Courtney Hartman has a new solo album this week, Glade. To celebrate, we’ve tossed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast and – all week long – she’ll be interviewing some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world on our show.

She started the week off by interviewing Dana Bourgeois. This time around, she talks to Idaho-based luthier Lawrence Smart. Smart describes the role the outdoors has played on his creations, why he ended up building archtops (Courtney is often seen playing one), and why he’s embraced innovations like fanned frets. It’s a rare interview with a true master of mandolin and guitarmaking.

Look for Courtney’s next interview in a few days. This weekend, Jason will be back and, after a brief inspection for any new scratches or dents to the pod, we will be talking to Courtney herself about the making of Glade.

In the meantime, we hope you’ll check it out (stream links). Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments (some high-end, some cheap) and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you’ve only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you’re in for a treat.

Courtney Hartman’s Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com

Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj

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