Ben Eldridge & Tom Gray of The Seldom Scene on Learning to Play [Behind The Scenes Documentary]

Bluegrass legends The Seldom Scene reunited with former members to create the Smithsonian Folkways album "Long Time... Seldom Scene." In this video, original members Ben Eldridge and Tom Gray swap stories of their childhoods and beyond with Smithsonian Folkways producer Pete Reiniger.
Recorded 2013, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Videography and editing by Charles Weber
'Long Time... Seldom Scene' available April 22, 2014, on CD and Digital.
Stream/download/purchase:
Smithsonian Folkways: folkways.si.edu/long-time-sel...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/4mOall...
For more than four decades, profoundly influential bluegrass band The Seldom Scene has shared its undeniable talent, progressive repertoire, and creative spirit both in the studio and on stage. 'Long Time... Seldom Scene' features fresh interpretations of 16 oft-requested tunes and is the band’s first studio album since the GRAMMY-nominated album 'Scenechronized' in 2007. It’s a family reunion in all the best ways, featuring the current - and longest-running - lineup, joined by founding members Tom Gray and John Starling and guests Chris Eldridge, Emmylou Harris, and Rickie Simpkins.
The Seldom Scene: www.seldomscene.com
Facebook: / seldomscene
Twitter: / _seldomscene
Instagram: / realseldomscene
Smithsonian Folkways: folkways.si.edu
Facebook: / smithsonianfolkwaysrec...
Twitter: / folkways
Instagram: / smithsonianfolkways
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[@ulrichfriehe3459]

RIP Ben Eldridge, gone but not forgotten.

[@TeddyCavachon]

I worked with Tom Gray in the mid-70s at National Geographic - his day job was was making the NGS maps - and had the pleasure of canoeing with him on rivers and streams in the DC area and spending many nights at the Red Fox Inn and Birchmere listening to the band. He was very understated and I had known him for almost a year before he even mentioned playing in a band.

[@hippiecolleen1352]

My father, Cousin Al, loved Ben's playing, and his Banjo, dad had a 37 Gibson, but most importantly Dad loved Ben...and hanging out with him, it was always a treat when they came out to west coast..... Dad passed away this week, wish he could have read Ben's new book

[@stephenjones8928]

Your dad and Ben are now in Summerland and gone fishin' together.

[@annemccord2015]

You guys gave great sound to music. I have always listened to bluegrass because my Pop played the banjo. I have seen you all at least 200 times in person!

[@stephenjones8928]

@4:10 Radio station WARL of Arlington, Virginia used that call sign from 1946 to 1961 when it became WAVA at 780 AM on the dial.

[@buzzbait422]

When I die. If I'm given the the chance. I will be in this room, on this day.

[@SBrown-ov9lz]

I'm gifted to have been there. Birchmire on most Thursday nights. Joe Val, New England Bluegrass Boys, my sponsor and a friend, I met all Scene back stage, many others too, Since and before that time, I developed interest in dobro...and Mike Aldridge was most influencing. I last communicated with him shortly before his passing.

[@joewheatley8905]

I so enjoyed this clip. I'm blessed to know all of the cats here except the Doctor...have met him, but never really knew him. Huge love and respect for all of them. I really like hearing from Tom. I have enjoyed his playing since I was a wee lad.....And I have told him so! Very cool! Recorded with Dudley a few years back on an Emerson project.
Kudos Smithsonian Folkways for producing this, much appreciated....I'll bet Dudley had something to do with it!

[@billymead889]

Back long ago they would play at col island marina with my father. Early 80's

[@SBrown-ov9lz]

I saw Ben last in New Bedford, Ma...2005 or so. He was the last in name for the Seldom Scene to perform.

[@wandagray754]

A

[@wadesage9732]

I'm obsessed with the seldom scene hahaha