Ed Richard's "bayou bluegrass" style is never far from his Cajun roots and Southern gospel traditions.
"My father was 100 percent Cajun,'' says Ed, who pronounces his last name Re-shard, in the French style.
"Cajuns have a positive, upbeat atti [+]Ed Richard's "bayou bluegrass" style is never far from his Cajun roots and Southern gospel traditions.
"My father was 100 percent Cajun,'' says Ed, who pronounces his last name Re-shard, in the French style.
"Cajuns have a positive, upbeat attitude about life,'' said Richard.
"I think a big part of that attitude is their faith,'' he added.
"They are hard workers, but when it comes time to play, they know how to party.
"They're not somber people,'' he added.
"I grew up listening to music and visiting friends and relatives where music was always present.
I can't remember a time when I didn't play an instrument,'' he added.
Ed's mother is a guitar player and she encouraged him, giving him a guitar and later sending him for guitar lessons.
Instead of picking up Cajun-style music Ed enjoyed the 'Smoky Mountain' music popularized by Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley.
This recording showcases Ed's claw-hammer picking style, which he learned from Ralph Stanley.
The style incorporates a rhythm action that plays rhythm and lead at the same time.
Although his main instrument is the banjo, Ed is also a talented flat-top guitar player.
The old traditional, "Spinning Wheel" showcases his dynamic cross-picking style on the acoustic guitar.
Like his banjo repertoire, Ed's professional credentials are impressive, including a doctorate degree in moral theology that he earned from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
He received his undergraduate degree from McNeese State University in 1978 and his law degree from Louisiana State University School of Law.
He practiced business law in Lake Charles, LA for two years, but finally acknowledged a call to the priesthood that he had been feeling for years.
In addition to his picking skills Ed is a talented songwriter.
"Hills of Rome," which he wrote during his three year stay in Italy, is an instrumental with a great melody.
Like a free-running brook, the banjo tumbles delightfully, taking the listener through unexpected turns and rhythms.
In addition to Ed on banjo, this piece shows off the talents of Missourian Frank Ray on mandolin and Louisiana State Champion Fiddler Ron Yule.
A French melody from the 18th Century served as inspiration for Richard's thoughtful 'a cap
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