Scott Nygaard: Acoustic Guitar, Peghead Nation and a Lifetime in Music

You may know Scott Nygaard from his career as a guitarist in the bluegrass and acoustic scene for more than 30 years, his work as former editor and writer with Acoustic Guitar Magazine, or as one of the co-founders of Peghead Nation. You may not know his novel Evergreen, based on his transformative first year at Evergreen College in 1973. I love a coming of age story, and this is very much a tale musical growth and about the loss of innocence during a time of societal changes . We also explore Scott’s most recent album, Flown South which was recorded after a serious accident, when Scott had to relearn to play guitar.You’ll also be hearing music from his wonderful album Rosco with the Swedish guitarist Roger Tallroth, best known as a founding member of Väsen. Another collaboration you’ll be hearing about is Crow Molly, which features mandolinist Joe K. Walsh (a previous guest of this podcast). Scott shared his experiences recording with Chris Thile, touring with Joan Baez, and his move to Chile. I really enjoyed this opportunity to hear Scott’s wise observations on what really matters in a creative and connected life well-lived.The complete show notestake you to the video, Scott Nygaard, other episodes you'll love, podcast newsletter sign up (where you'll get exclusive information about upcoming guests), podcast merchandise and how you can buy me a coffee to support this podcast - as well as the video link and transcript.(00:00) Intro(02:20) novel Evergreen, bluegrass, old-time music, racism(12:35) old-time fiddling(16:36) Crow Molly band and album with clip of track 5 “Too Hungry”(18:21) album with Roger Tollroth Rosco with clip of track 6 The Surly Seven(24:01) more about collaborating with Roger Tollroth, clip of track 9 True North album Rosco(26:07) challenges of touring, Crow Molly with clip of track 9 Haapavesi album Crow Molly(29:13) editing and writing for Acoustic Guitar magazine(31:49) role of flat-picking guitarist in bluegrass and old-time music(34:00) other episodes you’ll love and ways to support this series!(34:50) music education and Peghead Nation, bands and community(41:33) learning to play again after accident, album Flown South with clip of Itutu(49:20) learning Spanish, wife Claudia losing hearing, sign language(58:07) Flown South clip of improv “Understanding Makes the Brain Lazy”(59:46) Evergreen, community of musicians, Peghead Nation, Scott’s books, guitars(01:11:45) Chris Thiele, Joan Baez(01:22:51) musical curiosity and advice, Lena Jonsson