Sara K.: In the Fall (Maggie's Dream)

Merle Haggard: That's the Way Love Goes

Deaf Shepherd: Weary Fa Ye Duncan Grey

Louisville Slugger, My New Pet Bat, Tries to Fly

Technology and Me (by way of Hank Hill)

Jerry Douglas Don't Mess Around

Mr. Flux, purely tearin' it up.

Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?

Very few could sing the sad songs like George Jones. Ol' Possum left us the other day, just thought I'd pay my respects by posting a video.

An Oldie but a Goodie: Joe Cocker

I told one of my daughters that I'd put this on my blog. Joe Cocker singing his heart out at Woodstock, and someone having fun with captions. Enjoy!

Julie Fowlis: Blackbird (Lon-dubh)

Julie Fowlis. I could listen to her for hours--in fact, I admit that I have done such a thing. Here she sings a Scots Gaelic rendition of the Beatles song "Blackbird."

Seamie O'Dowd: Crooked Jack

This is one talented dude.

Michael Manring's Enormous Room

Back in the day I played bass guitar. Still have one tucked away in the closet, and once in a great while I give in to the urge to get it out and play a little. One of my all-time favorite bassists is Michael Manring. Incredible technique--and though some purists might think he's gimmicky one cannot help but listen and watch in awe when he completely masters the instrument as in this video. When the camera pans around, watch for the expression of the guy sitting behind him. Yeah, that's my thoughts exactly.

A Little Pick-me-up

I feel bad I have been unable to write poetry this week--a work bubble burst over our heads and boy! did the shit ever rain down. 30 hrs. overtime. Anyway, this song makes me feel better, so I offer it instead of one of my sad poems. Some of the best pickers in all of the known universe. Mark O'Connor. Sam Bush. Mark Shatz. Tony Rice. Jerry Douglas. Bela Fleck.

Here and Heaven

I'm posting this one to show my oldest daughter that I really don't mind Chris Thile's singing (though I still think he is a far better mandolin picker than singer). This is a remarkable song, featuring artists at the top of their game.

Irish Harp: Niamh McGloin

This is a wonderful video, beautiful harp playing by one of the best in Ireland. Great setting, sound good, the choice of music perfect--slow and meditative in the beginning, ending with something you can move to.

Merle Haggard: If We Make It Through December

Here's The Hag singing a happy little seasonal tune.

Dear Santa,

If it's not too much trouble, can you bring me the ability to play banjo like Bela? Oh, and I'll need a banjo.

I'm Going to Drink My Corn Liquor Anyway

I haven't posted a bluegrass song in a while, so here's an old favorite. The sound isn't the best, but hey, it's Dan Tyminski, and includes a lyric about corn lick'r. Hard to beat that.

Southern Rock Meets The Beatles

If anyone can cover the Beatles and (dare I say it) improve upon the original, it's Warren and Gov't Mule. There are mouth-dropping live versions of this on YouTube with extended jams. In fact, there are several full-length concert videos on YouTube--I recommend the earlier ones with Allen Woody on bass, but all are good. You won't believe your ears--Southern Rock, most glorious.

Jim & Jesse with a Little Slice of Paradise

I've a soft spot in my heart for Jim and Jesse--they made some wonderful bluegrass music over the years, as you can hear in this version of Paradise.

Vern Gosdin: or, When I want to listen to country . . .

. . . I want to listen to country. FM country stations do not play country music anymore, but some pop/ country hybrid music. I don't think most people under the age of, say, 28, even know what country music is. It's so bad that when someone asks me who my favorite male country singer is, and I say, "Vern Gosdin," they look at me like I'm wearing my drawers on my head. Everyone has his or her own musical tastes, and I am tolerant enough to acknowledge that. So you can have your Taylor Swifts, Keith Urbans, and pop-masquerading-as-country-sound-alike-band (take your pick; they seem to multiply like germs on a petri dish)--Vern is THE VOICE.