Best Travis Book Podcasts (2024)

1
Luke Bulla's Journey Towards Musical Authenticity 54:55

1d ago54:55

54:55

Nashville in the mid-2000’s was full of aspiring bluegrass musicians from my generation. People were starting bands, landing gigs as side-men, and living in large, cheap houses on the East side of town. Almost nightly we’d gather at picking parties that sometimes more closely resembled what you’d see at a fraternity. One of the people I met and pla…

1
The Joyous, Hopeful, and Healing Music of Dangermuffin’s Dan Lotti 58:31

9d ago58:31

58:31

Dangermuffin’s Dan Lotti writes songs and sings them in a way that make me feel like everything is going to be just fine. Originally from Folly Beach, much of the band now makes their home in Asheville but their music retains the laid-back beach vibe of it’s roots on the Carolina coast. Positive, inquisitive, conscious and grateful, Dan Lotti is th…

1
Jeff Sipe: The Aspirational Spirit of a Drum Buddha 1:02:53

3M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Drummers don’t always get a lot of love or attention. But, mention the name Jeff Sipe to nearly any musician and their eyes light up. Also known as Apartment Q258, he was a founding member of Aquarium Rescue Unit with Colonel Bruce Hampton (which also counted Otiel Burbridge of Dead & Co and Jimmy Herring of Widespread Panic among its members). I f…

1
Nothing Else Matters to Phoebe Hunt 1:01:25

3M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

As much a mystic as a musician, Phoebe Hunt makes music that speaks to the yearning we all have to connect with something larger than ourselves. A deep commitment to making music with meaning is her compass and she’s an example of what it means to be in loving relationship with music. We need more musicians like Phoebe Hunt in this world. This epis…

1
Wyatt Ellis: Teenage Mandolin Maestro 59:35

4M ago59:35

59:35

Wyatt Ellis can’t even drive a car but he’s making waves in the bluegrass community. A prolific tune-writer and a dedicated student of the mandolin, he’s growing and learning at a rate you only find in the under 20 set. I was surprised to find that he’s also humble, articulate, and a total professional. It’s not hard to envision him reaching the hi…

1
Unrivaled Guitar Skills and Humble Hearts: A Night with Trey Hensley 54:55

4M ago54:55

54:55

Trey Hensley is simply the most ferocious acoustic guitar player I’ve ever encountered. His attack and control of the guitar is unrivaled and left me in awe. He is, however, also just about as kind and as humble as an East Tennessee man can be. I had a great time playing music with and getting to know more about this musical titan and I’m really ha…

1
Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon: Bluegrass and Banjos for Foxes (and Humans) 59:56

6M ago59:56

59:56

I met Andy Thorn during the winter of 2002/2003 when he was visiting Durango, Colorado on a ski trip. We played and traveled over two summers as members of The Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band, which broke up - or went on an 18 year hiatus - after the summer of 2005. Andy and I remain and always will be great friends, and sharing the stage with Andy a…

1
Bluegrass Vibes and Family Ties with Mike Ashworth of Steep Canyon Rangers 1:03:49

7M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

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 talente…

1
Keeping Music Sacred with Ed Jurdi of Band of Heathens (Episode 30) 49:39

7M ago49:39

49:39

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 be…

1
Just Do the Thing: Jordan Tice's Advice for the Creative Soul (Episode 29) 53:18

8M ago53:18

53:18

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 ro…

1
Acoustic Syndicate: Steve McMurry's Folk Inspiration (Episode 28) 1:04:21

12M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

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, …

1
Musical Alchemy with Rachel Baiman (Episode 27) 55:58

1y ago55:58

55:58

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 …

1
Ep 26: Andy Falco (Infamous Stringdusters) 1:09:10

1y ago1:09:10

1:09:10

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 …

1
Ep 25: Jim Lauderdale 1:07:14

1y ago1:07:14

1:07:14

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. Fu…

1
Episode 24: Beppe Gambetta 1:12:37

1+ y ago1:12:37

1:12:37

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…

1
Episode 23: Alexa Rose 1:11:27

1+ y ago1:11:27

1:11:27

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…

1
Episode 22: Jon Weisberger 54:00

1+ y ago54:00

54:00

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 Madis…

1
Episode 21: Jeremy Garrett (The Infamous Stringdusters) 1:01:59

1+ y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

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 know Jeremy Garrett about as well as anyone else, excepting his wife Connie, of course. We’ve traveled together for 17…

1
Episode 20: Graham Sharp (Steep Canyon Rangers) 59:19

1+ y ago59:19

59:19

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 Graham Sharp has had the kind of career any banjo player dreams of. He started the Steep Canyon Rangers in college with …

1
Episode 19: Cris Jacobs 1:15:45

1+ y ago1:15:45

1:15:45

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 Cris Jacobs is an enigma. The question is always “why is this guy not more famous?” Searing guitar, incredible heart-fel…

1
Episode 18: Cristina Vane 59:03

1+ y ago59:03

59:03

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’d been searching for the right guests for the happy hour when a couple Instagram posts caught my eye. Two former guest…

1
Episode 17: Tim O'Brien 1:20:54

1+ y ago1:20:54

1:20:54

The Travis Book Happy Hour Podcast is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation. The show is part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com Tim O’Brien has always been one of my biggest influences. I love his voice, his playing, …

1
Episode 16: Nicki Bluhm 1:04:46

2y ago1:04:46

1:04:46

In the spring of 2021 I was joined on the Happy Hour by my good friend Nicki Bluhm. I’d first met Nicki when her band The Gramblers was opening for the Stringdusters in Montana. Later she joined us as a sixth member for our Ladies & Gentlemen tour following the release of the album by the same name. Funny, gracious, and kind, we became good friends…

1
Episode 15: Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon) 1:01:32

2+ y ago1:01:32

1:01:32

In the summer of 2021 I was joined on the Happy Hour by the legend Vince Herman. His band Leftover Salmon was one of the first bands I obsessed over, burning bootlegs from my friends library and following them all over Colorado. Vince was always the life of the party, and still is; the night before we taped this episode we stayed up late in my mom’…

1
Episode 14: Josh Daniel 1:04:04

2+ y ago1:04:04

1:04:04

In January of 2021 I was joined by Josh Daniel on the Happy Hour. Josh had been streaming live every single day of the pandemic from his home in Charlotte, NC and I was honored he brought the stream to the mountains for a couple days. A man of faith, full of gratitude, and a musical master, Josh has played in bands, duos and as a solo artist. We we…

1
Episode 13: Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass) 1:09:16

2+ y ago1:09:16

1:09:16

In March of 2021 I invited my oldest musical cohort and one of my best friends, Anders Beck to join me on The Happy Hour. Anders and I spent the first 3 or 4 years of our careers in the front seats of my 92 Ford Explorer and have 20 years of history. I love him dearly and I’m not pulling any punches in this episode. We were joined by our Broke Moun…

1
Episode 12: Tony Rice Tribute pt. 2 57:24

2+ y ago57:24

57:24

This episode is the second half of my tribute to legendary guitarist and musician Tony Rice. The entire show runs in chronological order and was designed as a career retrospective so there was really no question that there would be little to no editing. Huge thanks to Jon Stickley, Lyndsay Pruett, and Shawn Lane. I could not think of a better group…

1
Episode 11: Tony Rice Tribute pt. 1 53:12

2+ y ago53:12

53:12

On Christmas Day 2020 we lost the greatest flat top flat picker of all time, the incredible Tony Rice. I’ve been obsessed with Tony’s music since the first time I came across it and immediately set to work putting together a tribute to this legend. He was a huge inspiration for me and all of my contemporaries and I am so grateful to Shawn Lane, Lyn…

1
Episode 10: Kyle Tuttle 1:02:04

2+ y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In January of 2021 I invited banjo player Kyle Tuttle to join me on The Happy Hour. Kyle is one of my favorite people; an absolute delight and he’s partly responsible for the Happy Hour’s genesis. His banjo playing is singular and his sense of humor sharp. Kyle’s definitely worth hearing from. He’s currently touring with Molly Tuttle and Golden Roa…

1
Episode 9: Sierra Hull 1:10:02

2+ y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Sierra Hull is a legend in the making. A superb and accomplished musician, she’s shared the stage with everyone from Bela Fleck to Allison Krauss to Corey Wong. I was already a fan, and appreciated her music, but I was unprepared for how completely she’d blow me away with her insight and humility. Not only an absolute shredder on the mandolin, she’…

1
Episode 6: Mimi Naja (Fruition) 45:14

3+ y ago45:14

45:14

Mimi Naja will inevitably be etched in annals of american music. Her style is unique but familiar, with no pretense, pragmatic to the core. I knew her first as a wide-eyed mando wunderkind ranging the grounds of Planet Bluegrass. In Fruition she’s grown into a telecaster-wielding rocker with no fear. She delivered a killer upright bassline on King …

1
Episode 7: Benny Galloway 1:07:21

3+ y ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Benny “Burle” Galloway was the first person to hand me an upright bass. Burle was the first person to help me write a song (some call that a co-write). Burle taught me about space, melody, songwriting, listening, tone, reefer, and erasers when I was discovering bluegrass and related acoustic music in Durango, CO. My only solo album, Alice, was a tr…

1
Episode 8: Barrett Smith and Mike Guggino (Steep Canyon Rangers) 57:20

3+ y ago57:20

57:20

Mike and Barrett, like most musicians, are much more than their roles in Steep Canyon Rangers. Barrett’s also an accomplished fingerstyle guitar player and he and Mike have performed traditional Italian music as a duo for nearly a decade. It was only recently that Barrett joined the Steeps as their full-time bass player, but these two have a long f…

1
Episode 5: Travis Book 58:38

3+ y ago58:38

58:38

Faced with a last-minute guest cancellation, I decided the show must go on so I enlisted regular collaborator and Happy Hour House Band member Tommy Maher to join me on dobro and take over interviewing duties, essentially turning the microphone on myself! I played some of my favorite songs and Tommy asked me some of the same questions I ask my gues…

1
Episode 4: Jesse Iaquinto & Tommy Maher (Fireside Collective) 50:05

3+ y ago50:05

50:05

Jesse and Tommy both became fast friends when I worked with their band, Fireside Collective, on their debut album Circles. When I started putting together these “funny little bands” for The Happy Hour and my weekly show at 185 King St. in Brevard, NC, I knew the three of us would make an easy combo. I also knew that both Jesse and Tommy were deep t…

1
Episode 3: Matt Rieger & Andy Dunnigan (The Lil Smokies) 1:10:29

3+ y ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Rev Rieger and Dunnigan came out to the house for three days in October of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. They flew from Montana, slept in my kids beds, shared the house with my mother and I. It wasn’t ideal conditions, but they didn’t bat an eye; they just wanted to make music. And that’s what we did. It’s no secret that I love dobro, and a t…

1
Episode 2: Jon Stickley 44:40

3+ y ago44:40

44:40

I first met Jon Stickley in 2004 in North Carolina, two days before we were set to record with Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon), Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass), and Robin Davis. The band was Broke Mountain and the rest is still unfolding, but needless to say that was a seminal point in all of our lives and careers. Jon is one of my best friends and f…

1
Episode 1: Lindsay Lou 43:17

3+ y ago43:17

43:17

I absolutely fell in love with Lindsay Lou the first time I saw her perform. I know of a thousand other people that would say the same. She writes, performs, and sings from a deep place, rooted and steady. Her music makes me feel connected to life and the earth and truth. Can you tell I’m a fan? I was thrilled she agreed to join me for The Happy Ho…

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