In Memory of Mike Auldridge by Andy Hall
Mike Audridge helped popularize the Dobro in the 70's, and was in the DC-based Seldom Scene, a group that made Bluegrass more palatable to non-country audiences. Here are some thoughts from our dobro teacher Andy Hall on Mike Auldridge in light of his recent passing.
"I can't say enough about the impact Mike Auldridge's Dobro playing had on me as a Dobro player, and musician in general. First, I'm not sure how many people know what his practice and work ethic was like. He told me many times how he would go into his basement in the morning to play steel or dobro, and not come up till dinner. He was meticulous. The care he took in getting something just right really came through in his impeccable tone, and choice of notes. If you listen to live recordings of Mike and the Seldom Scene, you don't really hear any mistakes. You hear every note, and they're rich and full. As a person, Mike exuded class and style. As my wife put it 'he was always a perfect gentleman'.
In addition to that, he was amazingly supportive of me and my playing. He made me feel at ease, and could really pull the best music out of someone with the way he would listen. It takes a lot of courage to play with as much space as he did, trust me. As someone who plays too many notes sometimes this is something I know well.
I'm very grateful for Mike and his music. Of one thing there's no doubt, Mike was a master, and he loved the Dobro."
- Andy Hall