Battle of the Bands: All My Tears

 I've used a Julie Miller song before. As I recall some (most) didn't like her vocals. We like different things. Apology or warning. Well with that on with the program.

The song: All My Tears

All right the contestants. 

Contestant One: Buddy Miller

I think this is the first time I have featured a songwriter's spouse as a contestant. Buddy is her husband.

Contestant Two: Jamey Johnson

You know the way it works. I pick a song. You tell me which one you like the best in the comments. I count them up and announce the winner in week, before the Winter Solstice, before Christmas, or before the next Battle.

R.I.P Tony Rice

 Tony Rice the great Bluegrass guitarist has passed away.  Eight years ago I was able to catch Tony Rice with Peter Rowan and the McCourys' my thoughts on the show are available here. 

Here performs "Church Street Blues"

"Blue Railroad Train"

A guitarist who played with Peter Rowan, Jerry Garcia,  David Grisman,  Ricky Skaggs,  Bela Fleck, and Jerry Douglas. Playing with the likes of those musicians it is no wonder he was inducted into  the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

"Guitar Space Summertime" jamming with Jerry Garcia

"The Soul of a Man Never Dies" with Ricky Skaggs

The legend will be missed!

R.I.P Roy Clark

Roy Clark guitarist, banjo player, comedian, actor passed away at the age of 85 yesterday (11-15-18). He was an inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Along the way he was named Entertainer of the Year by the CMA twice and once by the ACM. Three times he was named the Instrumentalist of the Year by the CMA. Just to highlight a few awards.

He won a Grammy for this song...

He achieved stardom on Hee-Haw. "Talk About A Party"

This song was a number 6 hit in 1970.."Thank God and Greyhound"

Remember "Yesterday, When I Was Young"

The world will miss his comic and musical talents. May he rest in peace!

                                                      

First cocert of 2018: The Travelin’ McCourys

This time around I went to see The Travelin’ McCourys completely by chance some 370 miles from my home. My schedule at work is pending a change so while I have my schedule with a string of days off I decided to visit my parents. When I visit my parents I try to meet up with a good friend of mine who lives in the area. He used to live real close to my parents now he lives about an hour away. Well he was going to the concert with his girlfriend, Dad, and now me!

The Wild Shiners a fun and talented band from North Florida warmed up the crowd with an opening set. Bringing skill, energy and humor the band showed the future of bluegrass and traditional music in this region is in good hands.

Here they are with "Momma, Hinesville Georgia"

This is a song they played during their set at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

The last time I experienced the Travelin' McCourys they were doing a special concert celebrating the music of Bill Monroe with living Bluegrass legends Peter Rowan and Tony Rice. You can revisit my review of that incredible show here.

I was looking forward to experiencing a true Travelin’ McCourys show! They didn't disappoint with a close to two hour show. Below is a little sample from the show...

My friend stated everyone in the band is a world class musician. The band had a new guitarist since the last time I watched them with Cody Kilby who worked with Ricky Skaggs for 14 years. Ronnie and Rob carry the famous McCoury bloodline on mandolin and banjo respectfully.  Alan Bartram fills out the sound on bass.

Needless to say it was a night of good fun!

75 Years of Jerry Garcia

Today is Jerry Garcia's birthday. It marks 75 years since he was born.  He passed away at 53 and something beautiful has been missing ever since.

I'm going to share songs from throughout his career. Music talks better.

If you want more, I suggest going t o the movies today. They are bringing a vintage concert to the big screen. You can catch Jerry and the Grateful Dead one more time. Information here.


Jerry Garcia with Merl Saunders "Road Runner"..

Yes he was a road runner touring solo and with the Grateful Dead.

A happy Jerry does his take on a Beatles classic..

Here is early Jerry Garcia from 1962 performing some bluegrass. Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers is the group "Run Mountain" the song..

Here is Jerry Garcia performing with The Grateful Dead at the last show..

The Dead unplugged..Jerry Garcia with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh..

I could go on. Of course I will. I hope you enjoyed and come back soon!

Battle of the Bands: O Death R.I.P Ralph Stanley

Picking songs and ideas for the Battle of the Bands can get tough when you get distracted by other songs you find.

Here are the rules: You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. I tally them up and I will announce the winner on the 7th. I encourage you to check out the other mighty Battles and if you want to join up details can be found here!

Ralph Stanley a bluegrass legend passed away on June 23. He is the inspiration for this Battle. Bluegrass and Americana make appearances on my Battles once in a while. I'll try to keep the twang to a minimum.

The song I choose is "O Death." A traditional song dating back to the 1920's. Perhaps penned by Lloyd Chandler. Where ever the roots of this song come from Dr. Stanley turned it into a Grammy. I think the song s fitting..

Ralph singing it...

Vote for one of the contenders. Not Ralph Stanley. He already won a Grammy.

Contender One: Lauren O'Connell

Contender Two: Jen Titus

It should be an interesting battle. I look forward to seeing who wins. The winner is decided by your votes in the comments so vote away!

Battle of the Bands Winner: The New Riders of the Purple Sage

Before I get to the results. I have to say I am enjoying visiting the other Battle of the Bands participants battles lately. Some really cool artists have been highlighted.


The New Riders of the Purple Sage won my Battle of the Bands over "Panama Red" coasting to a 10-5 victory over Old and in the Way. The voting was close early.

Before I dive in to highlight more music from the winners. I thought I would respond to some comments since I didn't respond to them before.

Birgit asked if that was a banjo? In Old and in the Way. The answer is yes and it is played by Jerry Garcia who is mainly associated with the guitar.

Stephen T. McCarthy made me laugh with his comment: "I had no idea that you wear a Stetson and drink bottled water!" 

Back to the normally scheduled music..

The winners with "Gypsy Cowboy"...

"Glendale Train" with special guest Jerry Garcia..

I am going to wrap it up with "All I Really Wanted"..

There are the results! Thanks for voting and thanks for visiting! Stay tuned for a new Battle of the Bands battle coming September 1, 2015.

Battle of the Bands: Panama Red

The list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THIS BELLE ROCKS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE. 


Bluegrass legend and the songwriter of "Panama Red" with yours truly.. 




I was going to go jazz with a good guitar showdown but I through it out the window at the last minute. I decided to continue where I left off on my last Battle of the Band. The picture may indicate bluegrass. However, I think this selection more fits in psychedelic, country rock of the early 70's. I haven't heard the song in years so I am dusting it off for the Battle of the Bands.

Lyrics from nrpsmusic,com:

PANAMA RED

(PETER ROWAN)

CHORUS
PANAMA RED, PANAMA RED
HE'LL STEAL YOUR WOMAN, THEN HE'LL ROB YOUR HEAD
PANAMA RED, PANAMA RED

ON HIS WHITE HORSE, MESCALITO
HE COME BREEZIN' THROUGH TOWN
I'LL BET YOUR WOMAN'S UP IN BED WITH
PANAMA RED

THE JUDGE DON'T KNOW WHEN RED'S IN TOWN
HE KEEPS WELL HIDDEN UNDERGROUND
BUT EVERYBODY'S ACTING LAZY
FALLING OUT AND HANGIN' 'ROUND

MY WOMAN SAID, "HEY PEDRO
YOU'RE ACTIN' CRAZY LIKE A CLOWN"
NOBODY FEELS LIKE WORKING
PANAMA RED IS BACK IN TOWN

CHORUS

EVERYBODY'S LOOKING OUT FOR HIM
'CAUSE THEY KNOW RED'S SATISFIES
LITTLE GIRLS LOVE TO LISTEN TO HIM
SING AND TELL SWEET LIES

BUT WHEN THINGS GET TOO CONFUSING, HONEY
YOU'RE BETTER OFF IN BED
AND I'LL BE SEARCHING ALL THE JOINTS IN TOWN FOR
PANAMA RED

CHORUS

Warning labels: Adding lyrics kind of like warning labels. Some videos may also have drug references. I did say psychedelic early 70s music and Panama Red was a strain of marijuana as well. 

Contestant One: The Original version (kind of) The New Riders of the Purple Sage

Contestant Two: Old and In The Way

This song was recorded about the same time but released two years later in 1975. Yes I am bringing back Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. Joining them is Peter Rowan, John Kahn, and Vassar Clements.

Changing it up slightly and narrowing it down to just two versions this go away. Vote for the version you like best. There are some great live version out there as well.

I will be back on the 22nd with the winner! Thanks for visiting and remember to vote in the comments!

Remembering Jerry Garcia

It was 20 years ago today when Jerry Garcia passed away. I remember I was in my car driving home from a college course when I heard the news on a classic rock radio station.

This is a taste of my very first Grateful Dead concert...

Needless to say I was hooked after my first show. He was one of the first musicians who passed away that I felt something about. I knew things would change, but I did not know how much until I went to shows of various splinter groups of the band.

Here the Jerry Garcia Band covers The Beatles with "Dear Prudence"..

I recently featured a bluegrass cover Jerry Garcia had done on my recent Battle of the Bands. I will pick another song from that album to spotlight here..."Stealin'" with David Grisman...

I guess in a year that marks 50 years of the Grateful Dead and 20 years of Jerry Garcia being gone. That no matter how you found the music it certainly has been...a long, strange trip..

Thanks for visiting and I will see you soon!

Battle of the Bands Results: Taj Mahal wins

On my last battle of the bands contest I wanted to pay tribute to Jerry Garcia since it was his birthday. It kind of went on it's own long, strange trip. Certainly I could have picked a Grateful Dead classic or a cover the Grateful Dead or the Jerry Garcia Band performed. I picked out of the box! I knew Jerry Garcia enjoyed bluegrass and I knew I would find something worthwhile on "Shady Grove" like the title track.

Doc Watson made since in my mind. Well known in bluegrass circles and a traditional take on the song. I wanted contrast. So, I went with a blues musician called Taj Mahal who has a love for world music.

The voting was down for this contest. Perhaps bluegrass scared some off. I thought for sure this was going to be a tie. I was thinking I might have to break the tie. Luckily for me Guilie Castillo voted on the last day casting her vote for Taj Mahal and deciding the winner.

Your vote counts on the Battle of the Bands and you can vote anytime until the closing date.  I wasn't expecting Taj to win this one. It was a longer version of the song and vocals didn't even play apart of the tune until about 2:30 minutes. However, his version was different and apparently that difference was enough.

Here is the winner with "Fishing Blues"...

Here he is on banjo with a tune called "Slow Drag"...

Thanks for voting! A new Battle of the Bands is brewing for August 15 so stay tuned!

Battle of the Bands: Jerry Garcia style with Doc Watson, Taj Mahal

Today is Jerry Garcia's birthday and it is also time for the Battle of the Bands. I'm in the mood to combine things a bit.



Hopefully this is the updated list of participants. I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THIS BELLE ROCKS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE. 

Jerry Garcia is best known for his work with the Grateful Dead and his work with his own band The Jerry Garcia Band. However, Jerry also was into folk music and was a fan of bluegrass music. So my selection today is the title track of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman's album "Shady Grove."

It is a beautiful album and if you enjoy this type of music I highly recommend the album.

Now for the competition..

Contestant Number One

Doc Watson

Contestant Number Two

Taj Mahal

A bluegrass legend in Doc Watson battling it out against a blues legend, known for his love of world music and fusion of musical sounds. The song a beautiful traditional piece dating back to the 1800's maybe longer. I think Jerry would enjoy this battle and I hope you enjoy it as well! Please vote in the comments. I look forward to who you favor in this battle.

Rhonda Vincent the Review

Well I told you I would be back with more about the Queen of Blue Grass, Rhonda Vincent and here I am. Well yes I interviewed her but I also was fortunate to review her show. You can read my review here. What was even better was the proceeds from the event went to help the high school where the concert took place. It went to help the athletics, the drama club, the band, other music programs. All of the programs that help kids, the extra curricular activities that along with academics can help students go to college, the programs constantly being cut where all supported and in my book(or at least in my blog) that is good.

The concert was good no opening act over two hours of music. Nothing fancy it was kind of stripped down. However, if you have won over 80 awards the music must be alright.

Trying to add a couple of videos, but between two articles and two blog posts I hope I post something different.

]and another

My Interview with Rhonda Vincent

It's been a while since I've done an interview. Well I am back with a new one and my first one on DC Metro Theater Arts. I interviewed the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent you can read it here.

If you are anywhere close to Brunswick, MD check her out in concert this afternoon at 3. I f not look for new tour dates in 2013.

Well I will probably blog more about her real soon so stay tuned...

R.I.P. Doc Watson

Sorry for the break in posts, I went on an unplanned vacation but I am back now! Unfortunately deaths don't take a vacation. The legendary guitarist Doc Watson passed away at 89. It has been a rough year for makers of Old Time music and Doc is a fine example of one of the best going away.

Don't take my word for it he won eight Grammy Awards including a Lifetime Achievement award. I read somewhere Chet Atkins had a likeness of Doc in his home somewhere. That is some high praise.

Watson is best know as a guitarist, one of the best flat pickers ever and he could finger pick too! He also played Harmonica and Banjo simply put he could play multiple instruments. His music skipped genres from bluegrass, to gospel, country, folk, and blues. Yes I know some of those are easy to cross but their is no doubt  Doc was a versatile musician.


Deep River Blues from Youtube...

A member of the Bluegrass Hall of Honor, several honorary degrees, a National Honor of the Arts, A lifetime achievement Award from the Recording Academy highlight some of his awards and honors along with the fore mentioned Grammy Awards. He certainly achieved a lifetime of musical awards and left us quite a legacy. He will be missed.

Two Greats we lost this year may they play in the concert hall in the sky..

The Fading Sound of Bluegrass: R.I.P. Everett Lilly

It has been tough year for musicians especially bluegrass musicians. Bluegrass lost another one this week when Everett Lilly passed away. He was considered a forefather in the genre. He was a star on the Grand ole Opry and performed with Flatt & Scruggs on that stage. He was born Charles E. Lilly in 1924 in Clear Creek, West Virginia. That is in the southern part of West Virginia near Beckley. Here he is last Fall with Marty Stuart..

Here he is performing "Long Journey Home:"

Hopefully his last journey was peaceful, may he rest in peace and may his memory be kept alive with music..