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EP 143 – From Classical Burnout to Bluegrass Love Songs with Trish Imbrogno
In this episode, Ryan talks with double bassist Trish Imbrogno about leaving the classical orchestral track and rebuilding her musical life inside bluegrass and Americana.
Trish started bass in middle school, progressed quickly through classical method books, and went on to study bass performance at Duquesne University with Jeff Turner of the Pittsburgh Symphony. After years in regional orchestras—long drives, tight stages, and playing the same repertoire—she hit a wall. Around the same time, opportunities in Americana and bluegrass started coming her way, and the music felt fresher, more communal, and surprisingly more sustainable.
Ryan and Trish dig into why bluegrass is far more nuanced than the “1–5 is easy” stereotype, how she retrained her ear and time feel to function off the page, and what happens when you step into a genre shaped heavily by regional culture and tradition. Trish also breaks down the experience of recording her new project, Bluegrass Love Songs, Volume One, alongside an all-women band of legendary players in a male-dominated genre.
They talk about nerves in the studio, choosing the right bass for the session, tracking “Think of What You’ve Done,” and her follow-up instrumental single, “Cherokee Shuffle”—a musical love letter to the Pittsburgh bluegrass community. The episode also explores her musical influences, the process of developing harmonic ears in a chord-driven genre, and the storytelling depth at the heart of bluegrass “love songs.”
Featured Tracks:
🎵 “Think of What You’ve Done” – Single
🎵 “Cherokee Shuffle” – Instrumental single
💿 EP: Bluegrass Love Songs, Volume One
Connect with Trish Imbrogno:
Website: https://www.trishplaysbass.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishplaysbass
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrishPlaysBass
Streaming links:
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Connect with The Bass Shed:
Website: https://www.thebassshed.com
Memberships: [add link]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bass_shed
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBassShed
Featured in This Episode:
Wood Shed Bass
KraftGeek Capsule Music Stand
Jerry Jemmott 15 Timeless Bassline
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