FGH-0008: Interview with Robin Bullock – Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More…

Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast with Adam Rafferty

Summary, Episode 8:

Interview with Robin Bullock – Celtic Guitar, Mandolin, Cittern and More…

Hailed as a “Celtic Guitar God” by Baltimore City Paper and “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine, Robin Bullock is one of the preeminent acoustic music masters of our time.

His virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands, their vigorous American descendants, and the masterworks of the Baroque and Renaissance eras into one powerful musical vision.

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Fingerstyle Guitar Hangout Podcast, Robin Bullock and I chat about:

• • 2:44 Robin describes how he came to Celtic via Bluegrass.
  • 3:29 His background, influences & starting out in the DC / Baltimore area.
  • 7:58 Robin tells us about O’Carolan – Irish Harpist & composer (1670-1738).
  • 11:19 Robin’s talks about his album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit.”
  • 17:50 Robin tells us about playing the Cittern.
  • 20:06 His start as a mandolin player.
  • 22:20 Robin’s Bach “Mandolin Suites” Recording.
  • 29:43 His inspiration for Bach on Mandolin via John Williams classical guitar recordings.
  • 31:32 Robin’s dicusses his custom David McCubbon guitar.
  • 33:11 Sample sounds from his guitar.
  • 34:28 Robin’s tone and technical right hand approach.
  • 40:10 “Bullock’s First Law” – stay relaxed, and all about technique.
  • 45:07 We discuss composing and inspiration.
  • 47:28 His stint as a bassist and rock background…
  • 52;07 Robin’s other interets (not!)
  • 54:06 Robin’s advice to guitar players & musicians.
  • 1:02:04 Robin’s website, CDS and more at

• 1:06:58 Closing track: LORD INCHIQUIN from Robin’s album “The Carolan Collection: An Animal Rescue Benefit”

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