Back Porch Bluegrass Free FM

I’ve been re-reading the book ‘John Duffey’s Bluegrass Life’, and a couple of recordings from the early days of that bluegrass life have sneaked in to this show. I also feature a couple of tracks from a brand new recording from Peter Rowan, ‘Calling you From My Mountain’ on Rebel, which I’m sure you’ll enjoy. There’s also some old favourites like Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa, the Lonesome river Band, and the Dillards. Lots to like.

This show features a couple of tunes from Roland White, who passed away in April 2022. I also talk about the celebration of Matariki in NZ, (the Māori New Year; and of course, there’s some great music from The All-Girl Boys, Scott Brannon, Seldom Scene, the Stanley Brothers and others.

Today we’ll hear from Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, the band Sideline, Dan Crary, NZ’s Pam Crowe (Findlay), and some classic early 70’s bluegrass from Del McCoury& the Dixie Pals, all mixed in with a couple of tunes from Blue Highway.

I’ve found some 1950’s ‘classic’ bluegrass for you, as well as some great music from Sawmill Road, Nu-Blu, Tony Rice and even NZ’s own Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

Some band-leaders make a point of featuring their band members, so this week I’m playing Alison Krauss & Union Station – but featuring Tim Stafford and Adam Steffey as lead vocalists - and the Lynn Morris Band – featuring Marshall Wilborn in the lead vocal role. As well, there’s some top music from Bobby Hicks, the Lilly Brothers & Don Stover, Country Ham, and banjo picker Don Parmley.

May is New Zealand Music Month, so in this show we’ve got some original bluegrass from NZ’s Catherine Bowness (Mile Twelve), Hot Diggity, and Colleen & Paul Trenwith playing with Slim Dusty. As always, there’s some great music from others including Caroline Jones, Joe Mullins, John Reischman and their great bands.