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.

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..