Vault Sessions: Norman Blake

NEW VAULT SESSIONS: A small sneak peek of the mind-blowing interview with the living legend and Chattanooga native, NORMAN BLAKE (recorded with Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, John Hartford, and the list goes on and on.)
In this episode, Norman Blake talks about meeting Johnny Cash for the first time, and he and Joel McCormick, play “Yellow Barber” and “High Dad in the Morning” on some absolutely breathtaking guitars from the Museum’s collection: 1942 Martin Guitar Herringbone D-28, 1924 Gibson F-5 Mandolin and L-5 Guitar (both signed by Lloyd Loar on March 31, 1924), 1947 Martin D-28, and a 1936 Martin D-18. We plan to release the full hour-long interview in the coming months, so SUBSCRIBE for more details on where to watch.
Thanks to our sponsors- The Riverview Foundation, Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation, GHS Strings, GoGo Tuners, Todd Sharp Amplifiers, and the Songbirds Guitar Museum. Video credit: John Dooley
WE HAVE SOME BIG SESSIONS COMING SOON: Kevin Bacon, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Doyle Dykes, Moon River Music Festival Sessions, and more. SUBSCRIBE for more!
UPDATE: The full hour-long interview with Norman Blake is here! • Norman Blake: The Full...

[@indyjones83]

this is Amazing, where can i find the full interview?

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

We've just uploaded the full interview! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6homCfLt8ZpI

[@indyjones83]

@@SongbirdsFoundation I love it! Amazing job!

[@jimajello1028]

This is the roots of the early Scottish & Irish music when folks first came to America.alot of tradition carried with every note played. Well, just like he has always been, Norman is still a gentleman, good human being & one of the nicest people you could meet.

[@peterwhite7428]

That’s my long time friend Norman Blake. I always loved his music and humor. A real American treasure,

[@Dan_Frechette_Songwriter]

The sound of Norman Blake's playing conjures the true spirit of America.

[@mountaintyme2000]

Truly takes the breath away.

[@farnorthpicker56]

I heard Norman 40 years ago and was spellbound! (Along with Doc Watson the same evening). Right there I was driven to learn guitar and flat picking. He was a hugely influence on me and I will never tire of listening to him. He makes it look so easy and effortless to get perfect tone. One of the true masters. ❤️

[@marymcmurtry6140]

I heard Norman, Nancy, and James Bryan in the early 70s at the Exit/Inn in Nashville. That one concert has stayed with me ever since.

[@rodneyyarbrough6524]

This is the man that got me interested in flatpicking. He's been a hero of mine for a long time. I seen him in Huntsville twice. He puts on a great show.

[@j_morco]

Joey McCormick and Norman Blake are always a treat to watch play together. Proud to share a hometown with both of these talented men.

[@grorob52]

watching rock guitarists play it seems painful for them to play, watching the master play and it always seems he has a slight smile. It always looks like its so much fun. The music made by this gentleman is superb and I thank him for the absolute great songs and notes he gives to all of us. Thank you Norman for the pleasure of your music ,always relaxing and fun

[@BURGRKNG]

Keep in mind Norman is a literal virtuoso and could probably smoke rock guitar if he tried. He is beyond even thinking about "how" to play at this point

[@randyscott9034]

I don’t remember how I was introduced to Norman’s home in sulphur springs album but I’ve listened to it for years he’s an awesome country picker

[@TheEs150]

one of the best musicians ever

[@davesiler4064]

Norman and Nancy Blake are marvelous musicians!!! I first head them when I emceed "The Bluegrass Music Festival of the U.S. for WHAS radio/TV in Louisville, KY. Since that time I have purchased every album they have recorded. JOY is a very good word to describe their music! Thank you for thus marvelous upload!

[@eddiemoore8468]

He’s my number one musical hero. I’ve loved his music for over 40 years. His guitar playing has a lot of influence. I Love his choice in old time material and especially love his song writing. I hope he’s around for a long time and hope to get to meet him someday. He seems so down to earth. I especially love to hear him talk about his music and his stories behind all the songs he does. He is truly an American treasure,

[@generalpatzer6893]

Something about an old Martin and Norman Blake...they were meant to be together!

[@victorjcano]

I am till such a novice at this but Norman has been such an inspiration to me . I have learned so much by listening to him over the years. He was one of the few great guitar players I was able to figure out what he was doing and learn from. Always soooo tasteful!Thanks so much Mr. Blake

[@Alanoffer]

Guitarists should never grow old that are this quality

[@deadneck89]

YES! Norman is a living legend. He, Nancy and anything they touch have been a continuous source of joy and inspiration. I last saw them at the college in Rainville, AL and have wanted to see Norman play again so badly. Thank you for recording and uploading this!

[@ryanbouchard1185]

This is incredible I feel so lucky to be able to see Norman here wow

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

What a bad ass what a legend , what a dude. Thank u for your greatness. Two real ass dudes.

[@daveb2759]

Thanks for letting me see this. I appreciate it.

[@reidhowland]

I needed some good feels about the country and my man Norman delivered. Thanks!

[@mariano3760]

Bravo. E grazie, Norman.

[@Yano_2323]

Love... from Italy!!!

[@jacopoferrara8432]

Siamo in due!!!

[@lucianomiranda_7_Agosto]

3! Da sempre! Tony Rice e Norman Blake: the best forever!

[@mariano3760]

...e quattro. Grande Norman Blake!

[@rockyjohnstone]

Wow! These vault sessions are real gems!

[@westernjubilee3587]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@artnouveau4332]

A True National Treasure. I've been lucky enough to have seen him more than once such a joy. I love Old Time Music nothing sweeter than a fiddle tune. Or just melodic flat picking..

[@sanjuancb]

Wonderful footage of a national treasure. Thanks for uploading!

[@donaldscearce5687]

Love the pick hitting the fret board

[@mountaintyme2000]

Norman strikes again with his interpretation of a Kenny Baker tune. Wonderful!

[@kenycharles8600]

What a great acoustic treat. This plays so smooth to my ears.

[@Justin-hb9wc]

Thank You

[@gft3bird]

Great!!

[@officialcarltowns]

Technically; he's a rising Fawn, Ga. native, but nobody knows where that is, except for we who live here, hahaha! Glad to see Norman get some kudos. And Joel McCormick is definitely no slouch!

[@missouriboy66]

The man from Rising Fawn - the greatest in my book...

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

Please upload the rest!

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

It's finally out if you'd still like to see it! We think it's pretty great... Here's the link :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6homCfLt8ZpI

[@anitadavideduo]

I'd really like to meet him! And we hope to play again at the Songbirds!

[@songmansinatra120]

Legend......

[@johnshore6318]

Norman rules

[@sealevelbear]

Love the stories 😍

[@TimothySweeney]

My Hero, such a smooth picker , was lucky enough to see him and Nancy and Others play too many times to count!

[@nancychace8619]

Wow - whatever happened with this? Wonderful to hear Norman still playing. What was that very first guitar, before the mandolin? All of them had great sound - old Martins, no wonder. Norman is doing a great job of recovering after the t.i.a. I'm an old fan and student of the music. Much appreciate to hear him play again. Thank you to his friend, Mr. McCormick, (hope I got that right, please forgive any confusion) for accompaniment. Thanks for sharing.

[@gerhardgstrein2763]

Really impressive musician

[@joannehack7588]

💟

[@mbsnyderc]

I hadn't seen this he seems to have regain a lot his playing skill,i saw back I 2014 were he was making an album two years after having a mild stroke ,and surgery for that and while playing better than most of us it was not to this level.

[@AZCobraman]

He and Nancy are a national treasure.

[@nickbeier6265]

Where can we find the full hour-long interview?

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

While we may have been 4 years behind schedule... It is here!! Check out the full hour-long interview with legendary Norman Blake here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6homCfLt8ZpI

[@steby123]

Didn't know Norman played mandolin, but I'm not surprised he plays well !!!

[@connyfjellner2481]

To the six people who gave this a thumbs down..may you get stranded on a deserted island with Justin Bieber blasting from invisible speakers 24/7/365

[@stenbol]

purissimo

[@Kan-o-tex]

"We plan to release the full hour-long interview in the coming months, so SUBSCRIBE for more details on where to watch." More, please.

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Hiya! After a 2 year COVID shutdown and a grand re-opening, we are back with more awesome guitar content! In fact, we have finally released the full hour long interview with Norman. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6homCfLt8ZpI

[@DanPurdy1]

Doc Watson said that he is the best.

[@robertharris2018]

Norman, Please do "Souvenirs" It's a John Prine song that I'd love to hear you sing and especially do the picking part which Prine just didn't do that part justice like I'm sure you can. This not to take anything away from John Prine. He was one of my favorites. I play and sing a bunch of his songs, but I can't do them justice either.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Where's the full interview at?

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Still waiting guys :/

[@SongbirdsFoundation]

Hey there! Thanks for your mighty patience. The full hour long interview is finally live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3O6homCfLt8ZpI Check it out!

[@davidtoomey1306]

Does anybody know what the name of the last song that they played was?

[@brianjennings1624]

I think it was “High Dad in the morning.” Derived from an old minstrel tune called “high daddy” Kenny Baker was one the fiddlers to resurrect it after learning it from Doug Dillard’s father. Or so the story goes.... John Hartford also recorded it as well as Normans fine version.

[@michaelgalvano7577]

What I would give to sit and pick with Norman for 5 minutes

[@louispouliot4102]

One upon a time, there was people using real instrument to do music. Do i dream or this is real and record. Tx you KZbin.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Needs drums !🙃