Growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, a young Paul Glasse was introduced to the unusual acoustic draw of the mandolin. Though as an adolescent he cut his teeth on Bluegrass, Old Timey, and New England Traditional Music, it was the Siren of Texas Swing that would lure him to Austin, Texas in 1977. Under the tutelage of the great electric mandolinist, Tiny Moore (Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys) Glasse immersed himself in the vocabulary and vibe of Texas Swing. Known for its quick-pulsed tempo and unusual blend of early Country and Western fused with the jazz harmony of late 30’s Benny Goodman/Charlie Christian swing, this indigenous art would be the unique and central core of his musical identity.
To the right, a youthful Paul Glasse, 1981 Buck White International Mandolin Championship winner(middle), pictured between 1982 winner Nashville recording artist Mark O’Connor (left) and 1980 winner Bobby Clark (right). A decade-long success championing mandolin contests in the late 80s would hone his technical picking prowess and morph his interest into the rapid-fire compendium of Bebop jazz. A fondness for a short, recognizable “head,” followed by blazing improvisation became the signature sound of Glasse, and his compositional skills. (Photo of Paul with his electric mandolin courtsey of JazzMando.com)

Permanently rooted in the promiscuously vibrant Austin musical scene, Glasse’ regular appearances at local performances have become of the many treasures of this town’s nightlife. Known internationally for its cadre of talented players and musical originality, Austin with it’s notably raw brilliance has all the musical attraction and potential of Nashville, sans the gloss. Though he has toured with such notables as Lyle Lovett, it’s the incubating environment of this musical homebase that defines the originality and sensibilities of his music.Paul furthered his traditional education through his coursework in the University of Texas, where he filled the Big Band guitar slot with his 5-string electric mandolin. Michael Stevens, former Senior Design Engineer of the Fender Custom Shop, introduced a special signature Paul Glasse Model Mandolin. He also owns the original darker sunburst prototype that Michael made in 1982. Barry Mitterhoff (Hot Tuna) borrowed this for some touring before his own “Paul Glasse Model” was completed. These mandolins are played by, Aubrey Haynie, Tom Rozum, and Don Stiernberg among others.

Two albums grace his discography, and lately, a compilation double CD re-release of these (with bonus tracks!) record this magnificent ground-breaking music for posterity and of course, serious aural study for the aspiring jazz mandolinist.

Kudos:

1st place 1981 Buck White International Mandolin Championship Kerville, Texas
Winner Professional Mandolinist division Shriner Central Texas Pick-off.
1st Place 1987East Texas Mandolin Championship
1st Place 1989 Walnut Valley (Winfield) Mandolin Championship
Multiple appearances on Austin City Limits including as a featured performer with his own group
Inductee Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame
Featured on an NPR All Things Considered profile/interview with Noah Adams
Awarded a six month apprenticeship with Johnny Gimble as part of Texas Folklife Resources “Master/Apprentice” program
Custom Builder Michael Stevens “Paul Glasse Model” electric mandolin
Endorsee, D’addairo Strings
National Association of Jazz Educators citation for “outstanding musicianship.
“Featured on voluminous projects with artists such as Tiny Moore, Johnny Gimble, Mark O’Connor, Jethro Burns, Mike Marshall, Tony Trishka, Jerry Douglas, Howard Levy, Peter Rowan, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Eldon Shamblin, Allison Krause, Kelly Willis, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Shawn Colvin, Michelle Shocked, Laurie Lewis, Riders in the Sky, Asleep at the Wheel, and many others.

Paul’s bio courtsey of Ted Eschliman – JazzMando.com

Dix Bruce is a musician and writer who has performed and recorded music in the San Francisco Bay Area since the mid-1970s. He is well-known in jazz and bluegrass music circles for his work with a variety of bands from bluecrass and country to jazz and bib band. He has recorded four duo CDs with guitarist Jim Nunally. For several years Dix was a clinician for the C.F. Martin Guitar Company conducting guitar clinics up and down the West coast. Dix also does studio work on guitar, mandolin, bass, and banjo, and has recorded two LPs with mandolin legend Frank Wakefield.

Dix has produced over fifty music books and DVDs. His latest publications are four book/CD sets for mandolin and guitar entitled “Gypsy Swing & Hot Club Rhythm” and “The Parking Lot Picker’s Songbooks.” Dix wrote and recorded music for three versions of the best-selling video game “The Sims.” He has taught at the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, The California Coast Music Camp, Greater Yellowstone Music Camp, Camp Bluegrass, California Bluegrass Assn. Music Camp, Walker Creek Music Camp, and the American River Music Camp. His recent book/ CD sets are entitled, All Time Favorite Parking Lot Picker’s Mandolin Solos, Old Time Gospel Crosspicking Guitar Solos, and Christmas Cross Picking Solos for Guitar.

For more info about Dix visit MusixNow.com

Nate Lee is a 2015 IBMA Momentum Award winning instrumentalist and renowned teacher of private lessons and music camps. While attending the Bluegrass & Country Music Program at South Plains College, Nate joined the Alan Munde Gazette. He toured with the band for six years and played fiddle on their second release, Made To Last.  After moving to Nashville in 2012, Nate toured with Irene Kelley, Town Mountain, and the Jim Hurst Trio. Although Nate is in demand on stage and in the studio, his first love is teaching. With more than thirteen years’ experience as a teacher and workshop instructor, Nate has gained a loyal following of students who enjoy his comprehensive teaching methods and relaxed, encouraging demeanor.  Nate can be found playing mandolin, twin fiddle, and singing with the Becky Buller Band.  He is also a member of the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass committee and a 2014 graduate of the program.  For more info on studying music with Nate and to check out his Plays Well With Others solo album and his popular new teaching DVD, How To Play A Break On A Song You’ve Never Heard Before, visit TheNateLee.com and PlayNately.com