The Virginia Folklife-supported album Chop, Shred, and Split is now WAMMY-award winning. The Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIES) have named this Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program master and apprentice collaboration by Danny Knicely and Jack Dunlap the best bluegrass recording for the 30th annual awards. The Washington Area Music Awards recognize significant career achievements by area musicians. Nominations and balloting come from the WAMA membership.
During the course of their apprenticeship, Jack and Danny created, produced, and released the album Chop, Shred, and Split – A Mandolin Player’s Apprenticeship. Featuring original compositions and an eclectic mix of songs that range from bluegrass to old-time, from gypsy jazz to swing, from polka to funk, this album is tangible proof of the magic generated by this apprenticeship.
“This album is a record of the fruits of Danny and Jack’s apprenticeship, and it can also be thought of as a key aspect of the apprenticeship itself,” says Jon Lohman, director of the Virginia Folklife Program. “This apprenticeship isn’t only about learning the fine points of playing the mandolin, but about what it means to be a mandolin player and professional musician. Entering into this kind of collaborative project with an experienced master like Danny, with all the accompanying decisions and negotiations regarding composition, arrangements, recording, and production, is an experience that will forever benefit Jack and, as you will learn after your first listen, will forever delight us all.”
This award-winning duo will perform at the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase on Sunday, May 15 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Ash Lawn-Highland, the Home of James Monroe. The event is free and open to the public. Chop, Shred, and Spilt will be available for purchase at the event.
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