The Local Scoop | Alan Bibey brings mandolin to Pine Lakes Tavern

It would be hard to say, definitively, who lit the fuse that sparked world renowned mandolinist Alan Bibey’s passion for bluegrass. He grew up a family of musicians and was “surrounded by music.”

When asked which instruments his kin played, he responded, “All of them really, bluegrass instruments, anyway.”

Although influenced by his dad, Bibey describes attending a performance by Bill Monroe, the patriarch of bluegrass, at age 5 “...as the exclamation point. ... I just recall him playing on the back of a flatbed, and he looked like he was 10 feet tall and was very charismatic.”

Then came Ricky Skaggs with a jazzy edged approach to the mandolin, “That’s when I really wore out record albums,” he said.

Now, thanks to his family and the pickers who inspired him, folks are wearing out his.

What can folks expect from an Alan Bibey performance?

They can expect a good mix of vocals and instrumentals. Hopefully a good variety of music from primarily bluegrass with touches of jazz, swing and gospel. I usually perform with my band “Grasstowne,” but do some local trio things as well as teaching mandolin at camps all over the world.

What is your favorite place to a play a gig?

Always loved playing the Grand Ole Opry. Awesome place to play.

Do you play any instruments in addition to the mandolin?

I started playing the mandolin at age 5 but picked up guitar, banjo, fiddle and bass along the way. It really helps in a band situation knowing what all the different instruments roles should be.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

They’d probably be surprised how much I love dogs and cats and all animals for that matter. I’m also a sports nut, especially UNC college basketball, still love to play, too!

Is there any music that you will not play?

I love playing all types of music, but my heart is in bluegrass.

How is recording different from playing live?

It’s very different. I have my own studio and record as much as I play live. It’s a totally different animal. I love both! You have only one shot to play it right live but as many as you want or need in the studio.

How is performing with a group different from playing solo?

Again, totally different but both are fun. Whatever instrument I’m playing has a totally different role in a band situation than as a solo.

How do you feel when you play music?

I guess it depends on the day but music can sure transform a bad day into a good one. The mandolin hopefully just becomes a vehicle for my soul.

What inspires you to write a song?

It can be many different things, from family to love or loss or whatever.

What is your process?

Some people have a strict process but through the years it has happened many different ways for me so there isn’t a set formula for me.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

My biggest musical influences were my dad, Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs and my cousin, Gary Brown, who plays here at the Carolina Opry. He really helped me a lot when I was getting started and is a great musician in his own right.

What are some of your fondest memories of your career?

I suppose my first time playing the Grand Ole Opry, The Bibey Gibson mandolin series and winning the first mandolin player of the year award in bluegrass music.

If you could start a band with anyone, living or dead, who would you want to work with?

It’d be Tony Rice. He’s probably my favorite musician ever.

Do you listen to your own music?

I listen to it a lot during the recording process, but only when it comes on the radio afterwards.

Do you have a song that you play at every gig?

Yeah, my most popular song is a tune I wrote about my grandparents’ relationship as seen through my eyes called “Side by Side,” It has been recorded by other bands all over world

What audience does your music typically appeal to?

I hope to all ages.

What advice would you offer aspiring musicians?

Be true to your heart and listen to what people have to say, but always stay true to yourself. In the end, it’s not the money you will remember it’s what you’ve created

This story was originally published September 19, 2013 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Local Scoop | Alan Bibey brings mandolin to Pine Lakes Tavern."