do a four day workshop with him at the 2011 National Folk Festival. He was an inspirational teacher and I consequently started having online mandolin lessons with him through Skype. I am still having those lessons and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

 

Hope to see a bunch of folk club members at the gig - Cup Night - Tuesday Nov 4, 7.30pm at Newport Bowls Club. I know it will be a show to be remembered!

 

Bruce Williams