On March 29, master flatpick-guitarist David Grier releases “Ways of the World,” a new record cut with some of his-fellow best players in town. Along with guest vocalists Andrea Zonn, Tim O’Brien and Maura O’Connell, David also sings on record for the first time on five new original songs.

By far one of the most-respected bluegrass guitarists in town, David had one fine mentor in his father Lamar Grier, who was a member of “Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys.”  In 2000, David was honored by Acoustic Guitar Magazine as one of the “Artists of the Decade”. 

Enterprising David has his own record label, Dreadnought Recordings and is also available for guitar lessons on-line via Skype. If interested, you can inquire and sign up at www.davidgrier.com. Thanks David for spending some time with the 11 Questions.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I am from Maryland, and I miss the seafood immeasurably. I think it was 1985 when I moved here. At that time, I was playing electric guitar in a house band in Virginia three nights a week that was not really going anywhere. So, I decided to move to Nashville. When I moved here I had $800. I figured I would stay until the money gave out, then move back home and get a job. Well, eventually the money did give way, but I thought why move back to get a job when I could just get one here. Anything to keep me in here in Nashville.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

One of the first records I bought for myself was either Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life or George Benson’s Breezin’. The last was a CD of Dori Freeman.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

I don’t remember my first concert. My Dad took me to many that he wanted to see, or ones where he performed. I remember going to some of the early morning shows that Flatt & Scruggs recorded on White Bridge Road. I was pretty young for that. The last was seeing the great guitar player Richard Smith at the City Winery.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

The most glaring omission is that of Bill Monroe, so he gets my vote.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza? 

Crema is my favorite coffee spot! I don’t have a favorite pizza joint.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville? 

Bela Fleck’s Drive

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show? 

Hermitage Cafe

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you. 

Dolly Parton, Shelby Lynn and Mike Henderson

What are your favorite music venues to play in town? 

The Station Inn

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here? 

My friend, banjoist Mike Munford

Finally, what’s in your musical future? 

I’m not really sure what’s in store for me. I’ll either invent a cure for cancer or write another song. Whatever comes first!