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You are here: Home / podcast / FGH-0008: Interview with Robin Bullock – Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More…

FGH-0008: Interview with Robin Bullock – Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More…

By Adam Rafferty 2 Comments

https://traffic.libsyn.com/adamrafferty/FGH-0008.mp3

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Summary, Episode 8:

Interview with Robin Bullock – Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More…

Hailed as a “Celtic Guitar God” by Baltimore City Paper and “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine, Robin Bullock is one of the preeminent acoustic music masters of our time.

His virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands, their vigorous American descendants, and the masterworks of the Baroque and Renaissance eras into one powerful musical vision.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Robin Bullock and I chat about:

    • 2:44 Robin describes how he came to Celtic via Bluegrass.
    • 3:29 His background, influences & starting out in the DC / Baltimore area.
    • 7:58 Robin tells us about O’Carolan – Irish Harpist & composer (1670-1738).
    • 11:19 Robin’s talks about his album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit.”
    • 17:50 Robin tells us about playing the Cittern.
    • 20:06 His start as a mandolin player.
    • 22:20 Robin’s Bach “Mandolin Suites” Recording.
    • 29:43 His inspiration for Bach on Mandolin via John Williams classical guitar recordings.
    • 31:32 Robin’s dicusses his custom David McCubbon guitar.
    • 33:11 Sample sounds from his guitar.
    • 34:28 Robin’s tone and technical right hand approach.
    • 40:10 “Bullock’s First Law” – stay relaxed, and all about technique.
    • 45:07 We discuss composing and inspiration.
    • 47:28 His stint as a bassist and rock background…
    • 52;07 Robin’s other interets (not!)
    • 54:06 Robin’s advice to guitar players & musicians.
    • 1:02:04 Robin’s website, CDS and more at
  • 1:06:58 Closing track: LORD INCHIQUIN from Robin’s album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit”

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About Adam Rafferty

I’m Adam Rafferty – a guitar player born and raised in New York City, and currently spending most of my time on tour playing concerts and coaching my guitar students online at StudyWithAdam.com

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Alexander says

    September 3, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    Was so enjoying this podcast of two of my absolute favorite guitarists. And then you guys mention my name in conversation — I am honored to have been mentioned. You are two of the most melody-driven guitarist I know. Great conversation.

    Reply
  2. fedor says

    December 18, 2018 at 10:44 am

    thanks
    really usefull note
    I also try to choose the best mandolin for begginers
    https://musiety.com/rogue-rm-100a-overview-mandolin-for-beginners/
    Is this review OK?

    Reply

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