Goin’ Way Up Yonder (When I Find the Time)” is the latest release from BMI Recording artist, Thomas Earl.  It’s a throwback to old time folk/gospel songs talking about a better life to come.  It’s also recorded in the old time tradition with acoustic guitars and a 5 String banjo accompaniment.

Goin' Way Up Yonder

"Goin" Way Up Yonder" (When I Find The Time.)

South Mountain Breakdown is an original bluegrass instrumental inspired by the late banjo master, Mr. Bill Keith.  When I was living in the Hudson Valley outside of New York City I had a home just a few minutes from Woodstock, NY.   I had just taken up the banjo again (after having played it back when I was in my twenties).  I purchased a vintage Gibson Mastertone Earl Scruggs banjo.  I had a chance to go see Bill Keith perform live, and asked him, after the show if he might be willing to give me some private lessons.  He graciously agreed…and for the next year I was able to spend  time with Bill in the kitchen of his Woodstock home -  taking lessons…and listening with fascination to his stories of his times with Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band.  It was an amazing opportunity to have that much quality time with one of the greatest banjo players in history!   South Mountain Breakdown was an instrumental that I wrote after one of the lessons with Bill - a kind of take off on one of his fretboard exercises.    I finally got around to recording it …and wanted to share it with the world…and dedicate it to Mr. Bill Keith.

South Mountain Breakdown -Balanced - Medium

Thomas Earl has been writing and performing music for over 50 years.  He is proficient in both guitar and bluegrass banjo ,with a focus on creative finger style techniques.   He has written dozens of original songs, including original music for theater productions, and has released two CDs of original music. His unique approach to playing and writing is based on very early influences ranging from Joni Mitchel and Mississippi John Hurt to Dave “Snaker” Ray, James Taylor and Bill Keith.

South Mountain Breakdown -Balanced - Medium

Thomas Earl

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