John ‘Tumbleweed’ Rosett
- Type: People Who Play
"I started playing guitar at 13, then banjo at about 18. When I was 22, I bought an old Stradolin mandolin at a junk store in Florida. Right away, I knew I'd found my instrument. I sold my banjo and devoted myself to the mandolin.
Early on I got hold of an old Homer and Jethro record, and Jethro Burns has been my main influence ever since. I attended a week long workshop with Jethro in 1983, and did some lessons by mail with him for several years after that.
I have played mandolin in bluegrass, jazz, blues and country bands over the last 20 years. Probably the most well known was ""The Swingin' Swamis"", a honky-tonk/jump-blues band in Seattle from 1985-'91. I played a solid body 5 string. I also played in jazz singer Donna Smith's group in the 90's. I'm now living in Missoula, Montana and playing in an alt/country band called ""Cash For Junkers"". We have two CDs out so far.
I play a Weber custom Yellowstone and electric guitar. I am completely in love with my Weber. I've played a lot of mandolins that cost 3-4 times that much, but I haven't played a better one than mine. Now, if I could just get the Weber folks to build that semi hollow electric mandolin......."