One man. Nine instruments. One incredible sound.
Kelly Bogan dazzles with impeccable guitar chops and vocal flair honed by countless performances at bluegrass, jazz, and gospel venues. In addition to the guitar, he masterfully plays the mandolin, dobro, banjo, bass, and many other instruments. He applies his classical training on the piano to the world of bluegrass, resulting in a gorgeous blending of melodic movement and crystal clear precision and tones.
On the album, A Bluegrass Christmas, he plays nine different instruments to achieve the beautiful sounds of Christmas with impeccable finesse and intricate melodic variation. Bogan plays banjo, guitar, mandolin, Dobro, fiddle, bass, zither, harmonica, and percussion.
Bluegrass music, with its emphasis on traditional values and pure acoustic sound, is an ideal vehicle for gospel music. The traditional bluegrass sound consists of six instruments: fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, Dobro, and bass. This recording also includes zither, harmonica, and percussion. While not in the "bluegrass" family, these instruments are included in the broader "folk" category.
Multitrack recording provides a medium for taking large, difficult parts and breaking them into smaller, manageable pieces. The instruments are recorded one at a time, one segment at a time. Using the techniques of "punch-in" recording, and "bouncing" tracks, a full band sound can be assembled. Digital equipment helps to capture the pure sound of acoustic instruments.
All of the instruments used on this recording were played by Kelly Bogan, a piano and guitar teacher in Spokane, Washington.
Special thanks to:
Evelyn Bogan
Terry DeWight
Mark Hamre
Donn Mills
Ron Mills
Gary Saling
Dave Sams
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