Announcing holiday Breedlove clinics
November 2007
Tim's ready to hit the road again, presenting workshops on behalf of Breedlove dealers across the country. The new schedule will be posted on Tim's Workshops Page.
More good news: Tim' s band PLAIDGRASS has released their first album, Gretchen Priest and Plaidgrass. The instrumental CD features Tim's talented wife on fiddle with Tim on guitar, tenor guitar, mandola, mandocello, and resophonic guitar. They're joined by seven great musicians who have been a part of PLAIDGRASS throughout the years, including Tom Saffell, Brian Christianson, Al Goll, Chris Joslin, Doc Holladay, Chris Fontaine, and Jeff Taylor. PLAIDGRASS delivers an expertly arranged mix of Celtic, Bluegrass and traditional music embellished with the sweet tones of rare instruments, such as Gretchen's 5-string fiddle and Tom Saffell's 8-string banjo, and instruments from Tim's vintage Gibson collection.
The CD will be available online at Flatpicking Merchantile soon.
Tim May producing Neil Young tribute
October 2007
Tim has been working at Charlie Chadwick’s studio this month producing a new project for CMH Records. A Bluegrass Tribute to Neil Young features songs originally written and/or recorded by Young but arranged for bluegrass instrumentation. Chris Joslin, Brian Christianson, Gretchen Priest-May, Shad Cobb, Al Goll, Kyle Wood, and Susie Coleman join Tim and Charlie for this acoustic romp through some great folk-rock favorites. Tim’s vocals are particularly outstanding on this CD. Release date: January 2008.
See Tim's new Vintage Gibson videos now on YouTube
October 2007
In late June, Tim May and David Harvey put their Gibsons together for an hour long walk through the history of the instruments used in mandolin ensembles in the ‘teens. Each owns a collection of vintage Gibson instruments, and both could be considered authorities on old Gibson models. The event was taped at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and is available for viewing on YouTube. Find more information on Tim's Video Page.
Elixir Strings endorses Tim May
September 2007
“I murder strings,” Tim says with a sheepish look. He claims he’s sent thousands to their graves. Rapid, sliding movement is hard on strings; they pick up sweat, oil and dead skin cells which immediately build up in the string winding. Tim remembers having to change strings between sets in order to maintain the clear, bright tone he counts on delivering. He was in that phase when Elixir Strings hit the market. When Tim tried a set, he was dumbfounded by what a difference they made. Not only did they withstand the pounding he gives strings, they reduced slide and other string noise. When Tim contacted Mike Lille earlier this year, he could honestly report, “Elixirs are the only strings I use. They last forever.” An Elixir endorsement followed, but Tim was already promoting the brand. “I was raving about Elixir before I ever got an endorsement.”
Tim prefers the Medium Gauge Phosphor Bronze set, for clarity, tone and longevity. To see how they’re made, visit Elixir Strings.
RADIOLA Turns Up the Volume
August 2007
What a treat it is to hear great material from the Swing era played by top level acoustic musicians. Toss a few hot bluegrass standards, and you’ve got RADIOLA. David and Jan Harvey invited Brian Christianson, Jon Weisberger, and Tim May to a banquet packed with a delicious menu of mandolin and fiddle tunes, garnished with sweet vocals. Expect a CD soon. For booking or other information, email: David Harvey.
Brad Davis and Tim May Heading to Winfield
July 2007
Flatpicker Brad Davis is as awesome a talent as Tim May. Tim tags along with Brad sometimes, serving up his brilliance on a mandolin, banjo and dobro. “Brad is great singer and writer. His music fits into multiple genres: bluegrass, folk and Americana,” Tim says. Tim and Brad are headed for the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS in September, with Gretchen Priest joining them on fiddle and Dan Miller on bass. Tim says Brad is “inspiring to play with and just a great guy to hang out with.” The three give flatpicking clinics and workshops at camps, house concerts, etc.
Check Tim’s calendar on MySpace for upcoming shows. If you have interest in booking the trio, email Dan Miller at dan@flatpick.com.
Japanese tour with John Cowan
August 2006
Tim's souvenir program says it best. Read for yourself. Don't forget the second page.
Breedlove Guitars endorses Tim May
May 2006
Breedlove Guitars has offered Tim May a professional endorsement. Both sides certainly have good reason to celebrate. Tim became an official Breedlove clinician, traveling to instrument dealers to promote the Breedlove line. In these clinics, Tim talks about the history of flatpicking and a little about how guitars are built, giving qualified insight on anything from instrument structure to how to hold a pick. And, of course, he plays for the crowd, which sure makes a Breedlove sing.
“I think Breedlove is the best contemporary maker of acoustic instruments in America today,” Tim says.” I think the Revival Series guitars have outstanding playability, tone, and a really good neck.” The unique neck features a wax finish rather than varnish, which slides well and has a great feel. Tim owns a Breedlove Model DR (Deluxe Revival) and a custom made tenor guitar. He records with both these instruments and if you listen to Tim’s recent recordings, you can understand why.
Tim's Workshop Page will have Tim's current clinic schedule. Check out Breedlove's website at www.breedloveguitars.com.
Moody Bluegrass at the Ryman a huge hit
November 2005
If you were lucky enough to have seen the live performance of Moody Bluegrass (October 23, 2005), then you know what a magical event it was. Tim May’s fingerprints were all over the Moody Bluegrass CD, released in late 2004, crafting charts and arrangements, and as session leader. Two members of the original Moody Blues, Justin Hayward and Graham Edge, joined Andy Hall on guitar and dobro, Andy Todd on bass and Tim on guitar. The project, produced by David Harvey who also played mandolin on the project, was so well received that Harvey is producing Moody Blues II this Fall. For more information and great photos of the live show, visit www.moodybluegrass.com.
Grammy nomination via Charlie Daniels
November 2005
Charlie Daniels received a Grammy nomination for the Best Country Instrumental Performance of 2005 for his cut of the old favorite I’ll Fly Away. Tim May was the solo guitarist on the tune. You can get information on the album on the Charlie Daniels website, www.charliedaniels.com.