Travis Book Happy Hour Archives - Page 2 of 2

The Travis Book Happy Hour: Jeremy Garrett (The Infamous Stringdusters)

Posted on June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 by Shelby Williamson

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.

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This podcast is an edited distillation of the full-length happy hour which aired live on April 27, 2021. Huge thanks to Jeremy Garrett and Jon Stickley.

Timestamps:

0:05 – Soundbyte
0:43 – 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 – Outro

Editor’s note: The Travis Book Happy Hour is hosted by Travis Book of the GRAMMY Award-winning band, The Infamous Stringdusters. The show’s focus is musical collaboration and conversation around matters of being. The podcast is the best of the interview and music from the live show recorded in Asheville, NC.

The Travis Book Happy Hour Podcast 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 find the Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.

Photo Credit: George Trent Grogan, Mountain Trout Photography

The Travis Book Happy Hour: Graham Sharp (Steep Canyon Rangers)

Posted on May 30, 2023June 12, 2023 by Shelby Williamson

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. Twenty-three years, nine 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.

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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.

Timestamps:

0:05 – Soundbyte
0:34 – 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 – Outro

Photo Credit: Sandlin Gaither Music Photography

The Travis Book Happy Hour: Cris Jacobs

Posted on May 15, 2023June 12, 2023 by Shelby Williamson

Cris Jacobs is an enigma. The question is always “why is this guy not more famous?” Searing guitar, incredible heartfelt 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.

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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.

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 – Outro

The Travis Book Happy Hour: Cristina Vane

Posted on May 1, 2023June 7, 2023 by Shelby Williamson

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.

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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.

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: Tim O’Brien

Posted on April 14, 2023June 7, 2023 by Shelby Williamson

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. Huge thanks to Tim O’Brien, Jan Fabricius, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation.

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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

Photo Credit: Scott Simontacchi