What people are saying:
"Our State" magazine features Bluegrass Is My Second Language in the March issue. Click here for an excerpt.
Blue Ridge Outdoors interview with John by Dave Stallard.
Ed Moscher's
Review in The Crossroads Journal
"...What's the book about? Well ... It's
about Bluegrass Music. It's about all of the instruments Santa plays (let me
remember: A Wes Lambe mandolin, a D-35 Martin guitar, a cello, and a bag of
harmonicas). It's about his trusted and beloved dogs. It's all of these things -
but mostly it's about people and relationships - and the love and admiration of
such. ...And listen, the book itself is strikingly beautiful. Santa poured his
heart and his soul into making a Bluegrass treasure. The book is chocked full of
striking photographs (all shot at interesting angles) of his beloved
instruments. It is well made, a piece of art itself - definitely with an
artist's feel and touch to it...."
" ...this is more than a tale of Bluegrass. The North Carolina "Southern-ese" writing style tells a homespun tale with an emotional level reaching out to all walks of like, touching the timeless issues of the way music unites us all, and the part we all have to play in this world."
"(click here for entire review)...Read it because it tells, with pure joy, how a dozen single instruments and the people they own can make a tiny, modest room feel richer than the finest mansion. ... I can never, ever explain what live bluegrass in your own living room does for your soul – but I sure am glad John did."
"...This
is a book about incredible people and unbelievable places. Whether you
love bluegrass or can't stand it, this book will take you on a two year trip to
places you will want to see for yourself."
"... John accurately records, with stunningly clear word pictures, the magic of bluegrass as bluegrass hijacks a room full of complete strangers, all speaking different languages (one a fiddle, another a Martin guitar, another a mandolin), and drags them helplessly into submission for one universal and compelling purpose – Bluegrass!"