All times listed are Eastern Time
*denotes part of our Roots and Branches series
*American Routes – American Routes 10th Anniversary Concert
American Routes has been on the air for over a decade and it’s time to celebrate. Live from the House of Blues in New Orleans, Nick is joined on stage by Dr. Michael White and his Liberty Jazz Band, the young Cajun band Feufollet, and New Orleans jump blues legend Deacon John, along with several special guests.
Bluegrass Breakdown – Live Duos—Mike Compton & David Long; Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein; And Mark Johnson & Emory Lester
We’ll be exploring the intimacy, immediacy and intricacy that only duos can bring to the stage. When there’s just two, there’s no place to run, no place to hide and no time to rest. It’s a whole different world and a whole different sound. And if it’s done right, it’s magic. Mark Johnson & Emory Lester; Mike Compton & David Long; and Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein will be picking live as we celebrate the power of two.
Bluegrass Master Class
Banks of the Ohio #82: You’ll hear examples of how the folk era of the ‘60s (and its aftermath) impacted bluegrass. Included are “Sowing on the Mountain” by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Erik Darling, “Dark-Eyed Sally” by Jack Tottle’s Lonesome River Boys, “Different Drum” by the Greenbriar Boys, “Up To My Neck In High Muddy Water” by Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys, “Dreamless” by Earth Opera, “Hippy Dippy Dan” by Red Allen, and “The Fighting Side of Me” by both Merle Haggard and the Osborne Brothers. A production of the International Bluegrass Music Museum, hosted by Fred Bartenstein.
Bluegrass Review
Our program begins with current wave ‘grass by Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Grasstowne. Then it’s our Gem of Bluegrass focusing on the improbable history of the banjo. Then we reflect on a previous Gem of Bluegrass on the history of the song Man of Constant Sorrow. We found some additional treatments of the song, and some are surprising. In the second half of the show, we talk to Audie Blaylock about his work with bluegrass icon Jimmy Martin. Then enjoy a couple of excellent bluegrass treatments of Merle Haggard songs. If you want to contact host Phil Nusbaum, the email address is pnusbaum@bitstream.net.
Bluegrass Signal – New Releases & A Reissue
Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Countdown
Lee Michael Demsey plays the top 30 songs as reported to Bluegrass Unlimited for the month of January, in the familiar countdown format.
*The Dick Spottswood Show
Live 1960s performances by Bill Monroe lead us to a Jimmie Rodgers portrait that lasts most of the first hour, and includes both a 1928 concert orchestration of “T For Texas,” and 1930-1 performances with Louis Armstrong, the Dixieland Jug Blowers, and St. Louis blues legend Clifford Gibson. The next hour begins with two fiddle tunes–both called “Liberty”–and moves to a medley of North Carolina cotton mill tunes by 1920s banjo ace Wilmer Watts and the pioneering hillbilly social critic David McCarn. Also appearing: Charlie Monroe, Slim Harpo, Mississippi John Hurt, Ma Rainey, and Johnnie & Jack.
*etown – Ray LaMontagne & Ingrid Michaelson
eTown fave Ray LaMontagne returns for his third visit in this encore broadcast. This brilliant songwriter and amazing singer brings along his band and some wonderful new songs to share; plus, he has an up close and personal chat with host Nick Forster. Also joining us, rising star Ingrid Michaelson, a NYC based indie singer songwriter and pianist.
The Free for All – Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. LIVE, Friday 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
The Gary Henderson Show – Saturday 8-11 a.m. LIVE, Monday 12 p.m.,
The Katy Daley Show - Monday- Wednesday LIVE, Thurs-Fri recorded, 7-10 a.m. ET
The Lee Michael Demsey Show – Saturday 11a.m.-2p.m., Monday- Wednesday LIVE, Thurs-Fri recorded, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ET
Lonesome Pine RFD with Carol Beaugard – Mon. 12 a.m., Wed. 9 p.m., Thurs. 12 p.m.
*Mountain Stage
Featuring Koko Taylor, Gatemouth Brown, Sean Costello, Odetta, Marie Knight, Morphine, & Jeff Buckley. Playlist.
Old Time Jam
A variety of tunes and songs this week, with a tip of the hat to the Carter Family, and to Henry Reed of Glen Lyn, Virginia and the New River Valley.
Open Mic - 2009 Year in Review (Starting on 1/7/10)
We highlight some the best live performances and interviews of 2009 on WAMU’s Bluegrass Country. Featuring the Gibson Brothers, Infamous Stringdusters, Shannon Whitworth, David Peterson, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, and more.
The Ray Davis Show – Monday- Wednesday LIVE, Thurs-Fri recorded 3-6p.m., Sunday 10am-1p
Rotating Shows
Foster’s Corner with Bill Foster - Sunday 3 a.m. (January 3)
The Bill Miller Show – Tuesday 12 p.m., Thursday 12 a.m., Sunday 3 a.m. (January 10)
Special Programming - Matt Brown
This week, host Hubie King interviews old-time multi-instrumentalist Matt Brown. Plus, Phil Nusbaum delves into the intricacies of the genre on Gems of Bluegrass.
LIVE Stained Glass Bluegrass hosted by Bob Webster
This week marks our first bluegrass gospel program for 2010 on the first Sunday of January. Since that’s close to the date of Hank Williams’ passing (January 1st) we’ll enjoy a few newly released gospel recordings from his old Mother’s Best Flower radio shows and be reminded of his contribution to our gospel song list that many bluegrass artists have recorded. We’ll also hear a few more songs released in 2009 as well as our old hymns.
*Thistle and Shamrock – Connemara
Best known for the Grammy winning “Riverdance,” Bill Whelan has played with legendary band Planxty and produced records for U2. His ‘Connemara Suite’ was written for traditional musicians in a chamber orchestra setting. Hear excerpts from Whelan’s music along with other sounds from Ireland’s wild west.
LIVE *Traditions with Mary Cliff – Saturday 2-6 p.m.
