Coming up in the Bluegrass Cafe this Sunday afternoon (December 2nd), we'll have a chat with Fred Bartenstein -- a noted Bluegrass writer, historian, DJ, supporter, musician, and fan -- about his most recent book project.  In September 2012, the University of Illinois Press released Bluegrass Bluesman:  A Memoir by Dobro guitar legend, Josh Graves.  Graves (1927-2006) is listed as the book's author, but it was Fred Bartenstein who compiled and edited the memoir.  The book comes from several resources, primarily transcripts from eight extensive interviews conducted with Josh with November 1994.  This is a great read, and offers a lot of insight into the life of a man who not only helped to mold the terrific sound of Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & the Foggy Mountain Boys, but also worked for many years in a duo with the fabulous fiddler, Kenny Baker, and wrote or co-wrote some songs that became Bluegrass standards, including "Come Walk With Me," "Roustabout," and "If You're Ever Gonna Love Me," as well as the instrumentals, "Fireball" and "Foggy Mountain Rock," among others.

Be sure to join us on Sunday's radio show, as Fred will have some interesting stories to tell about how the memoir finally came to be published, and other tidbits about the life of Burkett Howard "Uncle Josh" Graves.  The plan is to get Fred on the phone around 5PM Eastern time on Sunday.  Thanks to the University of Illinois Press, we'll even have a copy of Bluegrass Bluesman to give away to a lucky listener.  Will that be you?  

UPDATE, 12/3/2012:  As mentioned on Sunday's show, Fred Bartenstein has more information about the book, as well as how to obtain a copy on his website.  Check it out, if you're so inclined:    http://www.fredbartenstein.com/book.html

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