Author Archives: Phill Gibson

Unknown's avatar

About Phill Gibson

I’m from Huntsville, Alabama where I work as a Hospice Chaplain and part-time banjo instructor. My former careers were in Research Biology and Software/Systems Engineering. My wife Miiko and I worship at Rivertree Downtown. I’ve been playing various instruments since my teen years. I started mandolin and dulcimer at about age 17 and banjo at 20. I love just about all kinds of music. In terms of banjo styles, I play and teach Scruggs, melodic, clawhammer, and 2-finger styles. I’m also very keen on theology, being a Trail Care Partner with the Land Trust of North Alabama, photography, urban planning, astronomy, ATM (amateur telescope making), birding, and about 30 other distracting hobbies to a (mercifully) lesser extent.

I’m Doing Online Banjo Lessons Now

Just about everyone has learned how to zoom in 2020. I’m sure when we look back, learning how to do Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams will be one of the many identifiers of this year, along with a few phrases like … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Learning the banjo (again) after a stroke – Part 3

Part 1 Part 2 So it was time to begin a rehabilitation process that I have described as both the most maddening and frustrating thing I have ever done (or ever will do, I’m confident), and yet also the most … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophical Ramblings | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Learning the banjo (again) after a stroke – Part 2

Part 1 Part 3 It was now almost 11 am. 2 1/2 hours since 8:20 am and my thoughts of making a cup of coffee. As soon as the clot was found, TCP was administered. Almost immediately, I felt my … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophical Ramblings | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Learning the banjo (again) after a stroke – Part 1

I’ve not written about this anywhere until now. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about without another word. Others have no idea what has been going on over the past several years. I know it’s long over due, … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophical Ramblings | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Playing at Berkeley Bob’s in Cullman this Saturday

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

Posted in Venues | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Solid Blue at The Flying Monkey

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

Posted in Venues | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Why is the Banjo so Mysterious?

I must declare here: the banjo is a thoroughly 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

Posted in Banjos and Society, History, Philosophical Ramblings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Deep Ellum Banjo Man

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

Posted in Banjos and Society, History | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Getting Good Feedback

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

Posted in Tips & Techniques | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Spam I Get

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

Posted in Banjos & Technology | Tagged , , | 1 Comment