When You First . . .

[Bill McCall]

In reflecting, the player who has had the most influence on me is Brian Oberlin. Through him, both with lessons and his camp, I got acquainted with classical players such as Carlo Aonzo and Evan Marshall, grassers from Radim Zenkl to Mike Compton, and swing guys like Don S and Paul Glasse, not to mention Brian’s own playing in multiple genres. Seeing his ROW concert in 2013 has changed my musical life and I’m enjoying the journey immensely.

[Br1ck]

Unlike guitar, when me and about 10 million others wanted to be Beatles, I was told I needed to play mandolin by a three year old, so I bought one. I happened on mandolessons.com, so I suppose Baron was my earliest influence.

[jimmy powells]

Dave Appollon and Dave Swarbrick (Fairport Convention and Ian Campbell Folk Group). I also liked Hamish Bayne from The McCalmans but Dave Appollon by a mile.

[Tempotantrum]

Hard to believe that no one has mentioned Ronnie McCoury yet!! For me it was Ronnie, Monroe and Compton. Plus a bunch of good local talent.

[Roger Adams]

I guess Norman Blake and Dean Webb.