Not Your Average
Mandolin Monster
A true American mandolin master and expert in old-time and deep Southern musical styles, Mike Compton’s straight-from-the-still vocal and instrumental style merges vintage grit with modern authenticity. Whether he’s working with rock stars Elvis Costello and Sting or acoustic legends John Hartford and producer T‐Bone Burnett, Compton can entertain audiences ranging from rockers and urban hipsters to die-hard country, folk, and bluegrass fans as a solo, duo, or band performer.
ORANGE BLOSSOM BREAKDOWN
Single Release 2/18/22
Available for Download NOW!
This tune comes off a home recording of a Grand Ole Opry performance sometime in the late 40’s, after Flatt & Scruggs left the BG Boys. The announcer says, “this one is the latest I believe, isn’t it, Bill?” Monroe says in the background, “it’s an instrumental” and the announcer replies, “It’s an instrumental alright. It’s called the Orange Blossom Breakdown.” Monroe must’ve been rarin’ to go because the tune starts in a New York second after that, off a’running about 175 bpm. A good solid breakdown that is deceivingly hard to play.
(DJ’s can access at any time this single and upcoming single Trail of Tears via Airplay Direct)
PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN
Some old “lost tapes” of Monroe floating around for years, tunes not written down or recorded. This project, “Rare & Fine: Uncommon Tunes of Bill Monroe” includes material spanning most of Monroe’s career. Some of the tunes have been on projects that were never released to the public. Some have not been recorded prior to this album. Bringing together an exceptional group of talent with Michael Cleveland, Laura Orshaw, and Shad Cobb on triple fiddles, Russ Carson on banjo, Jeremy Stephens on guitar, Mike Bub on bass, and me Mike Compton on mandolin, this album was recorded over two days at Jack Clements iconic studio in Nashville.
This project is the work of a detective, a historian and a master musician, working with trusted colleagues who love Monroe’s music as much as the leader. “I hope that you enjoy the sounds included with these covers!” - Mike Compton
Limited Autographed CD’s Available, Unsigned CDs Available
Mandolin Tablature & Notation Book Available
A Dynamic Duo
Gallop To Georgia
Renowned musicians and folk historians Mike Compton & Norman Blake join forces to introduce listeners to the repertoire of the Mississippi duo Narmour & Smith. Sixteen tunes with an engaging cadence with asymmetries and little quirks that keep the music lively and fresh. The two masters, without thinking about it, take great care with the music’s dynamics and nuances, leaving lots of space for the ear to hear elements of timing and melody that set this body of work apart. In addition to the album, Mike has put together a book of mandolin notation and tablature for each tune.
Out and About
Tours & Teachings
Mike keeps a busy schedule on the road. Check out the tour schedule to see when he will be playing in your neck of the woods!
Looking for your next bluegrass camp? Monroe Mandolin Camp brings together world-class instructors on multiple instruments for a deep dive into traditional bluegrass. This camp features mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass, harmony singing, songwriting, and luthiery. Come join us September 3-8, 2024 in Abingdon, VA for the 11th Annual MMC!