Hometown Bluegrass Show – Détails, épisodes et analyse

On this episode Josh has his 13 year old son Weldon join us and they even sing a song together. A Doyle Lawson classic goepl song called “God Can”.

We then have a fun chat with bluegrass legend Kevin Prater. In 1998, Kevin was asked to audition as mandolin player and vocalist for The James King Band.  That audition led to a 12 career that would take him around the world, entertaining in 24 Countries and 49 States.  They recorded two, "Album of the Year" a "Song of the Year" and a "Recorded Event Of The Year" award winning projects.   Kevin has played the Grand Ole Opry many times with  James King Band and Melvin Goins and Wendy Mountain.   Upon leaving The James King Band Kevin toured with Mark Phillips and Third Generation, and spent three years with The Bluegrass Brothers, during which he earned a nomination for "Banjo Player of the Year".   

In this special episode, we're live from the 2024 River Folk Fest, bringing you the best in bluegrass music! This year’s featured bands were The River Dust Duo, 5th Degree, The Dalton Harper Band and The Grascals. Who are celebrating their 20th Year as a bluegrass band. Join hosts Tim Batts and Josh Williams as they sit down with two legendary figures in the bluegrass world, Jamie Johnson and Terry Smith of The Grascals. Jamie and Terry share stories from the road, the evolution of their sound, and what keeps them inspired after all these years. We'll also dive into the rich history of River Folk Fest, a beloved event that celebrates the roots of folk and bluegrass music. Tune in for exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, festival highlights, and, of course, plenty of music!

On this episode Tim & Josh discuss bluegrass music news, Josh Williams plays an old Gordon Lightfoot song and we have a great conversation with Randall Deaton. Randall Deaton’s affinity for making music was apparent from early on, but it was his dedication and devotion that inspired him to form his record label, Lonesome Day Records, and strive to make an indelible mark on the music industry.

Randall and Lonesome Day Records have made a triumphant return after a nearly 10 year hiatus.  The label’s first release since 2015, Silver Bullet Bluegrass is an exceptional tribute to legendary rocker Bob Seger, brought to fruition by an all-star lineup of Bluegrass singers and players.  Gary Nichols, Tim Shelton, Shonna Tucker, Bo Bice, Tim Stafford, Bill Taylor, and Larry Cordle are among the artists who contributed vocals to the record. Merging the indelible melodies Bob Seger is famous for with a Bluegrass interpretation is a unique concept, yet both Seger and Bluegrass possess the power of authenticity and inspiring engagement. One might say the two were made for each other.

On this episode Tim Batts & Josh Williams talk about bluegrass news, Rhonda Vincent's new single, Wagon Wheel, and Josh's love/hate relationship of the song. Josh also plays the classic Jerry Reed song called The Likes of Me. Then they talk to bluegrass gospel singer and former band leader for Lee Greenwood, Eric Horner. Music has always been a major part of Eric Horner's life. Born and raised in Paducah KY, he grew up with a guitar in his hands playing and singing Gospel music all over Western KY, Southern IL and Southeast MO. Eric’s first big musical influence was a young man by the name of Steven Curtis Chapman. The two met when Steven became Eric’s first guitar teacher in the 6th grade. Learning the “Chapman Method” of guitar playing prepared Eric well for what the Lord had in store down the road.

Eric moved to Nashville TN at the age of 19 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional songwriter and musician. It didn't take long for the doors to open and over the next 17 years Eric toured the world playing with such artists as Lee Greenwood, Shania Twain, Wynonna Judd and Brad Paisley. In 2002, all of that changed. Eric began to feel a call on his life to return to his Gospel music roots and to use his talents for a higher purpose.

Thanks to our sponsors. Allen Music, Puckett's Jewelry, Custom Automotive, Mimmie's Pizza & Subs and The Lakehouse Inn.

On this episode Tim and Josh talk about the latest bluegrass music news, Josh teaches how to play the Tony Rice song John Wilkes-Booth and we have a fun talk with Pinecastle recording artist Ashleigh Graham.

Ashleigh Graham is no stranger to bluegrass. Growing up listening to her father play the fiddle, she followed in his footsteps to become a musician. Throughout her youth and teenage years, she graced stages at festivals all across the southeastern United States, and at just fifteen, Ashleigh recorded her first bluegrass album It’s Easy to Forget. Graham signed on to Pinecastle Records, and has recently released her new single titled “Bless Your Little Heart.” Following this exciting release, there is still more to come from Ashleigh Graham. An EP from her is on the horizon and it features renowned musicians like Stephen Burwell, Eli Johnston, John Meador (Authentic Unlimited), and Kameron Keller (Lonesome River Band). This class-act group of musicians contribute their talents to create a driving bluegrass sound that perfectly complements Ashleigh’s vocals and mandolin playing.

On this episode Josh Williams plays an old Bill Monroe classic Working On A Building in the key of D. And we find out what Banjo man and founder of the band Sideline, Steve Dilling has been up to lately and when you can catch them out on the road for the few dates they will be playing.

Join us on this special episode of the Hometown Bluegrass Show as we sit down with the legendary Josh Williams, a 20-time bluegrass player of the year, as he reflects on the poignant anniversary of losing his father seven years ago. Through heartfelt conversation and a soul-stirring rendition of How Great Thou Art, Josh shares cherished memories of his dad and the unforgettable moments they shared sharing bluegrass music together. Tune in as we celebrate the enduring bond between father and son, woven through the fabric of bluegrass music and the connection they create.

On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim Batts and Josh Williams talk some bluegrass music news, Josh talks about his recent gigs he's traveling and playing, Josh also plays the Tony Rice song "Song For Winter's Night." Tim and Josh then sit down and talk to the song writing legend Ronnie Bowman. Ronnie talks about some of his hit songs and where they came from, what he thinks are key elements that go into song writing and what he's been up to lately. Then we play Ronnie and Chris Stapleton singing one of Ronnie's songs. It's a great episode!

On this episode Josh talks about playing this past weekend at the Tony Rice Memorial Bluegrass Festival and spending some intimate time with Tony Rice’s 1935 Martin Guitar D-28. Ole #58957 as Josh affectionately calls it. Then we have a fun interview with Junior Sisk! He and Josh talk about the old times and tell funny stories and talk about maybe recording together sometime soon.

We had a great interview with Gaylon Harper with Harper Collective. Josh teaches some guitar tips and we feature the Hometown of Olive Hill, KY.