56 BLUEGRASS BREAKTHROUGH Free at last from record-biz restraints, Ricky Skaggs gets back to the heart of the country. By Ben Elder
Music to "Amanda Jewell" p. 60
70 AVALON ON MY MIND The life and legend of Mississippi John Hurt. By Steve James
Words and music to "Louis Collins" p. 74
80 GUITAR MASTERS OF MADAGASCAR A player's guide to an amazing world of music. By Danny Carnahan
Music to "Andriry," by D'Gary p. 84
Music to "Sangisangy," by Dama p. 86
DEPARTMENTS
6 CONTRIBUTORS
8 MUSIC NOTATION KEY
10 MAIL
16 JUMP STREET Happenings The legacy of Michael Hedges, Jeff White, Nina Gerber, and more.
24 REVIEWS Hit List records, jazz instruction videos, and the Harry Smith CD anthology.
38 A.G. LETTER John Herndon offers tips on battling stage fright.
40 SONG CRAFT Her Own Drummer: The grooving new music of Catie Curtis. By Scott Nygaard
Words and music to "I Still Want To" p. 42
48 SHOPTALK New, Used, or Vintage? Clearing the first hurdle in your search for the perfect guitar. By Marshall Newman
99 GEARBOX Equipment picks from this issue's featured artists, new gear spotlights, and a review of the AKG C411 MicroMic.
108 FOR BEGINNERS "Extra" Bass Notes. By Larry Sandberg
Music to "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" p. 110
114 WOOD CHOPS Subtle Backup. By Dylan Schorer
Backup licks p. 115
118 DEAR A.G. Answers to your questions, plus a reader tip.
122 GREAT ACOUSTICS Rare Dopyera Resonators. By Teja Gerken
Cover: Ricky Skaggs enjoys his new Bourgeois guitar. Story on page 56. Photo by Alan Messer.