One of the greatest Bluegrass albums of the 1970’s was “Old and in the Way.” This album was one of the side projects of Grateful Dead guitarist and singer Jerry Garcia (who played banjo in this line up).  The original line up also included John Kahn on bass. John had a long time friendship and played bass on many Garcia projects.

After the passing of these two great musicians the surviving members of “Old and in the Way” decided to produce another great bluegrass album. The Surviving members are Peter Rowan (Panama Red) on guitar and vocals, David (Dawg) Grisman on mandolin, and Vassar (Clamp) Clemens on fiddle. Jerry Garcia’s position is filled by a great banjo player and vocalist Herb Pedersen and Bryn Bright fills John Kahn’s shoes on bass.

This album is a great bluegrass album that is filled with amazing harmonies and picking.   The band covers some classic songs like Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” and the Rolling Stones “Honky Tonk Women.” It is ironic that the band covers a Rolling Stones song on this album bluegrass style since the original line up in the 70s covered the Stone’s “Wild Horses” bluegrass style.

There also many Rowan original on this album. A favorite is the last cut “Rainmaker.” Rainmaker starts with Rowan singing with his guitar and is then added by strong vocal harmonies. The song bridges with vocals and banjo and then regains its momentum with the full band.

“Barefoot Nelly” is a comical song of a poor girl that is awkward in appearance (size 22 shoes) and economically challenged (dress made of an ol’ feed sack) that is struggling to find a guy.

This is a great album that any bluegrass fan must have in their collection. The album is filled with classic bluegrass and folk songs as well as some originals. There is great musicianship from proven players. A must have.

Track list:

1. Gold Old Boys (Hartford) - 4:56
2. Pancho and Lefty (VanZandt) - 5:14
3. Meadow Green (Rowan) - 2:48
4. The Flood (Stanley) - 4:06
5. When the Springtime Comes Again (Carter) - 3:13
6. Barefoot Nellie (Davis/Reno) - 2:27
7. Childish Love (Louvin) - 3:20
8. Victim to the Tomb (Duffey) - 4:28
9. Vassar's Fiddle Rag (Clements) - 3:10
10. Two Little Boys (Duffey/Waller) - 3:57
11. On the Old Kentucky Shore (Monroe) - 4:17
12. Honky Tonk Women (Jagger/Richards) - 2:35
13. Let Those Brown Eyes Smile at Me (Nail) - 2:34
14. Rainmaker (Rowan) - 3:55

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