Gary Brewer


Gary Brewer is an American guitarist and banjoist in the bluegrass tradition. He is best known for leading the Kentucky Ramblers, and for staging the annual Strictly Bluegrass festival.

Biography

Brewer was raised in Louisville, Kentucky.
His grandfather Finley J. Brewer Sr. performed with the Carter Family, and his father Finley J. Brewer Jr. has played since 1950. Sometimes Jim haa performed with his son Gary and Gary’s sons Wayne and Mason.
Brewer played rock music until he began playing acoustic guitar while recuperating from an auto accident. That was when he and two friends formed the bluegrass group Kentucky Ramblers in 1979.
In 1994, Brewer was invited to participate in Bill and James Monroe’s “Father and Son” Winter Tour.
Released in 1995, Brewer's album Guitar also features Bill Monroe, Ron Stewart, Larry Sparks, and Josh Graves on a set of instrumentals.
Brewer released Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner in 1999, with assistance from J. D. Crowe, Larry Stephenson, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Hicks, Terry Eldredge, Terry Smith, and Art Stamper. The title song on this tribute to Jimmy Martin was written by Tom T. Hall specifically for this album.

Strictly Bluegrass Festival

In 1989, Brewer worked with the Louisville mayor's office to launch the Strictly Bluegrass bluegrass festival held at the Iroquois Amphitheater and later moved to New Albany, Indiana.

Awards and recognition

In 2000, Brewer was nominated as a finalist twice by the International [Bluegrass Music Association]: for Guitar Player of the Year, and his song Jimmy Martin Songs for Dinner for Song of the Year.

Personal life

Brewer's nickname is "Stretch", and his record label is Stretchgrass Productions.

Discography

Solo recordings

  • 1995: ''Guitar''

Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers

  • 1986: Thinking of Home as The Kentucky Ramblers
  • 1990: Down Home Memories
  • 1992: Goin' Back to Kentucky
  • 1993: Nearing Jordan's Crossing
  • 1994: Money to Ride the Train
  • 1996: Live in Europe
  • 1997: Memories of Home
  • 1998: Kentucky Headlines and Heartbreak EP
  • 1998: Heaven's Jubilee
  • 1999: Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner
  • 2001: Home Brew
  • 2014: ''Homestretch''

Gary and Jim Brewer

  • 1991: ''Two Of A Kind''

Pap Brewer with Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers

Gary Brewer and Phil Sexton

  • 1999: ''The 5th Generation''

Music instruction

  • 1998: ''Gary Brewer, Guitar: Bluegrass Guitar at Its Best''