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!

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!

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!

A to Z: Peter Rowan

I love my writing assignments. Yesterday, I was able to meet Peter Rowan at a Bill Monroe Tribute Concert.



Peter Rowan played with Bill Monroe in the 60's. He also played with Jerry Garcia. He has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and has won one.He has worked with Jerry Douglas and Tony Rice ( who performed as well). It was a great night of Blue Grass and an honor to meet him. I will post the review once it iss published. Edited to add link to review.