This is very special to me too. I was badly injured in a car crash in 1996 and spent 3 months in hospital. A good friend sent a letter to David Grisman and told him one of his big fans was in a bad way. In the mail I received a beautifully handwritten letter and signed copy of the 2nd edition of Old and In The Way. I think it certainly contributed to my recovery and ongoing mandolin journey.
The one that did it for me was John Hartford's Aereo-Plain. Steamboat Whistle Blues, Back In The Goodle Days, etc. A mandolin playing friend of mine and I learned every song on that LP. I wasn't too good on guitar, but I wanted to play and sing those songs. Took me a long time to learn some of those Norman Blake licks. When starting to learn mandolin I transposed some Vassar licks to mando. Been playing pro since 1975 and full credit goes to the master music class I got everyday at 16 rpm in breaking down all those songs. At parties and guitar pulls I break out songs from that LP to this day. Steamboat in D works great on mandolin.
Glad you appreciate this genre. Great explanations as always. Since you like bluegrass and you also like Chris Stapleton, you should try The Steeldrivers. Chris was Lead singer, guitar, and song writer, along with Mike Henderson. This was for about 6 years before his solo career. Any song is good. "Blue side of the mountain" was grammy nominated. Adele covered "If it hadn't been for love". "Midnight train to Memphis" is great. But i've been stuck on "Sticks that made Thunder" lately. Waiting for their other album in the mail now...
Be still my heart, BMFS - I feel like we are on a rocket ship right now and I cannot get enough. Headed to Boston in t minus 3 hours to get to his show tonight, baby! Anything you can do to to explain his techniques and fills would be beyond appreciated!
Jorma Kaukonen's Blue Country Heart, and Joe Diffie's Homecoming. Those 2 bluegrass albums deserve a listen. So very well done. For exceptional fingerpicking acoustic guitar and dobro with gospel lyrics.... Kelly Joe Phelps' Brother Sinner and the Whale changed my life!
A good follow up from Billy Strings and an excellent retrospective. I was a serious bluegrass head in my twenties but had been bored with it and in kind of a jazz coma until Billy Strings came along. He's combining what Doc Watson and Jerry Garcia brought to the table and it's glorious. I grew up on country and gospel, was a metalhead/punk as a teenager and then started switching to folk music because Metallica working with Bob Rock offended my then very purist sensibilities. That led me to the Smithsonian Folkways release of Doc Watson and Bill Monroe live recordings. That changed everything. Those guys were as fast as the best metal players and had more soul than any of them. I'd been to a few Dead shows because a lot of friends were into them but I saw it all through the jaded eyes of a punk rocker. Getting into bluegrass totally changed my attitude toward Jerry Garcia. And then there were people like David Grisman and Toney Rice who played with both Doc and Jerry often doing jazz. I sort of feel like I found my way home lately.
I remember my dad listening to and playing this type stuff when growing up. LOVE that guitar you have there. Beautiful! I didn't even start learning until age 35.
Hope you had a great Billy show! I’m obsessed, I must say. Had the chance to play a few bills with him around MI before he went on the major tours (he was still with Don J. At the time) and I’ve followed his career since those days. His band can do it all… most traditional to most contemporary bluegrass and all things in between and beyond haha. True inspiration. Can’t get enough. So many staples on the OAITW album… a favorite of mine I used to cover on the road is midnight moonlight. So much fun to play. The lead section is a blast! Keep ‘em coming, Michael!
Very moving…reminds me of my childhood. As a PK @ home my Dad played guitar & mandolin, plus we had a piano & Hammond in a 100 yo huge historical home where many weddings were held. Had 2 cousins in a Gospel quartet that I got to travel with. They have a couple albums. I played trombone but was left out of the voices they were blessed with. What loving memories. The music offers me an escape from PTSD. In fact I was also moved deeply from the Army snipers song u posted. Been lurking awhile now & my 1st comment & joined the group today. I can’t play cause a spinal inj but I am learning so much more about music. Sorry bout the “book” Again THANK YOU so much for sharing. “Doc”
This band has been in my heart for forty years. I still listen to it on weekend mornings with coffee. They say misery loves company, well so does joy. Thanks for sharing. Aloha buddy
I really appreciate that you hold bluegrass and gospel bluegrass in high esteem. For decades, I’ve told people “if you want to be able to shred, learn how to play bluegrass.” To the untrained ear, bluegrass can sound “simple” - but that stuff is BRUTAL - so fast and always played perfectly. It’s for virtuosi only. For guitarists, flatpickin’ is a workout and those that master it are amazing.
Dude, thank you...BlueGrass Gospel is literally something that will permeate my soul and will carry me home some day (hopefully a very long time from now). But thank you for bringing this genre to the spotlight...and I love a variety of musical styles, but gospel and bluegrass just fit.
My dad was a banjo player in a few Bluegrass bands. Not any big name ones. Just local. But going to his shows has given me a deep love for Bluegrass music. I love when I hear other people talk about thier love for it as well.
Same for me. My grandfather was in several bluegrass bands and I grew up going to festivals every weekend. His band put out a few albums locally that they sold at shows and they got to play the Ryman(home of the grand ol opry) and were Kentucky state bluegrass champions a couple times in the late 70's early 80's. Bluegrass will always hold a special place for me growing up in Kentucky(live just down the road from Rosine the homeplace of Bill Monroe the father of bluegrass) I liked this version of Angel Band but to me that song will always be the Stanley Brothers' to me Ralphs vocals just sound more authentic than whoever the lead singer was in this video. I guess maybe I am used to that Kentucky accent that Ralph definitely had so it sounds more normal to me.
@@ceeph36 My dad always talked about the Stanley brothers and Bill Monroe. Before my dad passed away we went to the grand ol' opry and got to see Randy Scruggs before he passed and Old Crow Medicine Show. One of the best shows I've ever seen.
I can easily say that old and in the way Jerry is what made me fall in love with bluegrass. I came across their albums I think around the time I found the dead but much before I appreciated the dead. What a great episode. Also I’m seeing Billy strings again tomorrow night in Boston! Rock on!
Old and In the Way are up there on my list of favorites, man. I love Jerry's voice on the banjo. So good. I had never heard the recording at the end, either. Thank you for sharing.
My dad was in a bluegrass band throughout the '70s, so as a kid I grew up with songs like "Angel Band". I remember thinking the music was boring and repetitive, let alone the howling singing. Then one day something clicked and I was able to really appreciate it. It's all about interesting arrangements and great playing within that strict bluegrass formula. Plus those haunting harmonies that you don't really find anywhere else!
Grateful dawg is one of best documentaries going. Brings it full circle for the two. They talk about the bill monroe high lonesome sound. DGQ20 was my favorite cd boxset for years hearing the evolution and all 3 discs are all equally good. American beauty, ripple, attics of my life, brokedown, friend of the devil is as closed as Dead came to this sound I also cant live without American Beauty what an album. Saw these guys, jerry douglass, tony rice, mark oconnor, dave grisman, paul kershwin at Flynn theatre in Burlington VT. Dobro is such cool instrument. FYI you might dig gillian welch and david rawlings if you love this stuff its unique. They were on O'brother soundtrack. Check out song "caleb meyer" or "miss ohio" to hear range. Good stuff
Hell yeah, Old And In The Way! Always a pleasure to learn more about you Michael. Also thanks for the trick on turning a Dom 7 into a diminished. I've been practicing all of my 4 note arpeggios, and this puts words to the sound I hear when I play Dom 7.
I can't remember where I found my first Old & In The Way tape, but I'll never forget listening to it (and nothing else) for the next few months. Three tapes ruled my early years, Old And In The Way, Willie's Red Headed Stranger, and a blues mix tape from the 90's with Hooker, Hopkins, and Reed. Also, thanks for the Buzz Busby hook-up! I haven't heard that name in 24+ years and had forgotten.
I started lurking on your channel last year and watched a Larkin Poe video because I was a fan of their bluegrass albums with the third sister and when I heard you drop your knowledge on that subject and your love for bluegrass, I knew I had found my home. And now Old and In the Way, been all over this album the last few weeks. You warm my heart often so thank you so much Michael!!
Really been waiting for someone like yourself for a long time who is articulate enough in the nuances yo deep dive into a piece I studied for years and arguably THE GREATEST HENDRIX TRIBUTE EVER- GARY MOORE RED HOUSE COVER AT THE 5OTH START ANNIVERSARY 2004!! So much for you to dive into that suits your style of critique ,beyond the guitar skil- including body language, accents, expression, pino palladino on the base!!Truly a once in a lifetime journey for the ears that brings you home safely in the end!! A performance I watched when I was 16 and continue to watch at 33. RIP Gary moore
Nice analysis. I always loved Old And In The Way, but let's not forget the Nashville Bluegrass Band for gospel. I'd like to add that the original Lost appears to be from Louisiana, which may indicate a New Orleans funeral march influence.
Michael your show is well done. Way above my head but your passion makes me come back. Your time with us in the bluegrass genre really is special. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains you don’t have to go far to hear top shelf talent. If possible I would encourage you to check out Molly Tuttle. She was folk guitar player of the year. Incredible singer and songwriter. Looking forward to work my way through your library of shows.
I’m not a musician and probably not your typical follower, but I love the guitar and I love how you help me hear more in music even if I have no stinking clue what the hell you are saying most of the time. I have loved Old and in the Way since my freshman year of college-1978!-and I listened to it today with new ears. Thanks!
Started playing the banjo a few years ago and got bit by the Bluegrass bug. Thanks so much for covering this kind of music. This stuff and the delta blues truly are the roots of a lot of modern music. Thanks again and keep em coming..
Old & In the Way was the first Bluegrass I ever heard. 25 years later I still play Bluegrass, been in a band for 12 years, go to multiple festivals a year. That album is still one of my favorites.
Many years ago when I was a young man, my friend Lonnie, a fiddle player and I, hung around after watching a Vassar concert. We snuck backstage and found Vassar’s dressing room, there was a well known, talented, young local fiddler already there. Vassar invited us in and we all had a great visit with him. He was very friendly and was genuinely happy to talk to us young, hippy bluegrass fans. He was a great talent, a nice man and a true inspiration to a group of young Canadian bluegrass fanatics.
Bluegrass is songs of the ancient, prayers that transcend time, psalms of wisdom and regret that touch the humanity in all of us. It’s form never gets old. Thank you for sharing.
I spent a good amount of time with the Old and in the Way album, back in the late 80's. It is to date one of my favorites. These guys are the old school real deal. I had the honor of spending my younger days with the children of these great musicians, and the quilt of energy that permeates this family is deep and unique. Fun fact: Vassar Clements played my mothers gorgeous 1973 D28 Martin on stage. My mother was a folk musician and recently passed. I have the guitar and it is beyond special. Thank you for this video!
Yes there's something that's either different about that type of gospel music or maybe it's something that's different down deep inside of us. There's all kinds of great bluegrass gospel singers and pickers but the best-of-the-best in my humble opinion is Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver!
The exposure and insight you give us is 2nd to none. I have had a very basic knowledge music theory, but just by watching your videos I can actually “ hear” the scales , major /minor changes, and progressions. Thank you. I am always drawn back to music and inspired after nearly every video.
I saw Billy Strings in July here in Schaumburg, IL. Amazing pickers. Amazing. They’re so talented. Old And In The Way was over before it was even known about. Amazing that Jerry could pick banjo and play on a level with some of the greatest bluegrass musicians ever. All while doing JGB and of course Grateful Dead. Following your channel along with Lessons with Marcel has me playing my guitar more than I have in 10 years! Thanks for the inspiration.
Schaumburg baby! Lol, I spent a couple years on Rolling Meadows and spent a lot of time in Schaumburg over the years. Now I'm down south about a half hour or so...
If you don't know about them, I HIGHLY recommend you check out the Punch Brothers. It's more newgrass then bluegrass, but in my opinion "Phosphorescent Blues" is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. And it features legend chris thile with paul kowert and chris eldridge.
So glad you got to see Billy Strings (minutes from me, but unable to attend for various reasons)! You’re the one who introduced him to me on your channel and I thank you SO much for that. I enjoy your passion which is so much like mine for so many songs and artists.
I played traditional bluegrass dobro for 20 years. I’m now retired but played with lots of musicians. I specialized in pitiful numbers, vocals and harmonies. I loved the happy melodies with pitiful words with great harmonies!
This is the music that inspired Jerry to play in the 1st place and also brought David and Jerry and John together love it !!!! Maybe even as much as the Dead and JGB !!!
Yes, of course, Jerry is in the Pantheon of all-time great guitarists, and I am oh-so glad you’re highlighting how much more than that he brought to the music. And Jerry’s singing is too often ignored or over-looked. He had a beautiful voice that was all his own.
You are a country-soul-mountain-valley-gospel bluegrass man at heart lol. I respect that. Emotion is the reason we search for some way some means to connect ourselves with it. So, we play. Cool video dude.
Growing up on this music and playing these old hymns in church in our little bluegrass band is one of my fondest memories and always will be.. I love all music but gospel bluegrass will always hold a special place in my heart
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I've been a Dead fan since about '67 or '68 and I'd forgotten all about "Old and in the Way". And I'm with you on bluegrass. When I'm down there is no song like "Uncle Pen" (gotta be Bill Monroe of course) to get my spirits up. And I'd forgotten that Vassar played with these guys!
Hi Michael…..Bluegrass has been huge for me as well…. when I was a child in the late '70's my Dad had a Bluegrass band, they practiced every Wednesday night at our house. SO I grew up listening and playing Bluegrass… now those rhythms, that phrasing, those harmonies are so deeply ingrained in my musical vocabulary that I couldn't get lose them if I tried with all my soul. Doesn't matter what I play I always carry that childhood of music with me…...
This was excellent. I just saw Billy too, in DC. I just love looking for TH-cam videos of folks in little country churches singing bluegrass gospel, an incredibly honest form of music.
Eye-opener! I love bluegrass gospel, too, but I have ignored Old and In The Way for years and years. Knew it was there, but because of my aversion to the Grateful Dead, steered away from it. Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Hot Rize, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, for sure. But now, I’m going back for another listen. I have the Old and In The Way albums on vinyl. Time to spin! Thank you for the wake-up call!
I’m been stuck on Hart Valley Drifters, Jerry playing in “The Black Mountain Boys” in 64-65 since it very first released. There’s a purposeful and intentional lag and/or latency to their playing that hits something in me. It’s loose and tight at the same time. The song “Run Mountain” is a good example. I’m a big fan of “Hobo Song” and their version of “Wild Horses” in the Old And In The Way albums. Know every moment of every song by heart. Your content is really striking a chord with me. Watched your recent Megadeth video a few times because it brought back some excellent memories 🙂👍
Nice post Michael - I live in NC and lucky enough to go to Merlefest many times and saw Doc Watson, Del McCoury, Chris Thile (as a teenager) before the Oh Brother bluegrass explosion- AND, good sir, I totally enjoyed revisiting Megadeath in your earlier post!. Keep on rockin’ man!🤘🏼🎧🤟🏼
Doc was so great. Used to have album he and Chet Atkins did together! Amazing. He was on "Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol. 1" album, that's where I fell in love with his music, and Bluegrass!
I like this album. Great songs. Lonesome River Band “Carrying The Tradition” was life changing for me. Their arrangement of “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” was mind blowing at the time. My generations “1945” Bluegrass Boys = Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Sammy Shelor, Tim Austin. Still my favorite band.
Thanks for sharing your love of bluegrass, Michael. I purchased OAITW and Will the Circle be unbroken during my high school senior year (c. 1974.) Coming from folk, rock and pop background it helped get me over my prejudices concerning genres of music I'd not exposed myself to. If it sounds good, it is good. Cheers.
I, too, came to bluegrass through Old And In The Way. Now it should be noted, Vassar Clements would tell you that what they did wasn't really bluegrass...... but man....... was it good! It came around as bluegrass was starting to go in new directions (New Grass Revival, Earl Scruggs, etc). It's evolution, and it's good - even if Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt didn't necessarily want to go along. Anyway, I love the old stuff, and I love the new stuff. Some of the best musicians in the world! Michael - if you haven't, you really need to dig in to Jerry Douglas. For my money, there's none better. Cheers! And thanks for the breakdown.
Stanley Brothers for Angel Band. Was blessed to see Ralph Stanley sing this at Bean Blossom in Indiana I guess about ten years ago. I cried my eyes out. Also one of the Osborne Bros ...Kenny I think..... sang Kentucky. It was glorious.
Love the video Michael. I’ve loved Old and in the Way ever since the original album was published in the late 70’s. The Hobo Song is my favorite. If you love Vassar, have you ever listened to Dickey Betts Highway Call? Great music. Kissimmee Kid!
It was Doc Watson on a Sunday morning Gospel set at Merle Watson festival that turned me on to bluegrass. Also Old And In The Way is the bestselling bluegrass album of all time. Of course because it’s a Jerry record. Love your channel buddy!
Michael, love your work, love your insights. I have learned a lot about music from you and really enjoy watching you break things down, I hope youtube is paying you well, they put in at least 5 commercials on this one. They are making a killing off of you! Keep up the great work!
I have no clue what you are talking about half the time but I love watching your love and passion shine through.
Same
same
This is very special to me too. I was badly injured in a car crash in 1996 and spent 3 months in hospital. A good friend sent a letter to David Grisman and told him one of his big fans was in a bad way. In the mail I received a beautifully handwritten letter and signed copy of the 2nd edition of Old and In The Way. I think it certainly contributed to my recovery and ongoing mandolin journey.
thats awesome!!
Dawg is great people. I've been lucky to pick and hang out with him a several occasions. Very down to earth. Great story teller.
The one that did it for me was John Hartford's Aereo-Plain. Steamboat Whistle Blues, Back In The Goodle Days, etc. A mandolin playing friend of mine and I learned every song on that LP. I wasn't too good on guitar, but I wanted to play and sing those songs. Took me a long time to learn some of those Norman Blake licks. When starting to learn mandolin I transposed some Vassar licks to mando. Been playing pro since 1975 and full credit goes to the master music class I got everyday at 16 rpm in breaking down all those songs. At parties and guitar pulls I break out songs from that LP to this day. Steamboat in D works great on mandolin.
Please start making playlists of these tunes, love your videos so much! Sending big respect from across the pond here in the UK!
My heart is pounding that you got to the show in Philly. Peter Rowan is an old friend and love you featuring this music. OAITW. 💕
Mike.. your enthusiasm is always infectious!
Dave - a little uni student in Liverpool who loves a flatpick.
Glad you appreciate this genre. Great explanations as always. Since you like bluegrass and you also like Chris Stapleton, you should try The Steeldrivers. Chris was Lead singer, guitar, and song writer, along with Mike Henderson. This was for about 6 years before his solo career. Any song is good. "Blue side of the mountain" was grammy nominated. Adele covered "If it hadn't been for love". "Midnight train to Memphis" is great. But i've been stuck on "Sticks that made Thunder" lately. Waiting for their other album in the mail now...
Facts. Steeldrivers is great stuff. Excellent songwriting and musicianship.
Be still my heart, BMFS - I feel like we are on a rocket ship right now and I cannot get enough. Headed to Boston in t minus 3 hours to get to his show tonight, baby! Anything you can do to to explain his techniques and fills would be beyond appreciated!
Jorma Kaukonen's Blue Country Heart, and Joe Diffie's Homecoming.
Those 2 bluegrass albums deserve a listen. So very well done.
For exceptional fingerpicking acoustic guitar and dobro with gospel lyrics.... Kelly Joe Phelps' Brother Sinner and the Whale changed my life!
A good follow up from Billy Strings and an excellent retrospective. I was a serious bluegrass head in my twenties but had been bored with it and in kind of a jazz coma until Billy Strings came along. He's combining what Doc Watson and Jerry Garcia brought to the table and it's glorious. I grew up on country and gospel, was a metalhead/punk as a teenager and then started switching to folk music because Metallica working with Bob Rock offended my then very purist sensibilities. That led me to the Smithsonian Folkways release of Doc Watson and Bill Monroe live recordings. That changed everything. Those guys were as fast as the best metal players and had more soul than any of them. I'd been to a few Dead shows because a lot of friends were into them but I saw it all through the jaded eyes of a punk rocker. Getting into bluegrass totally changed my attitude toward Jerry Garcia. And then there were people like David Grisman and Toney Rice who played with both Doc and Jerry often doing jazz. I sort of feel like I found my way home lately.
Michael would 100% identify with this perspective
I remember my dad listening to and playing this type stuff when growing up. LOVE that guitar you have there. Beautiful! I didn't even start learning until age 35.
Hope you had a great Billy show! I’m obsessed, I must say. Had the chance to play a few bills with him around MI before he went on the major tours (he was still with Don J. At the time) and I’ve followed his career since those days. His band can do it all… most traditional to most contemporary bluegrass and all things in between and beyond haha. True inspiration. Can’t get enough. So many staples on the OAITW album… a favorite of mine I used to cover on the road is midnight moonlight. So much fun to play. The lead section is a blast! Keep ‘em coming, Michael!
Very moving…reminds me of my childhood. As a PK @ home my Dad played guitar & mandolin, plus we had a piano & Hammond in a 100 yo huge historical home where many weddings were held. Had 2 cousins in a Gospel quartet that I got to travel with. They have a couple albums. I played trombone but was left out of the voices they were blessed with. What loving memories. The music offers me an escape from PTSD. In fact I was also moved deeply from the Army snipers song u posted. Been lurking awhile now & my 1st comment & joined the group today. I can’t play cause a spinal inj but I am learning so much more about music. Sorry bout the “book” Again THANK YOU so much for sharing. “Doc”
So much of my father here, my memories of childhood, his memories of childhood, my memories of him.
Thank you again, my brother. Bless you. ❤
This band has been in my heart for forty years. I still listen to it on weekend mornings with coffee. They say misery loves company, well so does joy. Thanks for sharing. Aloha buddy
I really appreciate that you hold bluegrass and gospel bluegrass in high esteem. For decades, I’ve told people “if you want to be able to shred, learn how to play bluegrass.” To the untrained ear, bluegrass can sound “simple” - but that stuff is BRUTAL - so fast and always played perfectly. It’s for virtuosi only.
For guitarists, flatpickin’ is a workout and those that master it are amazing.
Dude, thank you...BlueGrass Gospel is literally something that will permeate my soul and will carry me home some day (hopefully a very long time from now). But thank you for bringing this genre to the spotlight...and I love a variety of musical styles, but gospel and bluegrass just fit.
My dad was a banjo player in a few Bluegrass bands. Not any big name ones. Just local. But going to his shows has given me a deep love for Bluegrass music. I love when I hear other people talk about thier love for it as well.
Same for me. My grandfather was in several bluegrass bands and I grew up going to festivals every weekend. His band put out a few albums locally that they sold at shows and they got to play the Ryman(home of the grand ol opry) and were Kentucky state bluegrass champions a couple times in the late 70's early 80's. Bluegrass will always hold a special place for me growing up in Kentucky(live just down the road from Rosine the homeplace of Bill Monroe the father of bluegrass) I liked this version of Angel Band but to me that song will always be the Stanley Brothers' to me Ralphs vocals just sound more authentic than whoever the lead singer was in this video. I guess maybe I am used to that Kentucky accent that Ralph definitely had so it sounds more normal to me.
@@ceeph36 My dad always talked about the Stanley brothers and Bill Monroe. Before my dad passed away we went to the grand ol' opry and got to see Randy Scruggs before he passed and Old Crow Medicine Show. One of the best shows I've ever seen.
The passion you have for music shines through in every video you post. It’s beautiful to see. I have a similar passion for music.
JD Crow and The New South with their 1975 self titled album is another Bluegrass Supergroup.
Check out- Rock Salt and Nails.
Your personal rambling is what keeps me watching kind sir. Thanks for sharing the Buzz Busby cut!
I can easily say that old and in the way Jerry is what made me fall in love with bluegrass. I came across their albums I think around the time I found the dead but much before I appreciated the dead. What a great episode. Also I’m seeing Billy strings again tomorrow night in Boston! Rock on!
Old and In the Way are up there on my list of favorites, man. I love Jerry's voice on the banjo. So good. I had never heard the recording at the end, either. Thank you for sharing.
Love your channel and love how you take time to honor the past. You have a passion for breaking down a song and what makes it great.
Owsley did such a good job of recording Old and In The Way.
I started in church, loved all metal and have comeback to bluegrass. So good to hear you like it to!!!
Michael this video was incredible. It was inspiring to see your passion for this music to say the least. Thank you for the awesome content man!
My dad was in a bluegrass band throughout the '70s, so as a kid I grew up with songs like "Angel Band".
I remember thinking the music was boring and repetitive, let alone the howling singing.
Then one day something clicked and I was able to really appreciate it.
It's all about interesting arrangements and great playing within that strict bluegrass formula.
Plus those haunting harmonies that you don't really find anywhere else!
Grateful dawg is one of best documentaries going. Brings it full circle for the two. They talk about the bill monroe high lonesome sound. DGQ20 was my favorite cd boxset for years hearing the evolution and all 3 discs are all equally good. American beauty, ripple, attics of my life, brokedown, friend of the devil is as closed as Dead came to this sound I also cant live without American Beauty what an album. Saw these guys, jerry douglass, tony rice, mark oconnor, dave grisman, paul kershwin at Flynn theatre in Burlington VT. Dobro is such cool instrument. FYI you might dig gillian welch and david rawlings if you love this stuff its unique. They were on O'brother soundtrack. Check out song "caleb meyer" or "miss ohio" to hear range. Good stuff
Hell yeah, Old And In The Way! Always a pleasure to learn more about you Michael.
Also thanks for the trick on turning a Dom 7 into a diminished. I've been practicing all of my 4 note arpeggios, and this puts words to the sound I hear when I play Dom 7.
Love the hat!
I can't remember where I found my first Old & In The Way tape, but I'll never forget listening to it (and nothing else) for the next few months.
Three tapes ruled my early years, Old And In The Way, Willie's Red Headed Stranger, and a blues mix tape from the 90's with Hooker, Hopkins, and Reed.
Also, thanks for the Buzz Busby hook-up! I haven't heard that name in 24+ years and had forgotten.
I started lurking on your channel last year and watched a Larkin Poe video because I was a fan of their bluegrass albums with the third sister and when I heard you drop your knowledge on that subject and your love for bluegrass, I knew I had found my home. And now Old and In the Way, been all over this album the last few weeks. You warm my heart often so thank you so much Michael!!
Love it!!
Really been waiting for someone like yourself for a long time who is articulate enough in the nuances yo deep dive into a piece I studied for years and arguably THE GREATEST HENDRIX TRIBUTE EVER- GARY MOORE RED HOUSE COVER AT THE 5OTH START ANNIVERSARY 2004!!
So much for you to dive into that suits your style of critique ,beyond the guitar skil- including body language, accents, expression, pino palladino on the base!!Truly a once in a lifetime journey for the ears that brings you home safely in the end!!
A performance I watched when I was 16 and continue to watch at 33.
RIP Gary moore
Nice analysis. I always loved Old And In The Way, but let's not forget the Nashville Bluegrass Band for gospel. I'd like to add that the original Lost appears to be from Louisiana, which may indicate a New Orleans funeral march influence.
Love your enthusiasm. It’s infectious. Thanks for the video!
Michael your show is well done. Way above my head but your passion makes me come back. Your time with us in the bluegrass genre really is special. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains you don’t have to go far to hear top shelf talent. If possible I would encourage you to check out Molly Tuttle. She was folk guitar player of the year. Incredible singer and songwriter.
Looking forward to work my way through your library of shows.
you do a great job explaining what you hear. Old and in the Way is amazing. My father just passed on a couple days ago and this music sooths my soul
I’m not a musician and probably not your typical follower, but I love the guitar and I love how you help me hear more in music even if I have no stinking clue what the hell you are saying most of the time. I have loved Old and in the Way since my freshman year of college-1978!-and I listened to it today with new ears. Thanks!
The wood brothers do an incredible angel band
Started playing the banjo a few years ago and got bit by the Bluegrass bug. Thanks so much for covering this kind of music. This stuff and the delta blues truly are the roots of a lot of modern music. Thanks again and keep em coming..
Thank you for reminding me to get back to listening to Old and In The Way!! Excellent. Thank you.
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver did the same for me! And "The Rage" of Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are freakin' smokin' man. Love it!
Old & In the Way was the first Bluegrass I ever heard. 25 years later I still play Bluegrass, been in a band for 12 years, go to multiple festivals a year. That album is still one of my favorites.
OMG I'm with you and so surprised that it took this long to get there! This will be SO valuable to my future playing!
Vassar’s solo on Midnight Moonlight still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
The Pizza Tapes were my first experience with these guys . Loved it immediately
Many years ago when I was a young man, my friend Lonnie, a fiddle player and I, hung around after watching a Vassar concert. We snuck backstage and found Vassar’s dressing room, there was a well known, talented, young local fiddler already there. Vassar invited us in and we all had a great visit with him. He was very friendly and was genuinely happy to talk to us young, hippy bluegrass fans. He was a great talent, a nice man and a true inspiration to a group of young Canadian bluegrass fanatics.
Thought for sure we were getting a midnight moonlight!!!!
Bluegrass is songs of the ancient, prayers that transcend time, psalms of wisdom and regret that touch the humanity in all of us. It’s form never gets old. Thank you for sharing.
I spent a good amount of time with the Old and in the Way album, back in the late 80's. It is to date one of my favorites. These guys are the old school real deal. I had the honor of spending my younger days with the children of these great musicians, and the quilt of energy that permeates this family is deep and unique. Fun fact: Vassar Clements played my mothers gorgeous 1973 D28 Martin on stage. My mother was a folk musician and recently passed. I have the guitar and it is beyond special. Thank you for this video!
Yes there's something that's either different about that type of gospel music or maybe it's something that's different down deep inside of us. There's all kinds of great bluegrass gospel singers and pickers but the best-of-the-best in my humble opinion is Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver!
Wow...that was amazing...
I haven't listened to any Bluegrass in over 5 years. May need to back and listen to those old gospel songs...
your passion is the only reason i continue to find my way off the bump im on in music as a bedroom player. thank you for every video you post.
Thank you ,gave me a new understanding of what little I do know.
The exposure and insight you give us is 2nd to none. I have had a very basic knowledge music theory, but just by watching your videos I can actually “ hear” the scales , major /minor changes, and progressions. Thank you. I am always drawn back to music and inspired after nearly every video.
I saw Billy Strings in July here in Schaumburg, IL. Amazing pickers. Amazing. They’re so talented.
Old And In The Way was over before it was even known about. Amazing that Jerry could pick banjo and play on a level with some of the greatest bluegrass musicians ever. All while doing JGB and of course Grateful Dead.
Following your channel along with Lessons with Marcel has me playing my guitar more than I have in 10 years! Thanks for the inspiration.
Schaumburg baby! Lol, I spent a couple years on Rolling Meadows and spent a lot of time in Schaumburg over the years. Now I'm down south about a half hour or so...
If you don't know about them, I HIGHLY recommend you check out the Punch Brothers. It's more newgrass then bluegrass, but in my opinion "Phosphorescent Blues" is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. And it features legend chris thile with paul kowert and chris eldridge.
He did a reaction video to Familiarity
So glad you got to see Billy Strings (minutes from me, but unable to attend for various reasons)! You’re the one who introduced him to me on your channel and I thank you SO much for that. I enjoy your passion which is so much like mine for so many songs and artists.
Hey Michael, it's Erik from the Billy show on Wednesday. It was a pleasure to be able to briefly meet you, keep up that good work brotha!
Thanks Erik and great to meet you as well!!
Love this MP, you da man. Thank you
I played traditional bluegrass dobro for 20 years. I’m now retired but played with lots of musicians. I specialized in pitiful numbers, vocals and harmonies. I loved the happy melodies with pitiful words with great harmonies!
Thank you Michael! ❤
I got to Old & In the way from the Dead. Garcia and Grisman were magical.
The Stanley Brother's version of "Angel Band" is nothing short of marvelous. It's the version they're emulating
Check out their version of Mountain Dew.
This is the music that inspired Jerry to play in the 1st place and also brought David and Jerry and John together love it !!!! Maybe even as much as the Dead and JGB !!!
Yes, of course, Jerry is in the Pantheon of all-time great guitarists, and I am oh-so glad you’re highlighting how much more than that he brought to the music. And Jerry’s singing is too often ignored or over-looked. He had a beautiful voice that was all his own.
You are a country-soul-mountain-valley-gospel bluegrass man at heart lol. I respect that. Emotion is the reason we search for some way some means to connect ourselves with it. So, we play. Cool video dude.
Hallelujah! I agree with your summation and conclusion completely. I am a serious guitar player for the last 60 years! Thank you for this statement!
What an exquisite explanation of the diminished chord. And it totally highlights why the music is so good.
Thanks for the insight Michael.
I absolutely agree with you, hope to play this music during my funeral
This and one other group was huge to me. That is the JD Crowe & New South album with Rice, Skaggs & Douglas.
Bluegrass holds a special place in my heart and forever will. Especially a Tony Rice song. Great video!!!
Thanks man. Really enjoyed that. I'll be driving my car in a minute and Old And In The Way will be there too.
Growing up on this music and playing these old hymns in church in our little bluegrass band is one of my fondest memories and always will be.. I love all music but gospel bluegrass will always hold a special place in my heart
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I've been a Dead fan since about '67 or '68 and I'd forgotten all about "Old and in the Way". And I'm with you on bluegrass. When I'm down there is no song like "Uncle Pen" (gotta be Bill Monroe of course) to get my spirits up. And I'd forgotten that Vassar played with these guys!
Billy Strings is amazing. Bringing back bluegrass in a great way.
Hi Michael…..Bluegrass has been huge for me as well…. when I was a child in the late '70's my Dad had a Bluegrass band, they practiced every Wednesday night at our house. SO I grew up listening and playing Bluegrass… now those rhythms, that phrasing, those harmonies are so deeply ingrained in my musical vocabulary that I couldn't get lose them if I tried with all my soul. Doesn't matter what I play I always carry that childhood of music with me…...
This was excellent. I just saw Billy too, in DC. I just love looking for TH-cam videos of folks in little country churches singing bluegrass gospel, an incredibly honest form of music.
Eye-opener! I love bluegrass gospel, too, but I have ignored Old and In The Way for years and years. Knew it was there, but because of my aversion to the Grateful Dead, steered away from it. Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Hot Rize, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, for sure. But now, I’m going back for another listen. I have the Old and In The Way albums on vinyl. Time to spin! Thank you for the wake-up call!
I’m been stuck on Hart Valley Drifters, Jerry playing in “The Black Mountain Boys” in 64-65 since it very first released. There’s a purposeful and intentional lag and/or latency to their playing that hits something in me. It’s loose and tight at the same time. The song “Run Mountain” is a good example. I’m a big fan of “Hobo Song” and their version of “Wild Horses” in the Old And In The Way albums. Know every moment of every song by heart. Your content is really striking a chord with me. Watched your recent Megadeth video a few times because it brought back some excellent memories 🙂👍
Thanks for making this video , goodtimes
A solid group.. they’re so fucking good.. and they were one of the bands that got me into bluegrass!!! Thank you for sharing this
Nice post Michael - I live in NC and lucky enough to go to Merlefest many times and saw Doc Watson, Del McCoury, Chris Thile (as a teenager) before the Oh Brother bluegrass explosion- AND, good sir, I totally enjoyed revisiting Megadeath in your earlier post!. Keep on rockin’ man!🤘🏼🎧🤟🏼
Thanks!!
Doc was so great. Used to have album he and Chet Atkins did together! Amazing. He was on "Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol. 1" album, that's where I fell in love with his music, and Bluegrass!
Beautiful music. There are so many branches coming off the Dead tree that pass through bluegrass, it’s fascinating.
Going to see Billy this coming Saturday. Cannot wait.
I love seeing how much you love music. I think you’d LOVE the band Trampled By Turtles! Great modern bluegrass music. I really think you’d dig them!
I like this album. Great songs. Lonesome River Band “Carrying The Tradition” was life changing for me. Their arrangement of “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” was mind blowing at the time. My generations “1945” Bluegrass Boys = Dan Tyminski, Ronnie Bowman, Sammy Shelor, Tim Austin. Still my favorite band.
love this posting. as a big time Doc Watson fan, I love listening to some good ol' stuff.
Thanks for sharing your love of bluegrass, Michael. I purchased OAITW and Will the Circle be unbroken during my high school senior year (c. 1974.) Coming from folk, rock and pop background it helped get me over my prejudices concerning genres of music I'd not exposed myself to. If it sounds good, it is good. Cheers.
The Dead led me to Jerry Garcia band which led me to Old and In The Way then Rat Dog and Phil and Friends. What a rabbit hole
ETA....Mickey Hart stuff
I, too, came to bluegrass through Old And In The Way. Now it should be noted, Vassar Clements would tell you that what they did wasn't really bluegrass...... but man....... was it good! It came around as bluegrass was starting to go in new directions (New Grass Revival, Earl Scruggs, etc). It's evolution, and it's good - even if Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt didn't necessarily want to go along. Anyway, I love the old stuff, and I love the new stuff. Some of the best musicians in the world! Michael - if you haven't, you really need to dig in to Jerry Douglas. For my money, there's none better. Cheers! And thanks for the breakdown.
Stanley Brothers for Angel Band. Was blessed to see Ralph Stanley sing this at Bean Blossom in Indiana I guess about ten years ago. I cried my eyes out. Also one of the Osborne Bros ...Kenny I think..... sang Kentucky. It was glorious.
As I've gotten older, bluegrass has really grown on me. Your attention to detail is most impressive my friend. Great video.
This was awesome. Bluegrass is probably my favorite, along with jazz. Just can't beat it.
Bluegrass is my love language!
Love the video Michael. I’ve loved Old and in the Way ever since the original album was published in the late 70’s. The Hobo Song is my favorite. If you love Vassar, have you ever listened to Dickey Betts Highway Call? Great music. Kissimmee Kid!
It was Doc Watson on a Sunday morning Gospel set at Merle Watson festival that turned me on to bluegrass. Also Old And In The Way is the bestselling bluegrass album of all time. Of course because it’s a Jerry record. Love your channel buddy!
Michael, love your work, love your insights. I have learned a lot about music from you and really enjoy watching you break things down, I hope youtube is paying you well, they put in at least 5 commercials on this one. They are making a killing off of you! Keep up the great work!
He’s probably losing most of the money to copyright holders…