Old & In The Way Discography
A short-lived, all-star bluegrass band that attracted the attention of rock audiences through the participation of Jerry Garcia.
Every now and again, bluegrass has a moment—a period of time when wide audiences rediscover the wonder and rich heritage of American bluegrass music. The mid-70s was such a moment, thanks largely to the high-profile efforts of Old & In The Way. A short-lived bluegrass supergroup, Old & In The Way featured five players of various renown, with Jerry Garcia (here featured on banjo) its most prominent player. Vassar Clements (fiddle) and Peter Rowan (guitar) had cut their teeth in Bill Monroe’s band, while Clements and David Grisman (mandolin) and Rowan had played together in the earlier Earth Opera. Garcia associate John Kahn (bass) rounded out the band.
The group only lasted long enough to release one album and play a score of shows in the Bay area, but their impact has resonated through the ages as new listeners pick up a copy of their eponymous debut and discover the wonders of bluegrass music anew. In later years, live recordings from their 1973 shows have emerged on disc to flesh out their discography. Kahn and Grisman continued to collaborate with Garcia, while Rowan and Clements kept busy over the years, providing plenty of avenues to follow if you find yourself with the bluegrass itch.
The Discography
OLD & IN THE WAY (1975)
Pig in a Pen / Midnight Moonlight / Old and in the Way / Knockin’ on Your Door / The Hobo Song // Panama Red / Wild Horses / Kissimmee Kid / White Dove / Land of the Navajo. Released on elpee in February 1975 in the US (Round, RX-103). Re-issued on elpee and cassette in 1985 in the US (Sugar Hill, SH/SH-C/-3746). Re-issued on compact disc in 1986 in the US (Rykodisc/Sugar Hill, RCD 10009). Re-issued on compact disc on January 30, 1996 in the US (Arista).
THAT HIGH LONESOME SOUND (1996)
Hard Hearted / The Great Pretender / Lost / Catfish John / High Lonesome Sound / Lonesome Fiddle Blues / Love Please Come Home / Wicked Path of Sin / Uncle Pen / I’m on My Way Back to the Old Home / Lonesome L.A. Cowboy / I Ain’t Broke (But I’m Badly Bent) / Orange Blossom Special / Angel Band. Released on compact disc in February 1996 in the US (Acoustic Disc, 19).
BREAKDOWN (1997)
Introduction / Home Is Where the Heart is / Down Where the River Bends / On and On / The Hobo Song / Old and ni the Way Breakdown / ‘Til the End of the World Rolls Around / Panama Red / You’ll Find Her Name Written There / Kissimmee Kid / Goin’ to the Races / Midnight Moonlight / Working on the Building / Mule Skinner Blues / Pig in a Pen / Drifting Too Far from the Shore / Jerry’s Breakdown / Wild Horses / Blue Mule. Released on compact disc in November 1977 in the US (Acoustic Disc, 28).
