Paul Roberts - Posted - 04/16/2012:  17:17:55

Jim Reed is one of the most authentic and artistic banjo players of our time. Born and raised in Kentucky, Jim has played 5-string banjo since he was a child. An inspiring musical leader, Jim Reed is a living link to the essence of mountain music. His smooth picking and nuanced phrasing make for an uncommonly beautiful banjo sound.

I hope you enjoy reading the interview with Jim Reed and the insightful tributes written about him.    

Best regards,

PauL

1. Interview with Jim Reed

2. Tributes to Jim Reed by Don Borchelt, Janet Burton, Don Couchie and Donnie Gill

dgill - Posted - 04/16/2012:  18:07:05

  What a great article and you could not say it any better Paul.  Jim is truly a treasure to anyone that has met him.  Very nice job Paul.   I am sure Jim will appreciate your contribution to his legacy.

KANINJACK - Posted - 04/16/2012:  18:49:20

Nice job, thanks for the post.

BanjoFlyboy - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:01:14

Great story about a great banjer pick'r!   This could be turned into an hour long PBS Special.

Couchie - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:27:30

Great job Paul.  Jim is a first rate musician and deserves all the recognition that you are giving.  It's nice that in the computer age we can appreciate people like Jim and they no longer have to be "unsung heros."  It is interesting to note that everyone has had a similar experience with Jim's good nature and approachability.  

For anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to meet Jim in person, come on in the Banjo Hangout chatroom and meet the man and hear his music.  You won't be disappointed.

Don Couchie

Edited by - Couchie on 04/16/2012 19:35:09

jimh269b - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:29:31

This Is Jims Daughter Jessica!! I was gone when they done this article on my dad!! I just want to say That I have one of the Best dads in the world!! I truly hate it that my dad had to work as hard as he has and does in a mines when he could have done something he loved!! He done that all for me and my mom and I hate that!! I also know that I would do anything for my husband and three kids so i know where he came from!! I have grown up always listening to bluegrass music!! Every Sat. night my family got together at one of their homes and played until the sun came up!! All of the kids played spot light outside until we got so sleepy we had to go lay down in the back room of the house they were playing at! My childhood was wonderful!! Since i was small i always wanted to be like my dad if he ate something then heck you know i was going to try it! He makes me so proud and to see someone notice him for his talent and to see you guys become his friends warms my heart!! He thinks alot of you guys!! I have met a lot of people through my dad a lot of people that i care very much for!! You won't find finer people that bluegrass loving people and I am thankful to have had them in my life!! Daddy I Love you!! You are the best dad a girl could have and you won't find a better grandfather!! Thank you for loving me because I sure do love you! I am so Proud of you!!!

Love,
Jessica

rickhayes - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:53:03

Thanks Paul for an excellent article.  And special thanks to Janet and the three Dons for some excellent writing covering Jim's background.  And thanks most of all to Jim, a tremendous picker and resource for us here at the BHO. 

Banjophobic - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:53:17

Jims a great picker and ever nice guy and im really glad he was covered in this article!  Jessica, thank for sharing that  heartfelt tribute to your dad. We are mightly proud of Mr Reed , here on the BHO.

Banjophobic - Posted - 04/16/2012:  19:53:30

Jims a great picker and ever nice guy and im really glad he was covered in this article!  Jessica, thank for sharing that  heartfelt tribute to your dad. We are mightly proud of Mr Reed , here on the BHO.

jarocks - Posted - 04/16/2012:  20:30:51

I don't know Jim but he has to be a great guy with all the music he shares with us on BHO.I enjoy his playing alot

banjoike - Posted - 04/16/2012:  20:33:21

Very fine article. I know Jim is one hell of a guy because he has even given me some compliments. I love hearing the old stories Jim, and most of all, you and your banjo!!

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 04/16/2012:  21:12:08

Really enjoyed the article! Jim is one of the great originals on this site. Jim wrote a tune for me that I still havn't figured out, but I need to return the compliment one day. He is always very free with his praise and support of other pickers, and I know that his playing has been an inspiration to many. I am proud to have him as one of my good friends here on the hangout!

Keep on pickin old-timer!!

L

JanetB - Posted - 04/16/2012:  21:19:22

WE  U JIM!

Paul, you done real, real good. 

Janet   

P.S.  Jim, I'm listening to your songs and they'll make a fine summer learning project.  

christy65 - Posted - 04/17/2012:  00:20:25

a true gentleman and a great picker with a gentle heart

alfiedog - Posted - 04/17/2012:  02:29:37

What a great Interview. Thanks Jim for an insight into your Life. You are are True Gentleman, and a Fantastic Musician !

DannyB4 - Posted - 04/17/2012:  04:37:51

Jim is a fine, fine picker...and he keeps his ol' five-string a -ringing like a bell.....peace

banjomaster1980 - Posted - 04/17/2012:  04:47:08

That was a great article, and well written, Jim is a fine picker and well deserved.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 04/17/2012:  05:46:32

Paul,

Thanks for taking the time to do the article. I had heard it was coming and have been waiting for it. It is always a gift when JIm's songs get posted. He makes the old new and the stale fresh as well as creating. 

But it is also a good life lesson to see how humble and genuine Jim is all the time even though he is so talented.

ken

Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 04/17/2012 05:48:18

The KIDD - Posted - 04/17/2012:  06:37:25

That was great  learnin more about your family and how your style developed Jim. Well written and presented Paul!

g3zdm - Posted - 04/17/2012:  06:51:20

Good to see that there's a similar or parallel post in the "Other Banjo-Related Topics Clawhammer" section.

I really enjoyed reading the interview and agree with just about all I read in the tributes too.

I feel like I know Jim well, having first met him in the BHO chatroom about 3 years ago and talking to him regularly that way - and I too was honoured by having a Jim Reed tune named after me.

Hope to meet him in the flesh before too long.

Chris Muriel, Manchester, UK.

Vapor - Posted - 04/17/2012:  08:40:15

Very nice article, and a fantastic finish with Jim's daughters note. Nice work Paul, and congratulations Jim.

jimh269b - Posted - 04/17/2012:  13:43:07

i want to tank every one for your great comments,specially to paul roberts and his hard work,he has really worked hard and took time out to do this interview,by the way listen to paul.outstanding muscian,and my ole friends,don borchelt,don couchie,janet burton and donnie gill.you all mean every thing to me,these are great ones to,i have never ever had as much fun than playing with those two dons,they will stay up all night if it takes,you just cant beat em,janet she plays so delicate and smooth,you cant hardly set still listening to her play,and donnie gill donnie is a beginer,and does a great playing,he has had some problems with his hand,but the great lord we have, will heal him,thanks so much every body,jim reed

Beckyboy - Posted - 04/17/2012:  15:25:08

Great article Jim and a great guy to be writing about

congratulations

MB

MrHoney - Posted - 04/17/2012:  15:56:39

It's so nice to hear about Jim's upbringing and his life in music.  Lots of it surprised me and is very impressive, I guess that explains why Jim is one of the best pickers I've ever heard.  Thanks for sharing this with us! I feel incredibly lucky to be friends with Jim, even if it's only online. 

Byron

jbjo - Posted - 04/17/2012:  16:04:03

Great interview, loved the "beer can" story....

jimh269b - Posted - 04/17/2012:  16:08:32

cap it realy happened

erikforgod - Posted - 04/17/2012:  17:03:40

Jim I enjoyed reading the interview as well it was really great! And good for you for not going to work for old Monroe..touring and getting paid nothing and then afterwards workin on his farm, howin rows of tobacco, plowin and bailin hay...not for me either...couldnt have paid me enough to do all that..did enough of a little of that when I was younger !!!

Just think about what the kids and your wife would have missed out on if you had went...you werent in it for the money...you play banjo because its a part of you and you just plain love it! Hopefully one day...god willing maybe our paths will cross and I will get to sake your hand in person. Good music from a very good man....I am glad to see you getting a little recognition Jim!

Jaymz8604 - Posted - 04/17/2012:  17:29:13

Jim is the man!.....he took the time to compliment my playing when he didn't have to....he's not a stuck-up egotistical musician like most people encounter.....he's a credit to the banjo, music, and people everywhere.....if there were more ppl like Jim, the world would be a better place.

Edited by - Jaymz8604 on 04/17/2012 17:29:33

Possom - Posted - 04/17/2012:  22:18:10

Great interview and great stories in there Jim. Bud you are one of the best I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. I think I've told you before I don't care nothing bout that melodic stuff but you make the melody stand out in there like no other and still keep the feel and drive to the song. I could literally listen to you all day and never get tired of it. Glad to see you get a nod of recognition. You deserve it

picKen - Posted - 04/18/2012:  03:12:06

I've been waiting on this one Paul.  Thanks for your hard work on it.  I always wanted to know the story behind that Grenada.  Awesome tributes from everyone, especially your daughter Jim.  Surely that would make every day of work in the mines worth it right there.  That really touched my heart.  Your are truly one of a kind Jim.  Hardworking, humble, a great family man, and an amazing picker.  Your are one of a dying breed. You should be proud.  I hope I get to meet you in person someday.  Thanks for all you do here on the hangout.  Your are an inspiration and one of the great ones!  I can only dream to play as effortless and smooth as you one day. 

Jaymz8604 - Posted - 04/20/2012:  07:06:54

My favorite song Jim ever played is "Sail Away Ladies".

jimh269b - Posted - 04/20/2012:  13:46:04

jimh269b - Posted - 04/20/2012:  13:46:55

jim reed and my wife

pickNgrin - Posted - 04/20/2012:  13:56:33

That was a great interview. Jim has always been one of my favorite pickers on the hangout. Smooooooth! I knew he was a miner, but I never knew he was a helicopter pilot too. Cool!

-matt

Edited by - pickNgrin on 04/20/2012 14:06:24

dgill - Posted - 04/20/2012:  14:18:55

  Dang fine looking couple right there Jim.  Guys like us need a good woman around us and looks like we are pretty luck the have Phyllis and Sherry in our lives from what I can tell.

erikforgod - Posted - 04/20/2012:  14:34:58

A great pic right there Jim, you guys make a great couple...cant go wrong with a good Kentucky woman right? I have got the next best thing an Argentine girl...

yopasjim - Posted - 04/20/2012:  15:22:24

OKay...that settles it....Jim moves to the top of the "list of people I want to meet this side of Heaven."  And he has such a GREAT name too!

pernicketylad - Posted - 04/20/2012:  16:10:20

One of my best ever musical experiences was playing with Jim and Don Borchelt at Clifftop last year.

What a pair of humble folks. I was reluctant to join them at first thinking two banjos is one too many but Don assured me that it was "Banjo Hell".

It speaks volumes for both Don and Jim that they were willing to play with the likes of me, a relative novice. I recorded most of it and I've listened back to it a few times. My playing seems naive by comparison but the banjo I was playing provided a not unpleasant dull thud behind the sparkling crystal clear style of the two masters. My limitations also became clear in their presence. They were both such great listeners and really served the tune.

I never heard playing like Jim's before. No more than Don he really has a unique beautiful, subtle style that seems beyond categorisation.

As Jaymz8604 said Jim is also very quick to encourage others that are not as far down the road as he is.

Lots of lessons to be learned from Jim. I loved his "Banjo Hell" tune too. I never heard a tune like it, real strong distinctive melody.