A jack of all styles and master of none, Rich counts among his influences Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, David Bromberg, and Duane Allman. Aside from hearing Flatt & Scruggs theme songs on '60s sitcoms, it was Old and in the Way and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band that piqued his interest in bluegrass. It was only then that he started listening to the Fathers of Bluegrass and seeing new bands at T.T. the Bear's Place and other Cambridge venues. Now it's bluegrass and classic country first and foremost, testing the forbearance of his family and friends. He still plays the D-18 he bought in 1975 with the pittance he saved while in the Army. To paraphrase Freelwheelin' Franklin, "A Martin will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no Martin." Amen, brother!
Rich O’Hanley
