Stay ConnectedThe 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 Brevard, NC, and is brought to you by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation.
Support this podcast: https://bit.ly/3UDay92
Copyright: © Travis Book
When I asked Mike Ashworth’s bandmates and friends to give me a sentence describing him, it was almost comical how similar their answers were. Two of them were identical, describing him as “the most natural gifted and versatile musician I have ever known.” One even said, “when God made the perfect musician, he made Mike Ashworth; enormously talented and versatile, but also humble, joyous, and a wonderful listener…” I call Mike whenever I can to join me on the Happy Hour or Travis Book and Friends. and he was my bass player of choice for my record. He laid his heart out for us in this interview and my only regret is that it took me so long to get this episode out.
This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on February 3rd, 2021.
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
Timestamps:
0:09 - Soundbyte
0:47 - Introduction
2:10 - In-studio Introduction
2:45 - "Turn Your Radio On"
5:20 - Monologue 1
7:44 - "I Will Lead You Home"
10:21 - Monologue 2
14:30 - "Beauty In The Ugliest Days"
19:42 - Interview
48:00 - "First Girl I Loved"
52:06 - "I Want To Sing That Rock & Roll"
55:11 - "Palm Tree"
58:55 - "I’ve Endured"
1:02:50 - Outroduction
I met Ed Jurdi at a taping of The Travis Book Happy Hour in March of 2021. Our mutual friend Nicki Bluhm was on the show and she’d invited Ed, who’d recently moved to Asheville, to attend. I was not yet acquainted with Band of Heathens or Ed Jurdi, but when we met after the show I was struck by his warmth and attentiveness. It was a couple years before I would get him to Brevard to join me, but immediately during rehearsals I knew we’d be friends and this would only be the first of many times we’d share a stage. I had a blast on this episode (as evidenced by my over-playing) and I’m happy to share it with you.
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on May 30th, 2023. Huge thanks to Ed Jurdi, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
Timestamps
0:00 - Soundbyte
0:49 - Introduction
2:09 - Bill K’s introduction
2:45 - Travis’ audience greeting
3:31 - “All I’m Asking”
7:33 - “Bumblebee”
12:52 - “What a joy”
13:27 - “Jackson Station”
18:32 - Interview
34:11 - “South By Somewhere”
38:51 - “The Good Doctor”
42:45 - “Walking and Talking”
48:43 - Outro
The night Jordan Tice joined me in Brevard for the taping of this episode it was cold, wet and dark - classic Western North Carolina in late January. We had the garage door behind the stage closed and the lights low. Jordan’s guitar playing, soft spoken demeanor, and humor made for a wonderfully intimate and enjoyable evening for everyone in the room. Jordan’s a gem and this episode feels like an evening by the fire with a good book, dog curled up at your feet.
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on January 31st, 2023. Huge thanks to Jordan Tice, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
Timestamps:
0:07 - Soundbyte
0:33 - Introduction
1:48 - Bill K Introduction
2:48 - “Tell Me Mama”
6:07 - “Covers are nice…”
6:24 - “Dayton, Ohio - 1903”
10:30 - “Bachelorette Party”
12:30 - “Why did you name it that?”
13:40 - “Weary Blues”
17:51 - “Matter Of Time”
21:21 - “Bad Little Idea”
25:40 - Interview
43:02 - “Trying To Get To Heaven”
48:33 - “Wild Bill Jones”
52:30 - Outro
Acoustic Syndicate is one of the best acoustic rock and Americana bands on earth. Fronted by Steve McMurry, the band’s music leans toward themes of sustainability, social justice and quality of life and they’ve built a loyal following over the last 30 years. Steve takes us on a musical journey filled with inspiration and tradition in this episode,and he is as down-to-earth as they come; he still farms the land his ancestors first tended over 200 years ago near Shelby, North Carolina, and we get together every Thanksgiving for a hometown holiday jam in Brevard where I get absolutely blown away by the gravity of this musical titan. As a third-generation folk performer, Steve, in our interview, reveals the deep-rooted sources of his creativity, from legendary Americana influences to the tight-knit musical family that nurtured his sound. I was honored he agreed to join us for an episode of the Happy Hour and I know you’ll love his story and his insights and humility.
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC on May 19th, 2021. Huge thanks to Steve McMurry, Mike Ashworth, Mike Guggino, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps:
0:06 - Soundbyte
1:00 - Introduction
2:24 - Bill K. Introduction
4:00 - “I Will Lead You Home”
6:52 - “Beauty In The Ugliest Days”
10:44 - Interview 1
26:45 - “Sweetest Breeze”
33:51 - “Rainbow Rollercoaster”
40:00 - Interview 2
50:25 - “Sunny”
57:18 - “Song For Myself”
1:03:26 - Outro
Rachel Baiman’s indie folk and Americana vibe, rooted in Chicago and rich with fiddle tunes, unfolds as she shares her transition to singer songwriter. Influences ranging from Courtney Barnett to John Hartford and other roots music make their way into her live performance. Rachel is part of a generational scene in Nashville that I’ve been watching with awe for the last 5-10 years. A unique voice, multi-talented, and articulate, she’s not afraid to sing and speak what’s on her mind. She writes a semi-regular column for the Bluegrass Situation that shines some light into the darker corners of the music industry, addressing inequality, and challenging all of us - creators and fans - to do better, dig deeper, and expect more. In this episode we discussed everything from climate change concerns to hopes for a more equitable future. We had a great time on the happy hour and I’m sure you’ll dig it.
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, North Carolina on August 8th, 2023. Huge thanks to Rachel Baiman, Riley Calcagno, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods
Timestamps:
0:06 - Soundbyte
0:57 - Introduction
2:09 - Bill K. introduction
2:57 - Travis introduction
3:33 - On “Bad Debt”
4:52 - “Bad Debt”
9:52 - “Shame”
12:35 - On Mullets
14:24 - “She Don’t Know What To Sing About Anymore”
18:18 - “When You Bloom (Colorado)”
22:25 - “Won’t You Come and Sing For Me”
26:10 - Interview
43:45 - “Twin Fiddles”
47:30 - “Bitter”
51:15 - “In Tall Buildings”
54:53 - Outro
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
Full disclosure; I’ve played music and stood closer to Andy Falco onstage more than anyone over the last 15 years, maybe ever. As the guitarist for our band The Infamous Stringdusters, he continues to redefine acoustic guitar, blending bluegrass, blues, funk, and rock & roll in a style that defines the sound of the Dusters. His guitar is the most important part of the band. In 2021 he released a solo record, Will of the Way, and in 2023 we released the first volume of our tribute to Jerry Garcia on Americana Vibes. Kind, humorous, focused, and grateful, Andy Falco is a living legend and an absolute treasure.
This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle on August 25th, 2021. Huge thanks to Andy Falco, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps
0:06 - Soundbyte
0:40 - Introduction
1:56 - “The Thrill Is Gone” / Bill Introduction
3:14 - “Rise Sun”
6:41 - “All the Same”
13:16 - Interview
35:36 - “Holy Rover”
40:24 - “Wings Upon Your Feet”
44:18 - Interview
53:10 - “Birdsong”
1:03:32 - “Stones Unturned”
1:08:19 - Outro
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
I’ve shared the stage with Jim Lauderdale many times over the years and have always enjoyed his approach and attitude. Funny, self-effacing, eager to entertain, Jim’s a gem and the most prolific songwriter and recording artist I know. I was honored that he agreed to join me for the happy hour and I couldn’t wait to edit this show and release it.
This episode was recorded live at The Grey Eagle on November 30th, 2022. Huge thanks to Jim Lauderdale, Mike Ashworth, Matt Smith, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps:
00:06 - Soundbyte
00:33 - Introduction
02:11 - “Rise Sun”
05:54 - Introducing Jim Lauderdale
07:33 - Interview 1
23:08 - “Patchwork River”
28:02 - “Planet of Love”
32:58 - Introducing “Friends Again”
35:28 - “Friends Again”
38:05 - Interview 2
51:20 - “The King of Broken Hearts”
54:30 - Introducing “The Opportunity to Help Somebody Through It”
56:35 - “The Opportunity to Help Somebody Through It”
1:02:22 - “That Kind of Life (That Kind of Day)”
1:06:10 - Outro
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
When the opportunity to host Beppe Gambetta on the Happy Hour came up, I jumped on it. Beppe’s a legend and has a totally unique flatpicking voice. An ambassador for flatpicking around the world and for Italian music in the States, he’s also incredibly charming. Beppe’s a disciple of Doc Watson and this being the year Doc would have turned 100, we chose to present the music of Doc for this particular episode. I rank this among the best interviews I’ve ever conducted (due to Beppe) and after the show we all went to a friend's house and he cooked us broccoli pasta, and we had a classic Italian midnight dinner party. Funny, kind, disarming, grateful, and driven; my musical world is much richer for the friendship I’ve forged with Beppe and his wife Frederica.
This episode was recorded live on March 14, 2023. Huge thanks to Beppe Gambetta, Mike Guggino, Bennett Sullivan, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps:
00:06 - Soundbyte
01:08 - Introduction
02:30 - Live introduction
05:30 - “Worried Now” > “Texas Gales” > “Beaumont Rag”
12:07 - Accordion joke
12:26 - “Deep River Blues”
17:05 - “Slow Creek”
22:19 - Happiness monologue
26:45 - “Talk About Suffering”
29:20 - Interview with Beppe Gambetta
51:52 - “I am a Pilgrim”
54:24 - “Tennessee Stud”
59:27 - “St. James Hospital”
1:05:44 - “Way Downtown’
1:11:42 - Outro
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
I started preparing for this episode when I was on a summer trip with my kids in Colorado which mostly involves listening to music. I’ll never forget driving toward Mt. Princeton with tears streaming down my face and I’ll never drive up that road to the hot springs again without thinking of Alexa and her music. Her quiet demeanor hides an absolute monster of a songwriter. Vivid imagery, unique yet familiar, the way she relays the feelings around relationships is unlike anyone I’ve ever heard, on par with the brilliant Robert Ellis. We had a great time on the show, the music was so beautiful and moving, I had to include as much of it as I could.
This episode was recorded live on August 24 of 2022. Huge thanks to Alexa Rose, Julian Pinelli, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you’re enjoying the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find us on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps
0:07 - Soundbyte
0:49 - Introduction
2:08 - Bill’s introduction
2:40 - Travis’ welcome
3:35 - “Rise Sun”
6:24 - Monologue
10:12 - “Back Home”
15:10 - Interview 1
20:41 - “Clearwater Park”
26:22 - “Big Sky”
31:16 - “Haywood”
35:21 - Interview 2
50:22 - “1999”
54:25 - “Pale Golden Flowers”
1:00:33 - “Medicine for Living”
1:06:07 - “Human”
1:10:31 - “Outro”
This episode 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 dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com
When The Stringdusters were in Nashville around 2006 or 2007, our dobro player lived next door to Jon Weisberger in Madison, right on the Cumberland River. There were two houses on the property; Andy lived in one, Jon lived in the other. I was sleeping in Andy’s guest room and there were regular picking parties at The Compound, as we now refer to it. A few years ago I suggested Jon move to Brevard, he looked into it, and I’m happy to say I’m now neighbors with my favorite co-writing partner. Jon’s written with just about everybody in bluegrass, but recently his most notable songs have been with Billy Strings. In fact, Jon helped write “California Sober,” a song Billy recently recorded with Willie Nelson. A music historian, writer, bassist, and king of the charcoal grill, I was thrilled to get to know more about one of the most liked people in bluegrass.
This episode is an edited distillation of the full length Happy Hour which aired live in February of 2021. Huge thanks to Jon Weisberger, Tommy Maher, Thompson Guitars, Americana Vibes, and The Bluegrass Situation. If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and leave a positive review. You can find The Travis Book Happy Hour on Instagram (@thetravisbookhappyhour) and Facebook and online at thetravisbookhappyhour.com.
Timestamps
0:09 - Soundbyte
0:52 - Introduction
2:18 - Bill’s live introduction
2:47 - “Wasted on the Way”
5:30 - Interview
41:19 - “Pearl of Carolina”
45:00 - “Windy In Nashville”
49:24 - “Blowin’ On A Lonesome Breeze”
53:05 - Outro
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
