Author Archives: Phill Gibson

About Phill Gibson

I'm from Huntsville, Alabama where I work as a Systems Engineer and part-time banjo and mandolin instructor. I've been playing various instruments since my teen years. I started mandolin at about age 17 and banjo at 20. I love just about all kinds of music. In terms of banjo styles, I play Scruggs and melodic and am working on becoming more advanced with single string. I'm also working on 4-finger banjo, which is way off the beaten path. I would like to see more jazz techniques integrated into bluegrass situations; counterpoint, especially. So long-term, that's what I'm doing. I'm also very keen on astronomy, ATM (amateur telescope making), birding, christian homeschooling, martial arts, organic gardening and about 30 other distracting hobbies to a (mercifully) lesser extent.

Playing at Berkeley Bob’s in Cullman this Saturday

Posted on September 5, 2013

If you happen to be around Cullman this Saturday, drop by; several of us are playing Bluegrass at Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House at 1pm, Saturday, September 7th, 2013. It’s at 304 1st Avenue Southeast, Cullman, AL. Actually, we are ‘practicing … Continue reading →

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Solid Blue at The Flying Monkey

Posted on June 14, 2013

I know this is sort of late notice – it’s this evening – but my friends Cindy Musselwhite, Bud Teague and company (Solid Blue is the band’s name) are playing at The Flying Monkey tonight. Check ’em out! http://www.lowemill.net/ai1ec_event/solid-blue-bluegrass-band-with-cindy-musselwhite/?instance_id=86535

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The Gall!

Posted on January 25, 2013

One of my students related the story to me the other day of a recent business trip he took.  He brought along his banjo and was playing it in the hotel, complete with picks. As you might suspect, he got … Continue reading →

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Why is the Banjo so Mysterious?

Posted on January 18, 2013

I must declare here: the banjo is a throughly fascinating thing.  Whether playing Bluegrass, Old-Time, Folk, Jazz, or any other genre, it has a certain fascination, even a mystery, about it. And not only in sound, but in looks as … Continue reading →

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The Deep Ellum Banjo Man

Posted on January 4, 2013

Back in December of 2009, I travelled to Denton, Texas to watch my oldest daughter Paige graduate from the University of North Texas. We had a grand time there, especially on the Denton County Courthouse square, with all the touristy type stores … Continue reading →

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Getting Good Feedback

Posted on December 28, 2012

As you progress in playing the banjo, your skill level will increase. Simple enough. But realize that that increase in skill level doesn’t come just as a result of your having practiced for a long time. You also need feedback; … Continue reading →

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The Spam I Get

Posted on December 21, 2012

This is actually quite funny. I get these sort of emails every month or so. Obviously these are spam at best; phishing attempts  in a worse scenario. These are email requests I get from my website, because one of my email … Continue reading →

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