The Travis Book Happy Hour

Chris Eldridge and I met when I stepped off of an elevator with my bass at the International Bluegrass Music Association's convention in 2004. The Infamous Stringdusters were forming in Nashville at the time and they needed a bass player for the jam that night and, it turned out, for the band in general. We spent the first two years of that band traveling and making music together and Chris is still one of my favorite musicians and humans. A member of the Punch Brothers and Mighty Poplar, he’s also made a couple great records with guitarist Julian Lage and plays in a duo with his wife Kristen Andreassen. Our conversation started when he arrived at my house and didn’t end until he pulled out of the driveway the next day, but we’ve captured some of the best parts here for the podcast.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, NC on November 12, 2024.

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

Timestamps:

0:06 soundbyte

0:43 introduction

1:58 introduction by Bill K.

3:12 Little Sadie

7:43 “darkest song to happiest song”

9:00 Living in the Mississippi Valley

11:43 Poor Boys Delight

16:09 ad break 1

16:11 Muddy Water

19:38 Rygar

23:20 insert

23:36 interview

53:44 ad break 2

53:56 Angeles

57:37 My First Will

1:01:39 on Uncle Earl

1:02:57 Through the Bottom of the Glass

1:06:33

I had heard of Caitlin Krisko, but I’d never really heard her music until she took over the stage at the Floydfest Buffalo Jam a few years ago. I’d finished up my part of the show and had headed out into the crowd to unwind and watch the proceedings. Every time Caitlin stepped up to the mic the ensemble struggled to match her soul and intensity. It wasn’t even fair, really. She owned that show that night and she owned the interview and music during the Happy Hour, too. It was Caitlin’s show, Aaron and Tommy and I were just along for the ride. 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, NC on August 13th, 2024

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

Timestamps

0:06 soundbyte

0:42 introduction

2:06 introduction by Bill K.

3:05 Blue Heron

6:50 Burn One Down

10:00 “am I supposed to be talking…”

11:11 I Never Loved A Man

15:06 ad break 1

15:09 Too Far Gone

18:59 All The Same

24:15 Hole In My Heart

28:46 insert

29:00 interview

47:12 ad break 2

47:15 Blue Monday

51:39 Haunted By You

57:35 Battle Cry

1:01:11 outroduction

Nashville in the mid-2000’s was full of aspiring bluegrass musicians from my generation. People were starting bands, landing gigs as side-men, and living in large, cheap houses on the East side of town. Almost nightly we’d gather at picking parties that sometimes more closely resembled what you’d see at a fraternity. One of the people I met and played with during these heady years was Luke Bulla. I was in awe of his professionalism and his palmares and struck by his calm demeanor. It had been almost 15 years since we’d last played together and I was delighted when he reached out about joining me for the Happy Hour. 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, NC on May 5th, 2024

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

Timestamps:

0:06 soundbyte

0:37 introduction

1:52 introduction by Bill Kubilius

3:13 The Partner That No One Knows

6:00 on the family band

8:36 Remember Well

12:51 ad break 1

12:53 on Lyle Lovett & Guy Clark

14:14 Anyhow I Love You

19:10 A Little Too Much

25:25 Going Away With A Friend

29:52 insert

30:06 interview 1

40:57 ad break 2

41:19 Wheel Hoss w/ Casey Driessen 

48:36 interview 2 

53:59 outroduction

Dangermuffin’s Dan Lotti writes songs and sings them in a way that make me feel like everything is going to be just fine. Originally from Folly Beach, much of the band now makes their home in Asheville but their music retains the laid-back beach vibe of it’s roots on the Carolina coast. Positive, inquisitive, conscious and grateful, Dan Lotti is the kinda guy you wish would call you up to have a pint or take a walk in the woods. He’d probably make an amazing neighbor too. He’s been at the top of my list since I launched this whole Happy Hour thing and it was great to finally get to spend the afternoon with this incredible human.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, NC on September 10th, 2024

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 

Timestamps:

0:06 soundbyte

0:54 introduction

2:08 introduction by Bill K.

3:07 Waves

9:10 We Push Mountains

14:21 ad break 1

14:23 “thanks for bringing most of the band”

15:43 Western Skies

18:48 Cicada 

25:13 interview

42:13 insert

42:27 Sarsaparilla

46:11 ad break 2

46:28 on I Will Never Forget

47:17 I Will Never Forget

52:25 Big Suit

57:32 outroduction

Drummers don’t always get a lot of love or attention. But, mention the name Jeff Sipe to nearly any musician and their eyes light up. Also known as Apartment Q258, he was a founding member of Aquarium Rescue Unit with Colonel Bruce Hampton (which also counted Otiel Burbridge of Dead & Co and Jimmy Herring of Widespread Panic among its members). I first heard him via early Leftover Salmon bootlegs and he’s toured with Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trey Anastasio, and Warren Haynes. Regarded as one of the best drummers alive, he’s also just a normal guy who lives down the street from me and who says “yes” pretty much any time I ask him to join me on a gig. Words really don’t do him justice; he’s just so wonderful and kind and supportive; I can hardly believe my good fortune getting to make music with him.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King Street in Brevard, NC on April 4th of 2023.

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:

0:06 – Soundbyte

0:42 – Intro

2:15 – Intro by Bill K.

3:26 – “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”

10:37 – “A Little Too Much”

16:00 – “I Am A Pilgrim”

22:30 – “Once I Knew You”

29:17 – Interview

46:10 – “Summertime”

48:30 – “Minor Blues”

55:34 – “Back Home”

1:01:50 – Outro

As much a mystic as a musician, Phoebe Hunt makes music that speaks to the yearning we all have to connect with something larger than ourselves. A deep commitment to making music with meaning is her compass and she’s an example of what it means to be in loving relationship with music. We need more musicians like Phoebe Hunt in this world.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King Street in Brevard, NC on April 23rd, 2024

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:

0:08 soundbyte

0:22 introduction

1:22 Bill K’s introduction

2:03 Rise Sun

6:06 on Lint Head Girl

7:15 Lint Head Girl

10:40 Take Me Home

14:25 ad break 1 

14:30 interview 1

28:22 Galloping 

31:20 on Pink and Blue

34:51 Pink and Blue

31:01 insert

38:16 “I couldn’t”

38:57 ad break 2

39:02 interview 2

53:20 Nothing Else Matters

56:30 Good Blood 

1:00:20 outroduction

Wyatt Ellis can’t even drive a car but he’s making waves in the bluegrass community. A prolific tune-writer and a dedicated student of the mandolin, he’s growing and learning at a rate you only find in the under 20 set. I was surprised to find that he’s also humble, articulate, and a total professional. It’s not hard to envision him reaching the highest echelons of acoustic and bluegrass music and doing it very soon. I was grateful to my friend Jon Stickley for the introduction to this bluegrass wunderkind.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King Street in Brevard, NC on June 11th, 2024

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:

0:06 soundbyte

0:36 introduction

1:46 show introduction by Bill K

3:07 Blue Smoke

7:04 on Blue Smoke and Get Lost

8:16 Get Lost

13:17 When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again

16:48 ad break 1

16:58 Blue Night

20:00 interview 1

28:09 Watson Blues

31:07 insert

31:38 Rabbit In A Log

34:30 interview 2

40:00 Whites Creek

44:40 “how old are you?” and JAM

46:10 ad break 2

46:17 Cold On The Shoulder

49:17 Long Lonesome Day

54:10 Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms

58:29 outroduction

Trey Hensley is simply the most ferocious acoustic guitar player I’ve ever encountered. His attack and control of the guitar is unrivaled and left me in awe. He is, however, also just about as kind and as humble as an East Tennessee man can be. I had a great time playing music with and getting to know more about this musical titan and I’m really happy to make this podcast available.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King Street in Brevard, North Carolina on November 14th, 2023.

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:

0:06 soundbyte

0:21 introduction

1:25 show introduction by Bill K.

2:14 Can’t Outrun the Blues

6:00 Can’t Judge A Book

9:38 ad break 1

9:48 Brown Eyed Women

13:40 story about Brown Eyed Women

15:20 Backstreets Off Broadway

18:15 interview w/ Trey

33:46 insert

48:15 ad break 2

48:40 Hold Whatcha Got

51:30 Mama Tried

53:50 outroduction

I met Andy Thorn during the winter of 2002/2003 when he was visiting Durango, Colorado on a ski trip. We played and traveled over two summers as members of The Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, which broke up - or went on an 18 year hiatus - after the summer of 2005. Andy and I remain and always will be great friends, and sharing the stage with Andy and Jon Stickley was an honor. This episode captures three old friends rehashing old memories and jokes and making new ones. I know you’ll enjoy. 

This episode was recorded live at 185 King Street in Brevard, NC on October 24th of 2023.

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

0:07 Soundbyte

0:20 Introduction

1:32 "Carolina Song"

2:50 We have legal marijuana

4:35 "Blazing New Frontiers"

9:19 "All That I Can Take"

15:50 Interview

35:25 "Aesop Mountain"

38:29 "What Child Is This"

41:02 On fox hunts

42:42 "Red Fox Run"

49:20 "Long Lonesome Day"

53:36 Did you skip my interview?

54:30 "Long Winding Road"

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