The Travis Book Happy Hour

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 0:08 - 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 August 8th, 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 Barnet 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 - Soundbyte00:33 - Introduction02:11 - “Rise Sun”05:54 - Introducing Jim Lauderdale07:33 - Interview 123:08 - “Patchwork River”28:02 - “Planet of Love”32:58 - Introducing “Friends Again”35:28 - “Friends Again”38:05 - Interview 251:20 - “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 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 and Facebook (@thetravisbookhappyhour) 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. 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. :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

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”

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. :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

Sierra Hull is a legend in the making. A superb and accomplished musician, she’s shared the stage with everyone from Bela Fleck to Allison Krauss to Corey Wong. I was already a fan, and appreciated her music, but I was unprepared for how completely she’d blow me away with her insight and humility. Not only an absolute shredder on the mandolin, she’s an accomplished songwriter and distinctive singer with no pretense. Down to earth with a sharp sense of humor, Sierra made for an absolutely ideal guest for the Happy Hour. Timestamps: :05   Soundbite 1:15  Intro 3:15  Rise Sun 5:50  Monologue 9:00  Gentle On My Mind 13:50  Sierra Introduction 14:30  Interview 1 33:50  Queen of Hearts 40:00   Weighted Mind 44:00  Middle of the Woods 47:38  Interview 2 1:05:21 Sierra & Justin Mandolin Duet 1:08:40 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

Mike and Barrett, like most musicians, are much more than their roles in Steep Canyon Rangers. Barrett’s also an accomplished fingerstyle guitar player and he and Mike have performed traditional Italian music as a duo for nearly a decade. It was only recently that Barrett joined the Steeps as their full-time bass player, but these two have a long friendship and history. Mike lives down the street from me and I was itching to hear some italian music and pick these guys brains so I invited them out for The Happy Hour and was not disappointed. Barrett delivered some inspired performances and we had some great conversation. Hope you enjoy! Featuring Barrett Smith (@barrettnow1320) and Mike Guggino (@mikeguggino) Brought to you by Americana Vibes (@americana.vibes) 1:39 Interview  19:30 Italian Duo  34:56 I Am A Pilgrim  41:00 The Harbor and The Sea  46:20 Wake Me Up  50:30 Sisters & Brothers 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

Benny “Burle” Galloway was the first person to hand me an upright bass. Burle was the first person to help me write a song (some call that a co-write). Burle taught me about space, melody, songwriting, listening, tone, reefer, and erasers when I was discovering bluegrass and related acoustic music in Durango, CO. My only solo album, Alice, was a tribute to the man and his guitar. We still play and write, probably always will. It was really fun to have him on the show. He was on his best behavior; wily as ever, charming, funny, and still the best damn songwriter ever. We had Tommy Maher join us because he’s the right guy for the job. Featuring Benny "Burle" Galloway (@burle_galloway) Brought to you by Americana Vibes (@americana.vibes) 2:35 It’ll Be Alright  5:18 Ain’t Been Myself In Years  9:30 Interview with Benny Galloway  34:06 Ghost in the Guitar  41:00 Why Cry  46:30 Long Lonesome Day  50:06 Poor Boys Delight  55:45 Gimme Some Wings  1:02:07   Sing Me Back Home 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

Mimi Naja will inevitably be etched in annals of american music. Her style is unique but familiar, with no pretense, pragmatic to the core. I knew her first as a wide-eyed mando wunderkind ranging the grounds of Planet Bluegrass. In Fruition she’s grown into a telecaster-wielding rocker with no fear. She delivered a killer upright bassline on King of the Road, and a ripping mandolin break on Things in Life, but the highlights of this session are the songs she wrote and the brutal honesty of her interview. Mimi is the truth and I’m so grateful we could share the stage with Lyndsay Pruett on this awesome session. Featuring Mimi Naja (@miminaja) Brought to you by Americana Vibes (@americana.vibes) 2:55 Travelin Teardrop Blues  8:00 Interview with Mimi Naja  26:00 Have Love Will Travel  29:43 Beside You  35:04 Northern Town  39:20 Things in Life 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

Faced with a last-minute guest cancellation, I decided the show must go on so I enlisted regular collaborator and Happy Hour House Band member Tommy Maher to join me on dobro and take over interviewing duties, essentially turning the microphone on myself! I played some of my favorite songs and Tommy asked me some of the same questions I ask my guests. Tommy really rose to the occasion at the last minute. Hope you dig. Brought to you by Americana Vibes (@americana.vibes) 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