Buddy Greene Interview
Buddy Greene brings a wide variety of southern Americana influences to his music to create a unique musical hybrid of country, bluegrass, folk, gospel and traditional blues. In addition to his solid reputation as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, Buddy has established himself as one of Nashville's finest harmonica stylists. His live concerts are equal parts hymn sing, jam session, church house revival, and journey through his own musical history.
Growing up in Macon, GA, Buddy spent his childhood learning folk songs on the ukulele and soon advanced to acoustic guitar, immersing himself in popular music mainstays of the time such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Motown. Their infectious beat and familiar nods to roots music fueled Buddy's intense interest in the deeper historical origins of country, bluegrass and rhythm and blues music that is represented in his music today.
In 1991, Buddy collaborated with Mark Lowry to write "Mary, Did You Know?," which quickly became a modern-day Christmas standard, with recordings by superstars such as Kenny Rogers & Wynonna, Kathy Mattea, Christopher Parkening & Kathleen Battle, Natalie Cole, Reba McEntire, Clay Aiken, Gary Chapman, and countless others. Other songs penned by Buddy and recorded by other artists include He Is (Ashley Cleveland), Fall Down Children (The Whites) and Recovering Pharisee (Del McCoury).
For his 2002 release, "RUFUS", Buddy invited an all-star cast of players and singers for an in-studio pickin' party. Bluegrass, blues, old-time Gospel, even The Beatles, all got into the mix. Buddy recalls, " I just wanted to have fun with some really talented friends, play a bunch of old and new songs I never get tired of playing, and remember why I ever wanted to be a musician in the first place." "RUFUS" was named one of the Top 10 Bluegrass recordings of 2002 by the Chicago Tribune.
Since the release of "RUFUS," Buddy has been able to expand his audience with appearances at music clubs, such as The Bluebird Café and The Station Inn in Nashville, and at music festivals, such as the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, and MerleFest in North Carolina. For the past 7 years (2003–2009), the legendary Doc Watson, has personally invited Buddy to perform at this prestigious event.
In 2003 Buddy released Hymns & Prayer Songs, an acoustic, eclectic celebration of the music of the church. Instead of the traditional piano and organ setting, you'll hear updated arrangements on instruments such as acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and, of course, harmonica.
A Few More Years was released in the fall of 2009. As a result of his father's death, the death of other close friends, and his mother's journey through Alzheimer's, he says "music has been a great gift to me during this time as I've recalled, discovered, and uncovered songs that have helped carry the gospel to my aching heart. This collection represents just some of those gospel carriers that have worked to sustain me and my loved ones through this difficult season".
Buddy's newest release, "Harmonica Anthology" is 16 song journey into the wonderful world of the harmonica. Co- produced with Bryan Sutton and featuring a bevy of Nashville's finest musicians, including 2 duets with harmonica hero Charlie McCoy. This project allowed Buddy to demonstrate some of the wonderful variety available on this simple but highly expressive little instrument. Irish slip jigs and reels, old time and Texas fiddle tunes, beautiful ballads and timeless anthems, updated versions of some old crowd pleasers (Orange Blossom Special, William Tell Overture), and a few vocal songs as well - it all makes for a musical offering that satisfies.
Buddy and his wife, Vicki, live in Brentwood, TN and have two daughters. They are founding members of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN. This interview was held at the S.P.A.H. convention (www.spah.org) in Norfolk, VA in August of 2011. If you would like to learn more about Buddy and his music visit his website: http://buddygreene.com/
Videos Include: Introduction & Early Years; Early Stage Work; Recommended Listening; Tips on Developing Bending Control; Tongue Blocking; Jaw Movement & Speed Playing; Country & Paddy Richter Tuning; Accompaniment Playing; Approach to Improvising; Playing the Chromatic Harmonica; Positions other than 1st, 2nd and 3rd; Mastering the High End of the Harmonica; How to Approach Playing at your Church; Buddy Greene's Equipment; Closing Words
