Back Porch Bluegrass

Back Porch Bluegrass - 08-10-2024 Oct 08, 2024

A wide-ranging selection of bluegrass music offerings in this episode, from Missy Werner, the Lonesome River Band, Chris Jones & the Night Riders, to some pre-bluegrass from Bill Monroe, and some very early country music with what has become a bluegrass classic. Mac Wiseman, Sawmill Road and the HCBB with Pam Findlay also get some airtime – an eclectic collection!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 01-10-2024 Oct 01, 2024

I have my son Sam Trenwith in the studio with me today, talking a little about his music teaching world, as well as our upcoming concert in Raglan at the end of this month. I’ve also featured a band, the Forest Hills Bluegrass Band from south-west Ohio, playing their own original music, as well as offerings from Laurie Lewis, Jim Lauderdale, Bobby Hicks, Bill Blackburn, the Osborne Brothers and even The Trenwiths.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-09-2024 Sep 24, 2024

I’m digging into my LP collection for some of today’s selections – Emerson & Waldron, great band from the late-1960’s/early 1970’s, and the Johnson Mountain Boys, classic bluegrass from the 1980’s. Of course we’ve got some fine offerings from Rhonda Vincent, the Brombies, Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, and the Stanley Brothers. Throw in some picking from Brad Kolodner, the HCBB and Eddie Adcock & Don Reno, and you’ve got a memorable bluegrass concert.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-09-2024 Sep 17, 2024

The Dreadful Snakes kick-off this episode of the Back Porch Bluegrass Show, and then we’ve got Balsam Range, Jeremy Stephens, Dr Pete Wernick (playing some pretty way-out sounding banjo licks), Longview and Ramona Church. I’ve got Dale Jett & Hello Stranger back this week, and the Trenwiths (previewing their appearance at the Raglan Country & Blues Festival), and a classic from Flatt & Scruggs ( because it IS a bluegrass show!)

Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-09-2024 Sep 10, 2024

This week, we’ve got some Carter Family music from Dale Jett, some old-time country from Lulu Belle & Scotty, and some banjo picking from Junie Scruggs – Earl’s brother. There’s some fine bluegrass in here from Aaron Foster, Jeanette Williams, Roland White, and the Earls Of Leicester, a great band called ‘Sideline’, and some straight-ahead picking from Nothing Fancy. The ‘best of bluegrass’.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 03-09-2024 Sep 03, 2024

Missy Werner, the Kody Norris Show, Seldom Scene, Jim & Jesse, and Nine Mile Creek (from Australia) are on the show this week. I’ve also included some great cuts from a Hot Rize live concert, and some fine picking from John Hickman.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 27-08-2024 Aug 27, 2024

I’ve just bought some ‘new’ CDs from a friend and fellow collector of bluegrass, and I’ve used them to compile this episode of Back Porch Bluegrass. I’ve also paid tribute to the great bluegrass fiddle player, Bobby Hicks, who passed away earlier this month.

Back Porch Bluegrass - REPEAT - 20-08-2024 Aug 20, 2024

Great banjo playing from Jim Mills, wonderful mandolin playing from David Grisman & Sam Bush, with a generous helping of fine picking & singing from the Stanley Brothers, Alison Krauss and lots of others. Pure delight!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 13-08-2024 Aug 13, 2024

A little bit of Irish bluegrass from Niall Toner, some dynamic music from Newtown, songs from David Parmley, Del McCoury, Double Overtime, Earl Taylor, and Sierra Hull, and some fine instrumentals from the Boxcars, and Billy Hurt. Oh, and some old-timey clawhammer from Bob Siggins. A rare mix of bluegrass!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 06-08-2024 Aug 06, 2024

A very eclectic collection of the varying shades of bluegrass in this episode, almost as many colours as in an artist’s blue palette. Lou Reid, Norman Blake, Jeremy Stephens, Jean-Luc Leroux, the Lonesome River Band, Frank Solivan, the Whitstein Brothers, Bluestone, Claire Lynch, Jim Mills – something for everyone. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-07-2024 Jul 30, 2024

This episode of Back Porch Bluegrass features music from 1927 right through to 2023, with lots of great tunes in between. Uncle Dave Macon, the Bluegrass Album Band, Starlett & Big John Talley, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Jane Germain & Ian Simpson, the Stanley Brothers – some fine selections here.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-07-2024 Jul 23, 2024

Dan Tyminski, Alison Krauss, Dailey & Vincent, Hot Rize, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, are all featured in this episode of Back Porch Bluegrass, along with some fine picking from Clarence White & the Kentucky Colonels, the Sonoran Dogs and even NZ’s own HCBB get a chance to show their skills. Not to be missed.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-07-2024 Jul 16, 2024

At the suggestion of a listener, I looked through my archives and found some music featuring Aoife O’Donovan & Crooked Still; from this contemporary bluegrass we jump to Frank Wakefield and Red Allen in 1963, the Lilly Brothers, some great mandolin picking from Rhonda Vincent, the Spinney Brothers from Nova Scotia, and lots more you’ve probably not heard before. Worth a listen!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-07-2024 Jul 09, 2024

This episode of BPBg features an interview with Dr Des Walsh, of the Dublin, Ireland-based band ‘Whistle’. I visited with the band during my recent visit to Ireland, and enjoyed a great evening of their music, as well as some jamming with them. Of course, we’ve got a few ‘regulars’ on the show like High Fidelity, Blue Highway, David Grisman and even some HCBB.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 02-07-2024 Jul 02, 2024

I’m delighted to be delving into my CD’s again, and I think I’ve come up with some gems for you. Great bluegrass from the likes of JD Crowe, The Dillards, Sawmill Road, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Sister Sadie and Joe Mullins; a new original opening track from me with Jean-Luc Leroux, and a track from Cliff Waldron that didn’t make it into last week’s show.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 25-06-2024 Jun 25, 2024

First show since I returned from my overseas trip, and I’ve picked out a variety of tracks for you, that I think you’ll enjoy.

Back Porch Bluegrass - REPEAT - 18-06-2024 Jun 18, 2024

Originally aired 16-06-20.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 11-06-2024 Jun 11, 2024

Formerly 14-09-21 - Jeremy Stephens interview.

Back Porch Bluegrass - REPEAT - 04-06-2024 Jun 04, 2024

Formerly 19-11-19 - Missy Raines interview.

Back Porch Bluegrass - REPEAT - 28-05-2024 May 28, 2024

Formerly 10-05-22 - Paul T with Claire Lynch.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-05-2024 May 24, 2024

Formerly broadcast 21-07-20 - K MacMillan interview.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-05-2024 May 14, 2024

May is NZ Music Month, and this show features some NZ musicians and bands that have contributed to the bluegrass genre whilst overseas. Musicians featured include BB Bowness, Gerry Paul, Mark Mazengarb, Leonard Cohen, George Jackson, and of course, members of the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-05-2024 May 07, 2024

May is NZ Music Month, and this show features some NZ musicians and bands that have contributed to the bluegrass genre over the years.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-04-2024 Apr 30, 2024

Darren Beachley, Dale Ann Bradley, Blue Highway, the Bluegrass Album Band all feature in this show, along with the Gibson Brothers, and Sideline. I also pay tribute to NZ bass player Bruce Fergus, part of the 1970’s NZ band Bluegrass Expedition, who passed away recently.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-04-2024 Apr 23, 2024

Bluegrass legend, and one of my heroes, banjo player Ben Eldridge died very recently. On this show I feature just some of Ben’s magical banjo work with Seldom Scene and his prior work with Cliff Waldron & the New Shades of Grass. We’ve also got some music from Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, the All-Girl Boys, Bryan Christianson, and the Pleasant Valley Boys.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-04-2024 Apr 16, 2024

I’ve been digging deep into my shelves of CD’s, and I’ve come up some selections from familiar performers that I’ve not played on this show previously, as well as a few ‘favourites’ that leap out me saying ‘pick me, pick me’. Among the performers featured are the Osborne Brothers, Donna Ulisse, Special Consensus, Doyle Lawson, Longview, the Bluegrass Cut-Ups, and Seldom Scene.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-04-2024 Apr 09, 2024

A new album from French bluegrass legend Jean-Luc Leroux, plus offerings from Travers Chandler, X-Train, the Price Sisters, and Dan Tyminski. We’ve got some old-timey banjo picking from David Holt, and a rare gospel song from the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 02-04-2024 Apr 02, 2024

Some songs you may not have heard previously, some instrumentals, some NZ performers, some from the USA, all part of the wide variety that is bluegrass music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-03-2024 Mar 26, 2024

Bluegrass from Wildfire, the Grascals, the Missy Werner Band, Lou Reid & Carolina, instrumentals from Seldom Scene, Sidesaddle and the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, and gospel music from Rhonda Vincent as an Easter ‘special’. Lots to like in this episode.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-03-2024 Mar 19, 2024

St Patrick’s Day has just been celebrated the world over. And there’s a lot of the Irish in bluegrass music. I searched my collection to come up with songs that give a nod to our Irish heritage, and have featured some songs and tunes in this episode. There’s also some ‘regular’ bluegrass too, of course, and you’ll hear from Dale Anne Bradley, Hot Rize, the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, Bill Monroe, J D Crowe, Tony Ellis and others.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-03-2024 Mar 12, 2024

We had a great concert in my backyard with George Jackson & Brad Kolodner, and I’m featuring their music on this show. I’ve also got some great tracks from the Travelling McCourys, Barry & Holly Tashian, the Stanley Brothers, and Junior Sisk. High Fidelity get a look in, and there’s even an opening track from Australian great Slim Dusty and the Travelling Country Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 05-03-2024 Mar 05, 2024

Still finding treasures in my deepest shelves of bluegrass LP’s. This week’s show has music from Billy Baker (fiddler), Mac Wiseman & the Osborne Brothers, and Merle Haggard singing a Jimmie Rodgers favourite. There’s a brand-new release from Missy Raines & Allegheny, and songs from Peter Rowan, the Bluegrass Album Band, the HCBB and others; and some fine resonator playing from Kathy Barwick.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 27-02-2024 Feb 27, 2024

I’ve dug deep into my shelves of LPs, and hauled out a few favourites – the Blue Velvet Band, Seldom Scene, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, fiddler Glen Duncan, to find some tracks I’ve not played on the show previously. We’ve got a little more contemporary with the HCBB, George Jackson, the Kody Norris Show, and Balsam Range, and some classic bluegrass from Tony Ellis.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 20-02-2024 Feb 20, 2024

Jim Hurst, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Dale Ann Bradley, Tim O’Brien with some fine bluegrass; a ‘classic’ tune from Bill Monroe, and some offerings from the HCBB, Trev Warner, Alison Krauss & the Cox Family. There’s a strangely-named fiddle tune from Kenny Baker, and fine picking from some of your favourite musicians.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 13-02-2024 Feb 13, 2024

Classic bluegrass from Jim and Jesse, some ‘hardcore’ from Chris Henry & the Hardcore Grass, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Ricky Skaggs , some contemporary songs from Irene Kelley, and some 1970’s Californian bluegrass from Country Gazette. Real variety in this week’s show.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 06-02-2024 Feb 06, 2024

I enjoyed the first ‘live’ concert from Sassafras at Tauranga this past weekend, with more to come this week. So they are featured in this episode along with some classic bluegrass from Curly Seckler, George Shifflet, Bill Harrell, and the Country Gentlemen, and some contemporary bluegrass from Sawmill Road, Craig Smith and Karen Lynn.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-01-2024 Jan 30, 2024

I had a weekend of live music – some of it is represented in the songs I’ve selected, and the usual eclectic selection of bluegrass from many sources makes up the programme. Claire Lynch, Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Dark Hollow Bluegrass Band, Sassafras and the Grascals are just some of the bands featured.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-01-2024 Jan 23, 2024

We kick off with some ‘original ‘ bluegrass from Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, and include both contemporary bluegrass (Sassafras, Jordan Tice, Del McCoury), some ‘classic’ bluegrass (Country Gentlemen, Joe Mullins, Nashville Bluegrass Band and the HCBB) and some that defies categorization (J D Crowe & the New South, Dan Walsh) but it’s all bluegrass, folks!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-01-2024 Jan 16, 2024

Mark Newton, High Fidelity, Scott Vestal & Co, Sierra Hull, and some classic bluegrass from ‘Here Today’, with all sorts of supporting music. Something for all tastes.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-01-2024 Jan 09, 2024

Some ‘classic’ bluegrass (Jimmy Martin & the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse), some contemporary bluegrass (Midnight Skyracer, Sassafras) and lots of regular bluegrass, just to get 2024 off to a good start.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 02-01-2024 Jan 02, 2024

Created by Free FM, Hamilton, New Zealand

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-12-2023 Dec 26, 2023

Holiday listening, with some of my favourite musicians. Skaggs & Rice, Byron Berline (with 3 banjos!) John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Country Gentlemen, Jerry Douglas all get to present their songs and tunes, as do Flatt & Scruggs, Doyle Lawson, the HCBB, Frank Wakefield and Seldom Scene. George Jackson plays a fiddle tune, and I even get to play the end of the last show for 2023.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-12-2023 Dec 19, 2023

A Christmas treat for you all – I have my son Sam in the studio with me, and we talk about a life of playing music, encouraging others, writing songs, going surfing – all the important things! He sings a new song, recently written, right here in the studio – a world premiere! There’s also some music from Alison Krauss, Mike Scott & Co, Tony Rice, the Trenwiths, Sassafras and Kenny Baker. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-12-2023 Dec 12, 2023

The Rice Brothers, Sassafras, Don Parmley, Doyle Lawson form the first part of the show, what a line-up! We’ve got Caroline Jones & the Trenwiths doing a Christmas song, bluegrass style (of course!) as well as the Dry Branch Fire Squad, Mac Wiseman, and a tribute to the great banjo player Terry Baucom. Blue Moon Rising also feature with a couple of songs – something for all tastes here.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 05-12-2023 Dec 05, 2023

We’re on the rundown to Christmas, so we’ve got Caroline Jones & the Trenwiths doing a Christmas song, bluegrass style (of course!) as well as some classic bluegrass from the Bluegrass Album Band, the Stanley Brothers and the Spinney Brothers. Jeanette Williams, Mike Compton, the Bluegrass Expedition, Leon Morris and High Fidelity also get chance to present some music. Definitely worth tuning in!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 28-11-2023 Nov 28, 2023

I’m still exploring my shelves full of LPs and CDs, and I think I’ve come up with some gems for this show. The Kathy Kallick Band, Charlie Moore, JD Crowe, Earl Taylor, Craig Smith, Chubby Wise all contribute, as well as a host of others.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-11-2023 Nov 21, 2023

I’m still exploring my shelves full of LPs and CDs, and I think I’ve come up with some gems for this show. The Kathy Kallick Band, Charlie Moore, J.D. Crowe, Earl Taylor, Craig Smith, Chubby Wise all contribute, as well as a host of others.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-11-2023 Nov 14, 2023

I keep finding tracks that I’ve not previously played on Back Porch Bluegrass, and I think you’ll enjoy them. The Earls of Leicester, Ivan Rosenberg, Bill Evans, Detour, Rhonda Vincent, the Gibson Brothers, and Tony Rice, all playing great bluegrass music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-11-2023 Nov 07, 2023

All the elements of fine bluegrass music in this episode – driving banjo, punchy rhythms, soaring fiddles, incredibly dextrous mandolin playing, heartfelt vocals and wonderfully crafted songs. I’ve included songs from Dan Tyminski, Tony Ellis, Starlett & Big John, Rickie Simpkins, Doc Watson and even NZ’s own HCBB, to make up a show that’s purely bluegrass. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 31-10-2023 Oct 31, 2023

I’ve chosen some favourite albums and performers for this episode of BPBg, including Laurie Lewis, the Johnson Mountain Boys, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Merle Haggard singing songs of the great Jimmie Rodgers, and High Fidelity singing a song from their new gospel album. Lots to enjoy.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-10-2023 Oct 24, 2023

I’ve been buying bluegrass albums from County Sales (USA) since the mid-1960’s, and I’ve just received another package from them, of albums I ordered from their catalogue. It’s always exciting opening such a package, and I thought I’d share that with you this week. Featured performers include Cliff Waldron, the Bluegrass Alliance, Missy Werner, the Country Gentlemen, the Stanley Brothers, fiddler Billy Baker and Ronnie Reno.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-10-2023 Oct 17, 2023

A brand-new gospel album from High Fidelity is featured on today’s programme, along with some classic bluegrass from the Gibson Brothers, the Lonesome River Band, and a very young Dillards in their first ‘live’ recording. Other pickers include David Grisman, Hunter Berry, Mountain Heart and Donna Ulisse.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-10-2023 Oct 10, 2023

Bluegrass musicians enjoying ‘jamming’ with each other, and there’s a wonderful repertoire of songs and tunes that are familiar to most pickers. I’ve collected some of these for this episode, and there’s some versions of standards that may surprise you.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 03-10-2023 Oct 03, 2023

A rare treat this week – we have French mandolinist who together with host Paul Trenwith, plays some music ‘live’ in the studio. Of course, we have some gems from my shelves, too, including songs featuring IBMA 2023 winners Greg Blake (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Vickie Vaughn (Bass Player of the Year). Vickie is playing with High Fidelity, and we have songs from the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Richard Bennett, the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band and Jean-Luc Leroux.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-09-2023 Sep 26, 2023

I’m delighted to host, in the studio at FreeFM, French mandolinist and vocalist extraordinaire Jean-Luc Leroux. We talk about his early days in bluegrass, his approach to the music, his recordings, and we play some tracks from his newest album as well as some from his earlier albums. Next week, we might play some ‘live’ music in the studio! Of course, we kick off the show with some classic bluegrass from Curly Seckler, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-09-2023 Sep 19, 2023

Lots of ‘classic’ bluegrass in this show, with a few surprises thrown in! The Bluegrass Album Band, Dan Crary, Sonoran Dogs, the Bluegrass Cardinals, Lynn Morris, plus some great songs from Tim O’Brien, Vince Gill, some fine fiddling from Billy Hurt and guitar picking from Dan Crary. There’s a track from the 1960’s, too, from the HCBB singing about springtime. Seasonal bluegrass?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-09-2023 Sep 12, 2023

I regularly surprise myself with some of the gems of bluegrass that I find hiding on my shelves! Some of these tracks come from albums that have featured many times on the show, and some are new to the show. Listen here for tracks from Jeremy Stephens (High Fidelity), Grasstowne, Scott Vestal & Co, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Joseph Decosimo, Pam Findlay with the HCBB, and others.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 05-09-2023 Sep 05, 2023

Some real stars of the bluegrass music scene are featuring in today’s programme. Ricky Skaggs, Mike Compton, Blue Highway, Lou Reid, Dale Ann Bradley and the Goodbye Girls with Molly Tuttle. There’s some songs from Darren Beachley, John Bowman, and some classic bluegrass from the Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 29-08-2023 Aug 29, 2023

I’ve dug deep into my LP shelves to come up with music from Seldom Scene (1979), the Bluegrass Alliance (1970), and Tony Trischka (1980). Of course, there’s some more contemporary bluegrass as well, from the Spinney Brothers, the late Roland White, Sierra Hull, Mike Scott and the Kathy Kallick Band. A song from the HCBB, a tune from Kenny Baker – some great music here.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 22-08-2023 Aug 22, 2023

American Drive, the Get Down Boys, Michelle Nixon, Claire Lynch, Hot Rize, John Reischman & the Jaybirds all feature on this episode, along with a tune from Doc Watson with Flatt & Scruggs, a banjo tune from Jim Mills, and the Gibson Brothers to round it all out. What’s not to like?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 15-08-2023 Aug 15, 2023

Joe Mullins and his Radio Ramblers kick us off (it IS FIFA World Cup time!), and I’ve featured Patty Loveless, Bluestone, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, , as well as some tracks from the ETSU Old Time band, Bill Monroe, the Witcher Brothers, Tony Ellis and the Band Of Ruhks. I’ve got the HCBB playing a tune, and Art Stamper with an old favourite. Lots to like.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 08-08-2023 Aug 08, 2023

Music for a variety of tastes here, from Special Consensus, the Lynn Morris Band, and High Fidelity to Stringbean, the early Country Gentlemen, and Kenny Baker. There’s also some fine music from Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, the Larry Stephenson Band and songwriter Larry Cordle.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 01-08-2023 Aug 01, 2023

A variety of bluegrass styles here, including music from Blue Highway, Claire Lynch, Monroe Crossing, the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, and Sawmill Road. There’s some fine picking from Norman Blake, some classic bluegrass from Marvin Howell and the Franklin County Boys, the Lonesome River Band, and a great starting tune from yours truly, recorded back in 1976.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 25-07-2023 Jul 25, 2023

On a recent trip to Wellington, I went shopping for (and purchased) some second-hand CD’s – but NEW to me. I thought I’d share them with you all. Music from Jim Lauderdale, Chris Jones, Alison Krauss, the original Jimmie Rodgers, Ricky Skaggs and Roy Acuff. There’s some songs from Dierks Bentley, and Delia Bell and Bill Grant, as well as a tune from the HCBB featuring mandolinist Graham Lovejoy.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 11-07-2023 Jul 11, 2023

A tribute to bluegrass great Bobby Osborne, who died on June 27, 2023. Featuring music of the Osborne Brothers, plus recordings of Bobby working with Rhonda Vincent, Mac Wiseman, and tracks from other groups doing Osborne Brothers’ tunes. You’ll hear NZ’s own HCBB, Bill Runkle, the Dillards, Doyle Lawson and others in this great line-up.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 04-07-2023 Jul 04, 2023

Bluegrass from my shelves. Something here for all tastes – contemporary bluegrass from Midnight Skyracer, old-time from Uncle Dave Macon, classic bluegrass from the Bluegrass Album Band, Rickie Simpkins, the Osborne Brothers, Jim Hurst, the Grascals, Dan Tyminski – a great line-up! There’s a song from Ralph Stanley I and Ralph Stanley II, and more besides. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 27-06-2023 Jun 27, 2023

This episode is a ‘tribute show’ for the great Jesse McReynolds who died 23 June 2023, aged 93. The influence of his ‘brother’ duo, Jim & Jesse & The Virginia Boys, has been immense for bluegrass music. Jesse was the lead singer, a stunning mandolin player who developed his own style of mandolin playing that is difficult to emulate, a fine song-writer and great band leader. His legacy is huge. This show features Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys, Carl Jackson, Raymond McLain, the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, and High Fidelity, all playing Jim & Jesse songs and tunes. We’ve also got a new track from the Kody Norris Show, and songs from Claire Lynch, Rhonda Vincent and Matt Leadbetter.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 20-06-2023 Jun 20, 2023

This programme features some classic bluegrass as well as some offerings from contemporary performers like Becky Buller and NuBlu.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 13-06-2023 Jun 13, 2023

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Tim O’Brien, Sidesaddle & Co from San Jose, J D Crowe & the New South, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Roy Acuff and the HCBB are among those who feature in this show. There’s also a track from the legendary fiddle player, Billy Baker. Lots of top bluegrass here, and a few you might not expect!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 06-06-2023 Jun 06, 2023

Still digging deep into my CD collection, I’ve found some music I’m sure you’ll enjoy. We’ll hear from Greg Blake, the Gibson Brothers, Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, Larry Stephenson, the Boxcars, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, and a banjo tune from Bill Emerson.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-05-2023 May 30, 2023

In this week’s show, I pay tribute to Joy Kirkpatrick OAM, premier lady of Australian country music, and a huge influence on my life, by featuring a track from Slim Dusty’s ‘Live At Tamworth’ album that she wrote. There’s also music from my LP collection – tracks from the Country Gentlemen, Here Today, Charlie Monroe, the Johnson Mountain Boys and the Marshall Family. I’ve also included a few more recent favourites, such as Corrina Rose Logston, Barry & Holly Tashian, and Bill Evans. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-05-2023 May 23, 2023

This week I’ve selected some favourites from my shelves, but there’s also some artists you may not have heard before, all playing some great music. The Bluegrass Album Band, Dan Tyminski, the New Coon Creek Girls, the Lilly Brothers, Fiddlin’ Billy Hurt, Mitch Harrell, Tony Ellis. Enjoy.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-05-2023 May 16, 2023

May is New Zealand Music Month, so in this show I’m featuring NZ artists including, The Remarkables, Mark Mazengarb, the Pipi Pickers, Rhode Works, Pam Findlay, the Bluegrass Expedition, and of course the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band and its derivatives.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-05-2023 May 09, 2023

May is New Zealand Music Month, so in this show I’m featuring NZ artists including Wires & Wood, and Hot Diggity, plus some early HCBB. And, I’m talking, in the studio, to Keith MacMillan, Hamilton musician and luthier, about his work in the repair and maintenance of musical instruments. We also pick a couple of tunes in the studio.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 02-05-2023 May 02, 2023

May is New Zealand Music Month, so in this show I’m featuring NZ artists, including the Pipi Pickers; You, Me, Everybody; Bryan Christianson; Pete & the Skiffy Rivets; the Antipodean Serenaders; and our celebrated banjo virtuoso Catherine Bowness with her band Mile Twelve. Of course, the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band gets to play a few tunes, too, having been part of the NZ music scene for seven decades.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 25-04-2023 Apr 25, 2023

Anzac Day is observed in both New Zealand and Australia on 25 April. This date marks the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand forces (the ANZACs) during World War 1, at Gallipoli. We remember and honour not only those who died at Gallipoli, but all who have served their country in times of war. Accordingly, I have selected a few songs with an appropriate theme for this show.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 18-04-2023 Apr 18, 2023

I’ve dug into the bottom shelf of my old LP’s to come up with some tracks that haven’t been played on this show previously – Delia Bell & Bill Grant, Jim & Jesse, John Hartford, Buck White & the Down Home Folks, Eric Weissberg & Marshall Brickman. I’ll also be playing some lesser-known Flatt & Scruggs, Raymond McLain, the Gibson Brothers, and newer friends like Balsam Range, Starlett & Big John Talley, and even some HCBB.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 11-04-2023 Apr 11, 2023

Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, Sister Sadie, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, and Walt Crider singing some Mac Wiseman songs. Lots of bluegrass, from classic to contemporary, with some Australian and NZ songs included. Enjoy!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 04-04-2023 Apr 04, 2023

I give my old Gibson RB100 banjo a bit of an airing at the start of the show, and later on feature a very young Ray Goins playing a similar banjo with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. There’s some tracks from Seldom Scene, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Australia’s Karen Lynn & Marty Louis, the Dry Branch Fire Squad, and a short tribute to Carl Pagter of the California Bluegrass Association. The HCBB get a song in too, as do John Reischman & the Jaybirds. Lots to listen to.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-03-2023 Mar 21, 2023

The Johnson Mountain Boys, legendary group from the 1980’s, are featured on the show at last, from some recently obtained LP’s. There’s also some great music from Union Station with Alison Krauss, Larry Cordle, the Grascals, the Osborne Brothers, the David Grier Band, and the Foghorn String Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-03-2023 Mar 14, 2023

The Bluegrass Album Band, Dailey & Vincent, Longview and a new album from Starlett & Big John Talley feature in this show. There’s also some music from Rodney Dillard, Laurie Lewis, Jordan Tice. And, for the first time ever, I’m playing my banjo ‘live in the studio, with an original tune. I hope you enjoy it.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-03-2023 Mar 07, 2023

This week I have some of my earliest favourites including Flatt & Scruggs at Carnegie Hall, and Pete Pike, along with some fine picking and singing from Russell Moore & Third Tyme Out, Here Today, and Larry Sparks. There’s some great instrumental work from Joe Greene & Co, and Scott Vestal & Co.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 28-02-2023 Feb 28, 2023

This week we have some ‘old-time’ music from the New Lost City Ramblers, some instrumentals from the Stanley Brothers, Chad Manning and Bill Keith, and some great songs from Alison Krauss, Sally Jones, Walden Dahl, Boone Creek, NZ’s Pipi Pickers and American Drive. A lot to enjoy, right here on FreeFM.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-02-2023 Feb 21, 2023

A wide range of bluegrass is featured in this week’s show, from the Earls of Leicester, Irene Kelley, Ricky Skaggs and Joe Mullins. We’ve also got the Foggy Hogtown Boys, Blue Highway, Dan Tyminski, and a special feature of Matt & George & Their Pleasant Valley Boys doing some authentic old-style bluegrass.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-02-2023 Feb 14, 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle is currently attacking the North Island of New Zealand, with lots of areas affected by the intense winds and rain. Being confined to the cabin means lots of time for listening to bluegrass, and there’s a great line-up here on Back Porch Bluegrass. High Fidelity, Thomas Porter, Alison Krauss & Union Station, the Lonely Heartstring Band, the Kentucky Bluebelles, as well as touring band Sassafras, whose concerts are regrettably being affected by the storms.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-02-2023 Feb 07, 2023

My good friend Barry (Baz) Paterson is in the studio with me. He’s a great singer and guitarist, and has loved bluegrass music for as long as I have. I’m playing some of his selections, together with some of our regular performers, including Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Sonoran Dogs, Special Consensus, Ramona Church, the Country Gentlemen, and Lester Flatt & Mac Wiseman. We’ve also got a track from Baz’s first band, Dunedin-based Bluegrass Expedition.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 31-01-2023 Jan 31, 2023

We kick-off with an old-timer from the HCBB, then straightaway we’re into Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, Hot Rize, Flatt & Scruggs, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, and Bluegrass Parkway from Australia. A couple of gems from Merle Haggard’s recordings of Jimmie Rodgers’ songs, rounded out with the Country Gentlemen, Flatt Lonesome and Curly Seckler. And what could be better than a fiddle-and-banjo tune from Bill Evans & Fletcher Bright to take us out?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-01-2023 Jan 24, 2023

This week we’re hearing some ‘classic’ bluegrass from the Bluegrass Album Band, White House and the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band; some hot ‘newer’ bluegrass from Billy Strings, Jim Lauderdale and the Boxcars, and all about a visit to New Zealand by the North Carolina band Sassafrass – their tour dates, and some of their music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-01-2023 Jan 17, 2023

Some of my old vinyl LP’s get a bit of an airing this week, with the likes of Lester Flatt & the Nashville Grass, the Marshall Family, Collins & Blackwell & the Dixie Bluegrass Boys, and ‘Bashful’ Brother Oswald. From the CD shelves comes Chris Henry & the Hardcore Grass, Kathy Kallick, the Waller Brothers, Australian band ‘Old South’, and the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. There’s some fine banjo playing from Beth Stevens & Edge, and a 16-year-old Carl Jackson – just a broad spectrum of bluegrass music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-01-2023 Jan 10, 2023

Lots of variety in this week’s show, from the Bluegrass Album Band, Laurie Lewis, the Osborne Brothers, some ‘live’ music from Lou Reid & Carolina; Kathy Barwick & Pete Siegfried, Jerry Douglass, the Lonesome River Band, Mark Houser & Bluegrass Drive, Dale Ann Bradley, and even some Hamilton County Bluegrass Band too. Chris Jones & the Night Drivers – there’s a lot of different ways to play bluegrass music!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 03-01-2023 Jan 03, 2023

This week, I’ve dug deeper into my shelves to find some of the artists whose music I enjoy, but don’t seem to get ‘picked’ so often. So the line-up for this show includes Vince Gill, Richard Bennett, the Davidson Brothers from Australia, Patty Loveless, Doc Watson, the Spinney Brothers from Nova Scotia, Bill Evans, JD Crowe, Irene Kelley and a host of great musicians accompanying them.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 27-12-2022 Dec 27, 2022

I so much enjoyed playing some of my ‘favourites’ last week that I continued again this week, in the last show for 2022! This episodes’ favourites include the Bluegrass Album Band, Seldom Scene, Bill Emerson, Rhonda Vincent, John Hartford, Jean-Luc Leroux, Blue Highway, the Dillards, Doyle Lawson, the HCBB, Jim Mills & Paul Brewster – what’s not to like?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 20-12-2022 Dec 20, 2022

This week I’m playing ‘favourites’ – of mine! Of course, I could never fit all my favourite performers on just one show, but this is a start. The Dreadful Snakes, Joe Mullins, Sawmill Road (Mark Miracle), Laurie Lewis, the Stanley Brothers, Claire Lynch, Mike Compton, High Fidelity, Ricky Skaggs, plus a host of others. Enjoy them with me.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 13-12-2022 Dec 13, 2022

On this show I get to talk with the first bass player for the HCBB, one Sandy McMillin, visiting NZ from his home in Vancouver, BC, Canada with his wife Andrea. We reminisce about our early days, and even play some of our earliest music! There’s also some songs from John Reischman & the Jaybirds, the Kody Norris Show, Aaron Foster & Aynsley Porchak, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 06-12-2022 Dec 06, 2022

Still digging deep into my shelves, and finding all sorts of treasures. Bill Emerson & Wayne Taylor, Rhonda Vincent, Ned Luberecki & Becky Buller, Caroline Jones & The Trenwiths, Bill Monroe, Charlie Monroe. Flatt & Scruggs – some real heroes of the music in this show. I even fitted in some HCBB music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 29-11-2022 Nov 29, 2022

There’s a great deal of variety in bluegrass music, as this episode will demonstrate. From the ‘straight ahead’ classic sound of Dan Tyminski, Hot Rize to the Flatt & Scruggs sound of The Earls Of Leicester; from the banjo-and-ballad music from Bill Keith to the emotive vocals of Laurie Lewis; the ‘family’ sound of the Bluegrass Martins to the plaintive sound of Emmy Lou Harris, there’s lots to enjoy in this show.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 22-11-2022 Nov 22, 2022

This show features music from Corrina Rose Logston, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, bluegrass legend Tony Ellis, the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, mandolinist extraordinaire Mike Compton; there’s a Christmas song (already!) from Caroline Jones and the Trenwiths, a gospel song from Ron Block, and some great bluegrass from Special Consensus and Chris Stuart. A VERY varied selection from my deep shelves.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 15-11-2022 Nov 15, 2022

This show is mostly about the fiddle. Some great tunes, and a couple of songs about players. Australia’s Slim Dusty kicks off with some sweet fiddle playing from Colleen Trenwith, and others featured are the great Kenny Baker. Glen Duncan with Longview, Bill Monroe, Rhonda Vincent, Michael Cleveland, Flatt & Scruggs with Paul Warren, upcoming star Aynsley Porchak with Carolina Blue from ETSU, the HCBB, and that show stopper, ‘Orange Blossom Special’ from Chubby Anthony and the Stanley Brothers.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 08-11-2022 Nov 08, 2022

Some classic bluegrass here, from the first generation of bluegrassers including Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman, Jim & Jesse and my old favourites, the Stanley Brothers, with some tributes to these pioneers from more recent performers.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 01-11-2022 Nov 01, 2022

I’ve dug deep into my shelves for some choice selections for this show. We kick off with the late Aaron ‘Frosty’ Foster from ETSU, some Aussie bluegrass from Karen Lynne, songs from Pete Denahy, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Larry Sparks, Kyle Tuttle, the Osborne Brothers, and some new recordings from Donna & Roni Stoneman with Jeremy Stephens & Corrina Rose Logston. You’re sure to like something here!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 25-10-2022 Oct 25, 2022

The Bluegrass Album Band kick off the show with a couple of classic bluegrass songs; Californian band Sidesaddle are in here, along with Missy Raines, Caroline Jones, Merle Haggard, and we feature Travers Chandler and his band Avery County – great ‘industrial strength’ bluegrass. Bill Monroe, Dean Perrett and the HCBB all get a song in here too. Great line-up, excellent listening.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 18-10-2022 Oct 18, 2022

Friends from northern California, Kathy Barwick and Pete Siegfried, feature on this episode, along with Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, the John Hartford String Band, Ralph Stanley, the Travelling McCoury’s and the ‘Wow Baby! Fiddler, Hunter Berry. Not to be missed.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 11-10-2022 Oct 11, 2022

Classic bluegrass from David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, some great picking from Billy Hurt, Leroy Mack, and contemporary bluegrass from Doyle Lawson, Michelle Nixon, Blue Highway and Dale Ann Bradley, and some local bluegrass from the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band. What’s not to like?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 04-10-2022 Oct 04, 2022

Selections from my vinyl LP collection, as well as from my shelves of CD’s. Jim & Jesse, Leon Morris, Jerusalem Ridge, early Mike Auldridge, the great band Country Gazette from the early 1970’s, as well as some more recently recorded Grasstowne and Mickey Galyean.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 27-09-2022 Sep 27, 2022

Some artists we haven’t heard from on Back Porch Bluegrass recently, and some favourites. Join me in listening to Rhonda Vincent, Bill Clifton, David Grier, the Waller Brothers from California, and the very energetic Earls of Leicester. There’s some nice music here from NZ’s own Pam Findlay, as well as Claire Lynch and the award-winning Sister Sadie. Top music!

Back Porch Bluegrass - 20-09-2022 Sep 20, 2022

I’ve dug into my ‘compilation’ albums to come up with songs from several artists that don’t usually feature on the show. Performers like Charlie Sizemore, Tom Ewing, Gillian Welch, Bill Harrell, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, along with some regulars like the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Ricky Skaggs and Kenny Baker.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 13-09-2022 Sep 13, 2022

Bluegrass Album Band playing some ‘classic’ bluegrass, Thomas Porter, Dolly Parton, Mike Scott, Tony Ellis, Lynn Morris – real variety here. Gospel from Doyle Lawson, and some top tracks from NZ’s own Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 06-09-2022 Sep 06, 2022

Some seriously ‘Industrial Strength’ bluegrass in this show; from Mo Pitney, LeeAnn Womack, Walter Hensley, Dave Evans, Larry Sparks and Joe Mullins, to the West Coast of the USA with Kathy Barwick, Sawmill Road and the Sonoran Dogs. I’ve also included some ‘early’ Gena Britt, and a song from bluegrass great Curly Seckler.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-08-2022 Aug 30, 2022

The singer-songwriters have always played a big part in shaping bluegrass music. This show looks at just some of the bands whose members have written the songs and tunes that they play.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-08-2022 Aug 23, 2022

I’ve dug deep into my LP’s to find Bill & James Monroe, Red Allen music from the 1970’s; there’s some contemporary tracks from Hammertowne, Mike Compton; and some favourites like Claire Lynch, Lonesome River Band, Jim Mills, and others. Something for all tastes.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-08-2022 Aug 16, 2022

Laurie Lewis, Adam Steffey, Tony Rice, Kathy Kallick – some of my favourites, and some selections from way back when, including the Dillards and the HCBB.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-08-2022 Aug 09, 2022

This week I’m featuring Steve Martin playing banjo from his album ‘The Crow’, as well as bands Bluestone, the Dreadful Snakes, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and the Price Sisters. Some excellent bluegrass music, to suit all tastes.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 02-08-2022 Aug 02, 2022

This week I have some great music from Australian friends, including Pete Denahy, and Karen Lynne with Martin Louis. I’ve also featured the late Aaron ‘Frosty’ Foster from ETSU, plus the Bluegrass Album Band, the Osborne Brothers and many more.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-07-2022 Jul 26, 2022

After last week’s interview with Alan & Julia Rhodes of the HCBB, I thought I’d just play some regular bluegrass this week, featuring such artists as Caroline Jones, Jeremy Stephens, the Stanley Brothers, Carolina Blue, the Gibson Brothers and lots more. What’s not to like?

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-07-2022 Jul 19, 2022

Guesting in the studio for this show are my old friend and HCBB band-mate Alan Rhodes, and his wife Julia. We’ve had lots of musical adventures together, and recorded heaps of music. Today we’ll be playing some of those tracks, and reminiscing about those times.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-07-2022 Jul 12, 2022

I hunted through some of my LP’s for this show, and I’ll be featuring some 1950’s Reno & Smiley, some 1960’s Greenbriar Boys, and some 1980’s Doyle Lawson – all excellent music. Of course, there’ll be some other tracks you might enjoy too, from Peter Rowan’s new CD, from Mark Newton and even the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 05-07-2022 Jul 05, 2022

Some favourite bands here, with lots of variety and some fine picking and singing.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 28-06-2022 Jun 28, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-06-2022 Jun 21, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-06-2022 Jun 14, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-06-2022 Jun 07, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 31-05-2022 May 31, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-05-2022 May 24, 2022

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.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-05-2022 May 17, 2022

May is New Zealand Music Month, so we’ve got some original bluegrass from NZ’s Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, as well as some fine tracks from the Bluegrass Album Band, the Kentucky Bluebelles, the Dreadful Snakes, Seldom Scene and others.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-05-2022 May 10, 2022

May is New Zealand Music Month, so this show features Beverley & the Clench Mountain Boys, George Jackson and your host Paul Trenwith (playing with the Claire Lynch Band). There’s also some great music from Here Today, Mike Compton, Claire Lynch, and Jim Hurst.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 03-05-2022 May 03, 2022

May is New Zealand Music Month, so I’ve included NZ bands The Pipi Pickers, Rhode Works and Paul & Colleen Trenwith & Friends in this show’s programme of bluegrass music. There’s also some fine music from a host of others including Country Gazette and the Price Sisters.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-04-2022 Apr 26, 2022

Recorded on Anzac Day, so I’ve included a couple of songs that might be considered appropriate (from Bill Clifton, and Honi Deaton), as well as some regular bluegrass offerings from the likes of Thomas Porter, the Gibson Brothers, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-04-2022 Apr 19, 2022

Fast instrumentals, slow songs, a banjo lullaby, and some good old-style hard-driving bluegrass. Hope you enjoy it.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-04-2022 Apr 12, 2022

Fast instrumentals, slow songs, a banjo lullaby, and some good old-style hard-driving bluegrass. Hope you enjoy it.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 05-04-2022 Apr 05, 2022

Curly Seckler, Sawmill Road, Emmylou Harris, Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa are all featured in this programme, together with a song from Roland White, who passed away last week. Plenty of fine music, from 1947 to 2021.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 29-03-2022 Mar 29, 2022

Influential band the Dillards are featured playing a couple of my favourite tracks from their albums; and there’s songs from Performers like Jim Eanes to Dolly Parton, with a lot of good picking in between.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 22-03-2022 Mar 22, 2022

More bluegrass from my deepest shelves in this programme, including some from my collection of vinyl LP’s.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 15-03-2022 Mar 15, 2022

The feature of today’s programme is that all the bands comprise both women and men – not necessarily as band leaders or featured vocalists, but just part of the band. The way it should be.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 08-03-2022 Mar 08, 2022

Emerson & Waldron – great band from the 1970’s - kick off proceedings, with a real mixture of bluegrass styles from diverse bands to follow, including Kenny Baker, the Foggy Hogtown Boys, Stuie & Camille, Larry Sparks and NZ’s own Pipi Pickers.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 01-03-2022 Mar 01, 2022

A real bluegrass stew here, with a little of everything thrown in to make it tasty. High Fidelity, Balsam Range, Jim Lauderdale and Joe Mullins all contributing to a real feast.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 22-02-2022 Feb 22, 2022

Blue Highway, Claire Lynch, Pete Pike, Walter Hensley, Dix Bruce & Jim Nunally – some well-known, some less-well-known names, but all playing some great music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 15-02-2022 Feb 15, 2022

Flatt Lonesome, Hot Rize, Billy Strings, David Parmley and Tom Rozum are among the artists selected for this programme. Great variety of bluegrass styles, all playing top music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 08-02-2022 Feb 08, 2022

Lots of differing styles that make up the bluegrass genre in this programme.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 01-02-2022 Feb 01, 2022

Remembering some of the hugely influential bluegrass musicians who passed away in 2021.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 25-01-2022 Jan 25, 2022

This is a very special show! The ‘Gospel Show’ recorded live at Bean Blossom Indiana, in June 1971. Hosted by Bill Monroe; he introduces each of the bands, who then play one or two songs. Included in the line-up are NZ’s Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, the first International band to play at a USA bluegrass festival.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 18-01-2022 Jan 18, 2022

Another mixed bag, some old, some new, some favourites. All the tracks are from my own collection of vinyl albums and CD’s.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 11-01-2022 Jan 11, 2022

A mixed bag, some old, some new, some favourites. All the tracks are from my own collection of vinyl albums and CDs.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 04-01-2022 Jan 04, 2022

A tribute show to J D Crowe, band-leader and banjo player, who passed away 24-12-2021. All the tracks are from my own collection of vinyl albums and CD’s.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 28-12-2021 Dec 28, 2021

Some after-Christmas listening for the discerning bluegrasser here, including the Sonoran Dogs, Midnight Skyracer, the Country Gentlemen and NZ’s own Pipi Pickers.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 21-12-2021 Dec 21, 2021

Some Christmassy songs (well, it is that time of year) and an interview and some live music with my song-writing son Sam Trenwith.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-12-2021 Dec 14, 2021

Featuring some gems from John Hartford, as well as a few favourites like the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Sierra Hull, and Third Tyme Out.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-12-2021 Dec 07, 2021

Another assortment of early bluegrass, contemporary bluegrass, and some favourites in-between.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 30-11-2021 Nov 30, 2021

A ‘mixed bag’ of bluegrass in this episode, from the Bluegrass Album Band to the Foggy Hogtown Boys, from Bill Clifton to the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. Something for all tastes.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 23-11-2021 Nov 23, 2021

Lots of variety in this episode, with some ‘classic’ bluegrass from the bands of Earl Taylor, Danny Paisley, the Dreadful Snakes, Dudley Connell & Don Rigsby; a couple of Louisa Branscomb’s great songs performed by Claire Lynch and Sharon White; and some Kenny & Amanda Smith as well.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 16-11-2021 Nov 16, 2021

Featuring some tracks from the IBMA Album of the Year 2021 – Industrial Strength Bluegrass – plus some great instrumentals and even an early Christmas song.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 09-11-2021 Nov 09, 2021

Pick and Mix: Some recently recorded bluegrass from current performers, some ‘oldies-but-goodies’, and a tribute to Phil Leadbetter who passed away during October.

Back Porch Bluegrass - Sonny Osborne - 02-11-2021 Nov 02, 2021

This show is my tribute to bluegrass legend Sonny Osborne, who died October 24th 2021, and left a huge legacy of great bluegrass music made almost entirely with his brother Bobby, as the Osborne Brothers. I have been an avid follower of their music from the late 1960’s, and much of this show comes from my vinyl collection.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 26-10-2021 Oct 26, 2021

Bluegrass Through The Decades: I’ve selected a couple of tracks from each decade, which - to me - have been significant in my enjoyment of bluegrass music.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 19-10-2021 Oct 19, 2021

Digging deeper into my shelves, I can find some great songs that still haven’t been aired on Back Porch Bluegrass. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Back Porch Bluegrass - 12-10-2021 Oct 12, 2021

Lots of my favourite artists here, including the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, and Bill Evans.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected