HEADLINERS 2023 OKLAHOMA ’ S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
J2B2 John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
by JOE MACK
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TGIF w / J2B2 @ OIBF
o , friends , this isn ’ t some headline typo , password , or secret code that unlocks the portal to all your lost guitar picks and missing socks . We ’ re just thanking God it ’ s Friday at Oklahoma ’ s International Bluegrass Festival , where we get to cap off the main stage with the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band at 9:30 p . m . on Friday , Oct . 13 .
Jorgenson , who ’ s recorded , performed and toured with a multitude of the biggest names in music , offered some insights into guitar vs . mandolin , tips to keep your chops up , and who has inspired him throughout his career – as well as other potential OIBF definitions .
Joe Mack : You ’ re widely known for your guitar work , but you ’ re principal assignment in J2B2 is mandolin . Is there any technique or approach you use in both your guitar and mandolin playing , or any conscious effort you bring to each instrument ?
John Jorgenson : Great question ! Mandolin has plenty of treble in the tone , and I try to produce a very full tone and get as much bottom as I can so it doesn ’ t end up sounding small and thin .
The guitar on the other hand can have a tendency to be too bass heavy especially on a microphone , so I try to play as clearly and cleanly as possible , and emphasize the treble frequencies on the guitar so that the detail is clearly heard .
JM : Who have been your biggest musical influences ?
PHOTO PROVIDED
Or is there something that influences your artistry that might surprise the casual bluegrass festival goer ?
JJ : Overall musical influences include Django Reinhardt , Jeff Beck , Tchaikovsky , and The Beatles . Specific bluegrass influences would be Jesse McReynolds , Bill Monroe , Tony Rice , Seldonm Scene and The Osborne Brothers . Two of the most inspirational performers I have witnessed are Leonard Cohen and Archbishop Desmond Tutu . Neither has anything to do with bluegrass , and the Archbishop ’ s performance was not even musical-but both were masterful in connecting with their audiences and conveying their messages .
JM : What sort of exercises do you do to keep your dexterity up , or do you recommend to fellow pickers ?
JJ : Just be sure to play as often as possible , and don ’ t go too many days without playing . Also it ’ s really good for my brain to learn new songs , even if I am not going to perform them just to keep my “ learning skills ” from getting rusty .
After speaking with John Jorgenson , I am reminded of the magnitude not only of this festival , but the life we share together as festivarians and music lovers – and those we ’ ve lost along the way that we remember and celebrate every day . Which Jorgenson attested to in earnest .
To see more about Jorgenson ’ s amazing discography and career , visit www . johnjorgenson . com .
IBF
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