When I asked Mike Ashworth’s bandmates and friends to give me a sentence describing him, it was almost comical how similar their answers were. Two of them were identical, describing him as “the most natural gifted and versatile musician I have ever known.” One even said, “when God made the perfect musician, he made Mike Ashworth; enormously talented and versatile, but also humble, joyous, and a wonderful listener…” I call Mike whenever I can to join me on the Happy Hour or Travis Book and Friends. and he was my bass player of choice for my record. He laid his heart out for us in this interview and my only regret is that it took me so long to get this episode out.

This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on February 3rd, 2021.

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Timestamps:

0:09 - Soundbyte

0:47 - Introduction

2:10 - In-studio Introduction

2:45 - "Turn Your Radio On"

5:20 - Monologue 1

7:44 - "I Will Lead You Home"

10:21 - Monologue 2

14:30 - "Beauty In The Ugliest Days"

19:42 - Interview

48:00 - "First Girl I Loved"

52:06 - "I Want To Sing That Rock & Roll"

55:11 - "Palm Tree"

58:55 - "I’ve Endured"

1:02:50 - Outroduction

I met Ed Jurdi at a taping of The Travis Book Happy Hour in March of 2021. Our mutual friend Nicki Bluhm was on the show and she’d invited Ed, who’d recently moved to Asheville, to attend. I was not yet acquainted with Band of Heathens or Ed Jurdi, but when we met after the show I was struck by his warmth and attentiveness. It was a couple years before I would get him to Brevard to join me, but immediately during rehearsals I knew we’d be friends and this would only be the first of many times we’d share a stage. I had a blast on this episode (as evidenced by my over-playing) and I’m happy to share it with you.

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on May 30th, 2023. Huge thanks to Ed Jurdi, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Timestamps

0:00 - Soundbyte

0:49 - Introduction

2:09 - Bill K’s introduction

2:45 - Travis’ audience greeting

3:31 - “All I’m Asking”

7:33 - “Bumblebee”

12:52 - “What a joy”

13:27 - “Jackson Station”

18:32 - Interview

34:11 - “South By Somewhere”

38:51 - “The Good Doctor”

42:45 - “Walking and Talking”

48:43 - Outro

The night Jordan Tice joined me in Brevard for the taping of this episode it was cold, wet and dark - classic Western North Carolina in late January. We had the garage door behind the stage closed and the lights low. Jordan’s guitar playing, soft spoken demeanor, and humor made for a wonderfully intimate and enjoyable evening for everyone in the room. Jordan’s a gem and this episode feels like an evening by the fire with a good book, dog curled up at your feet. 

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on January 31st, 2023. Huge thanks to Jordan Tice, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Timestamps:

0:07 - Soundbyte

0:33 - Introduction

1:48 - Bill K Introduction

2:48 - “Tell Me Mama”

6:07 - “Covers are nice…”

6:24 - “Dayton, Ohio - 1903”

10:30 - “Bachelorette Party”

12:30 - “Why did you name it that?”

13:40 - “Weary Blues”

17:51 - “Matter Of Time”

21:21 - “Bad Little Idea”

25:40 - Interview

43:02 - “Trying To Get To Heaven”

48:33 - “Wild Bill Jones”

52:30 - Outro

Acoustic Syndicate is one of the best acoustic rock and Americana bands on earth. Fronted by Steve McMurry, the band’s music leans toward themes of sustainability, social justice and quality of life and they’ve built a loyal following over the last 30 years. Steve takes us on a musical journey filled with inspiration and tradition in this episode, and he is as down-to-earth as they come; he still farms the land his ancestors first tended over 200 years ago near Shelby, North Carolina, and we get together every Thanksgiving for a hometown holiday jam in Brevard where I get absolutely blown away by the gravity of this musical titan. As a third-generation folk performer, Steve, in our interview, reveals the deep-rooted sources of his creativity, from legendary Americana influences to the tight-knit musical family that nurtured his sound. I was honored he agreed to join us for an episode of the Happy Hour and I know you’ll love his story and his insights and humility. 

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on May 19th, 2021. Huge thanks to Steve McMurry, Mike Ashworth, Mike Guggino, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps:

0:06 - Soundbyte

1:00 - Introduction

2:24 - Bill K. Introduction

4:00 - “I Will Lead You Home”

6:52 - “Beauty In The Ugliest Days”

10:44 - Interview 1

26:45 - “Sweetest Breeze”

33:51 - “Rainbow Rollercoaster”

40:00 - Interview 2

50:25 - “Sunny”

57:18 - “Song For Myself”

1:03:26 - Outro

Rachel Baiman’s indie folk and Americana vibe, rooted in Chicago and rich with fiddle tunes, unfolds as she shares her transition to singer songwriter. Influences ranging from Courtney Barnett to John Hartford and other roots music make their way into her live performance. Rachel is part of a generational scene in Nashville that I’ve been watching with awe for the last 5-10 years. A unique voice, multi-talented, and articulate, she’s not afraid to sing and speak what’s on her mind. She writes a semi-regular column for the Bluegrass Situation that shines some light into the darker corners of the music industry, addressing inequality, and challenging all of us - creators and fans - to do better, dig deeper, and expect more. In this episode we discussed everything from climate change concerns to hopes for a more equitable future. We had a great time on the happy hour and I’m sure you’ll dig it.

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on August 8th, 2023. Huge thanks to Rachel Baiman, Riley Calcagno, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

Timestamps:

0:06 - Soundbyte

0:57 - Introduction

2:09 - Bill K. introduction

2:57 - Travis introduction

3:33 - On “Bad Debt”

4:52 - “Bad Debt”

9:52 - “Shame”

12:35 - On Mullets

14:24 - “She Don’t Know What To Sing About Anymore”

18:18 - “When You Bloom (Colorado)”

22:25 - “Won’t You Come and Sing For Me”

26:10 - Interview

43:45 - “Twin Fiddles”

47:30 - “Bitter”

51:15 - “In Tall Buildings”

54:53 - Outro

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

Full disclosure; I’ve played music and stood closer to Andy Falco onstage more than anyone over the last 15 years, maybe ever. As the guitarist for our band The Infamous Stringdusters, he continues to redefine acoustic guitar, blending bluegrass, blues, funk, and rock & roll in a style that defines the sound of the Dusters. His guitar is the most important part of the band. In 2021 he released a solo record, Will of the Way, and in 2023 we released the first volume of our tribute to Jerry Garcia on Americana Vibes. Kind, humorous, focused, and grateful, Andy Falco is a living legend and an absolute treasure. 

This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle on August 25th, 2021. Huge thanks to Andy Falco, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps

0:06 - Soundbyte

0:40 - Introduction

1:56 - “The Thrill Is Gone” / Bill Introduction

3:14 - “Rise Sun”

6:41 - “All the Same”

13:16 - Interview 

35:36 - “Holy Rover”

40:24 - “Wings Upon Your Feet”

44:18 - Interview  

53:10 - “Birdsong”

1:03:32 - “Stones Unturned”

1:08:19 - Outro

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

I’ve shared the stage with Jim Lauderdale many times over the years and have always enjoyed his approach and attitude. Funny, self-effacing, eager to entertain, Jim’s a gem and the most prolific songwriter and recording artist I know. I was honored that he agreed to join me for the happy hour and I couldn’t wait to edit this show and release it. 

This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle on November 30th, 2022. Huge thanks to Jim Lauderdale, Mike Ashworth, Matt Smith, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps:

00:06 - Soundbyte

00:33 - Introduction

02:11 - “Rise Sun”

05:54 - Introducing Jim Lauderdale

07:33 - Interview 1

23:08 - “Patchwork River”

28:02 - “Planet of Love”

32:58 - Introducing “Friends Again”

35:28 - “Friends Again”

38:05 - Interview 2

51:20 - “The King of Broken Hearts”

54:30 - Introducing “The Opportunity to Help Somebody Through It”

56:35 - “The Opportunity to Help Somebody Through It”

1:02:22 - “That Kind of Life (That Kind of Day)”

1:06:10 - Outro

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

When the opportunity to host Beppe Gambetta on the Happy Hour came up, I jumped on it. Beppe’s a legend and has a totally unique flatpicking voice. An ambassador for flatpicking around the world and for Italian music in the States, he’s also incredibly charming. Beppe’s a disciple of Doc Watson and this being the year Doc would have turned 100, we chose to present the music of Doc for this particular episode. I rank this among the best interviews I’ve ever conducted (due to Beppe) and after the show we all went to a friend's house and he cooked us broccoli pasta, and we had a classic Italian midnight dinner party. Funny, kind, disarming, grateful, and driven; my musical world is much richer for the friendship I’ve forged with Beppe and his wife Frederica. 

This episode was recorded live on March 14, 2023. Huge thanks to Beppe Gambetta, Mike Guggino, Bennett Sullivan, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps:

00:06 - Soundbyte

01:08 - Introduction

02:30 - Live introduction

05:30 - “Worried Now” > “Texas Gales” > “Beaumont Rag”

12:07 - Accordion joke 

12:26 - “Deep River Blues”

17:05 - “Slow Creek”

22:19 - Happiness monologue

26:45 - “Talk About Suffering”

29:20 - Interview with Beppe Gambetta

51:52 - “I am a Pilgrim”

54:24 - “Tennessee Stud”

59:27 - “St. James Hospital”

1:05:44  - “Way Downtown’

1:11:42 - Outro

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

I started preparing for this episode when I was on a summer trip with my kids in Colorado which mostly involves listening to music. I’ll never forget driving toward Mt. Princeton with tears streaming down my face and I’ll never drive up that road to the hot springs again without thinking of Alexa and her music. Her quiet demeanor hides an absolute monster of a songwriter. Vivid imagery, unique yet familiar, the way she relays the feelings around relationships is unlike anyone I’ve ever heard, on par with the brilliant Robert Ellis. We had a great time on the show, the music was so beautiful and moving, I had to include as much of it as I could. 

This episode was recorded live on August 24 of 2022. Huge thanks to Alexa Rose, Julian Pinelli, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps

0:07 - Soundbyte

0:49 - Introduction

2:08 - Bill’s introduction

2:40 - Travis’ welcome

3:35 - “Rise Sun”

6:24 - Monologue

10:12 - “Back Home”

15:10 - Interview 1

20:41 - “Clearwater Park”

26:22 - “Big Sky”

31:16 - “Haywood”

35:21 - Interview 2

50:22 - “1999”

54:25 - “Pale Golden Flowers”

1:00:33 - “Medicine for Living”

1:06:07 - “Human”

1:10:31 - “Outro”

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

When The Stringdusters were in Nashville around 2006 or 2007, our dobro player lived next door to Jon Weisberger in Madison, right on the Cumberland River. There were two houses on the property; Andy lived in one, Jon lived in the other. I was sleeping in Andy’s guest room and there were regular picking parties at The Compound, as we now refer to it. A few years ago I suggested Jon move to Brevard, he looked into it, and I’m happy to say I’m now neighbors with my favorite co-writing partner. Jon’s written with just about everybody in bluegrass, but recently his most notable songs have been with Billy Strings. In fact, Jon helped write “California Sober,” a song Billy recently recorded with Willie Nelson. A music historian, writer, bassist, and king of the charcoal grill, I was thrilled to get to know more about one of the most liked people in bluegrass. 

This episode is an edited distillation of the full length Happy Hour which aired live in February of 2021. Huge thanks to Jon Weisberger, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps

0:09 - Soundbyte 

0:52 - Introduction

2:18 - Bill’s live introduction

2:47 - “Wasted on the Way”

5:30 - Interview

41:19 - “Pearl of Carolina”

45:00 - “Windy In Nashville”

49:24 - “Blowin’ On A Lonesome Breeze”

53:05 - Outro

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation, as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

I know Jeremy Garrett about as well as anyone else, excepting his wife Connie, of course. We’ve traveled together for 17 years as founding members of The Infamous Stringdusters and spent about a decade sharing a room when we traveled. We affectionately referred to each other as our “road wives.” Beyond being a great songwriter, brilliant fiddle player, and vocalist of the highest order, he has a cutting wit and a steadfast dedication to his art and his craft. I’m grateful to call him a friend and look forward to many more years creating music and traveling with this bluegrass titan. 

This podcast is an edited distillation of the full-length happy hour which aired live on April 27th of 2021. Huge thanks to Jeremy Garrett & Jon Stickley. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook at The Travis Book Happy Hour and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com

Timestamps

:05 - Soundbyte

:43 - Introduction

1:52 - Live introduction by Bill

2:54 - “Rise Sun”

5:32 - “That’s Someone’s Mother”

8:10 - “Home From The Forest”

12:52 - Introducing Jeremy Garrett

13:50 - Interview 1

19:10 - “I’m Not The Enemy” 

23:43 - “I Am Who I Am”

27:15 - Interview 2

45:42 - “Wishing Well”

53:10 - “Windy in Nashville”

56:24 - “A Hard Life Makes a Good Song”

1:00:52 - Outroduction

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation, as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

Graham Sharp has had the kind of career any banjo player dreams of. He started the Steep Canyon Rangers in college with a group of friends, immediately discovered he had a knack for songwriting, and the rest is history in the making. 23 years, 9 albums, and a Grammy Award later, the Steep Canyon Rangers, behind the strength of Graham's songwriting, have established themselves as one of the best bluegrass and Americana bands of their era. I was grateful for the chance to talk with this insightful artist, play some really beautiful music, and reminisce about our shared history. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Happy Hour.

This podcast is an edited distillation of the full-length happy hour which aired live on June 8th of 2022. Huge thanks to Graham Sharp and Julian Pinelli. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook at The Travis Book Happy Hour and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com

Timestamps

0:05 - Soundbyte

0:34 - Introduction

1:43 - Live introduction

2:56 - On the Carolina Guitar Celebration & Tony Rice

4:26 - “Home From the Forest”

8:46 - Introducing Graham Sharp

10:00 - Interview 1

25:54 - “Can’t Get Home”

30:06 - Interview 2

43:50 - “Coming Back To Life”

49:28 - Fiddle music!

54:35 - “Generation Blues”

58:17 - Outroduction

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation, as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

Cris Jacobs is an enigma. The question is always “why is this guy not more famous?” Searing guitar, incredible heart-felt songwriting, genre defying vocals, and an incredibly positive vibe and outlook; there’s really none better than Cris Jacobs. I asked him to come to Western North Carolina to do a couple shows and it just-so-happened we shared the stage the weekend prior at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, so I was lucky to get to spend a lot of time with Cris over the course of a week. I really enjoyed the music and the interview and I’m looking forward to more music with him in the future. 

This podcast is an edited distillation of the full-length happy hour which aired live on June 22nd of 2022. Huge thanks to Cris Jacobs and Devin Neel. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook at The Travis Book Happy Hour and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com

Timestamps

0:08 - Soundbyte

1:01 - Introduction

2:46 - Welcome from Travis

3:44 - Monologue: gun predicament

5:19 - “Rise Sun”

8:11 - On Devin Neel

8:41 - On Telluride Bluegrass Festival

11:40 - “I’m Not Alone”

17:07 - Interview w/ Cris Jacobs

28:00 - “Delivery Man”

34:44 - “Talkin’ NRA Blues”

43:20 - “Under the Big Top”

47:47 - Interview w/ Cris Jacobs

59:24 - “Mama Was a Redbone”

1:05:10 - “The Devil Or Jesse James”

1:13:17 - Reprise

1:14:27 - Outroduction

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation, as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com 

I’d been searching for the right guests for the happy hour when a couple Instagram posts caught my eye. Two former guests had posted video of Cristina Vane playing the Station Inn in Nashville. I was struck by her distinct presence, slide blues style, and unique voice. Once I dug in I was also intrigued by her history and the path that had brought her to Americana music. I was relieved when she accepted my invite and it took us no time at all to fall into an easy rapport. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. 

This podcast is an edited distillation of the full-length happy hour which aired live on July 28th of 2021. Huge thanks to Cristina Vane and Mike Ashworth. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook at The Travis Book Happy Hour and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps:

0:05 - Soundbyte

1:15 - Introduction

2:32 - Bill’s introduction

3:50  - "Gentle on My Mind"

7:10 - Mike & Travis rap about John Hartford

8:00 - Monologue

10:03 - "I Will Lead You Home"

13:05 - Interview w/ Cristina Vane

29:34 - "Prayer for the Blind"

32:00 - "Heaven Bound Station"

34:06 - Interview w/ Cristina Vane

49:51 - "Rise Sun"

52:50 - "Talk About Suffering"

55:00 - "Make Myself Me Again"

58:20 - Outro

The Travis Book Happy Hour Podcast is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation. The show is part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com

Tim O’Brien has always been one of my biggest influences. I love his voice, his playing, and his writing. His album Red On Blonde was his tribute to Bob Dylan and it scored him a Grammy nomination. As a member of the legendary bluegrass band Hot Rize, he spent the 80’s traveling and playing, honing his craft. His record Fiddler's Green is one of my favorites. I was humbled when he agreed to join me for the happy hour and the show was a career highlight for me. I hope you enjoy it and if you do, please subscribe and leave a review.

Huge thanks to Tim O'Brien, Jan Fabricius, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook at The Travis Book Happy Hour and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Timestamps

0:06 - Soundbyte

1:00 - Introduction

2:55 - "Rise Sun"

5:38 - Monologue

8:58 - "I’m Not Alone"

15:00 - Interview 1

31:42 - "Workin’ On A Building"

35:25 - "Untold Stories"

38:40 - "More Love"

44:07 - "Brother Wind"

48:38 - Interview 2

1:06:26 - "When You Pray Move Your Feet"

1:11:11 - "I’m Nervous"

1:14:30 - "I’m Not Afraid of Dying"

1:19:32 - Outro

In the spring of 2021 I was joined on the Happy Hour by my good friend Nicki Bluhm. I’d first met Nicki when her band The Gramblers was opening for the Stringdusters in Montana. Later she joined us as a sixth member for our Ladies & Gentlemen tour following the release of the album by the same name. Funny, gracious, and kind, we became good friends and when I started the show she was at the top of my list. We had a wonderful couple of days playing and talking and the resulting interview is really special.

Time Stamps:

:06 Soundbyte

:37 Introduction

1:40 Ashworth/Maher groovin intro

2:14 “I had an interesting week myself”

3:00 on agitation and anger

5:53 Hide No More

9:35 on waiting for grace

11:05 Beauty in the Ugliest Days

14:45 live advert w/ vamp by Ashworth/Maher

17:10 Interview w/ Nicki Bluhm

47:20 Nicki a cappella

51:17 It’s Ok Not To Be Ok

54:43 Still The One

58:08 To Rise You Gotta Fall

1:02:55 Outro

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/travis-book/support

In January of 2021 I was joined by Josh Daniel on the Happy Hour. Josh had been streaming live every single day of the pandemic from his home in Charlotte, NC and I was honored he brought the stream to the mountains for a couple days. A man of faith, full of gratitude, and a musical master, Josh has played in bands, duos and as a solo artist. We were joined by Mike Ashworth for this musical adventure deep in the midst of the pandemic’s second wave.

00:06 Soundbite: Following the Spirit

1:37 Introduction

3:05 on Right Livelihood

7:49 Everything Is Free

13:30 a word from our sponsors

14:42 Interview

42:36 Silver Lining

49:22 Throw A Little Light My Way

55:25 Travelin’ Song

59:00 The Truth is Out There

1:03:45 Outro

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/travis-book/support

In March of 2021 I invited my oldest musical cohort and one of my best friends, Anders Beck to join me on The Happy Hour. Anders and I spent the first 3 or 4 years of our careers in the front seats of my 92 Ford Explorer and have 20 years of history. I love him dearly and I’m not pulling any punches in this episode. We were joined by our Broke Mountain Bluegrass Bandmate Jon Stickley for this musical retrospective. I love Anders’ humor and insight and find him to be endlessly inspiring.

0:08 - Soundbite

1:00 - Introduction

2:57 - "Rise Sun"

6:34 - "Howard Hughes Blues"

12:20 - Interview

41:49 - "All That I Can Take"

48:44 - "Reservoir Hill"

52:00 - "Casual Wednesday"

56:24 - "How Far I’d Fall"

1:00:35 - Stickley thinking about Andy Thorn

1:02:59 - "Long Lonesome Day"

1:07:56 - Outro

Follow us!

Travis Book Happy Hour (@thetravisbookhappyhour) Travis Book (@travisbook) Americana Vibes (@americana.vibes)

--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/travis-book/support

This episode is the second half of my tribute to legendary guitarist and musician Tony Rice. The entire show runs in chronological order and was designed as a career retrospective so there was really no question that there would be little to no editing. Huge thanks to Jon Stickley, Lyndsay Pruett, and Shawn Lane. I could not think of a better group to honor Tony’s music and I’m grateful for their dedication to the project. We occasionally play as Still Inside; a Tribute to Tony Rice at my weekly gig at 185 King St. in Brevard and this music and this ensemble always makes me extremely happy.

Timestamps

:07  soundbite Shawn Lane on song selection

:50 introduction

1:58 on Bluegrass Album Band

2:41 interview w/ Shawn Lane

7:00 Please Search Your Heart

9:56 Jerusalem Ridge

13:42 noodling, Thompson Guitars & Can’d Aid

14:55 on songs, songwriters, Allison Krauss

16:00 Cold On the Shoulder

20:00 interview w/ Lyndsay Pruett

25:16 Port Tobacco

31:33 on Blake & Rice, Gordon Lightfoot

32:18 I’m Not Saying

35:53 Night Flyer

40:12 on the Pizza Tapes

41:07 Shady Grove

46:56 on his final recordings

49:11 noodling w/ Bill K

51:06 Manzanita

55:40 outro