Across the Blue Ridge #43 - Bruce Molsky on connecting traditions and looking ahead

World-renowned fiddler Bruce Molsky is a performer, a teacher (at Berklee College of Music) and a student of styles and cultures.  His travels have brought him into contact with fiddlers from Scandinavia, the British Isles, Canada and beyond.  In his new band, Molsky's Mountain Drifters, he's performing with two outstanding younger players, banjoist Allison de Groot and punk guitarist Stash Wyslouch. On this week's show, we hear music from the Drifters' new album. And Bruce Molsky talks with host Paul Brown about the band's musical explorations, the connections between punk rock and traditional fiddle tunes, and the fascinating musical culture of the Metis people of Canada and the U.S. Midwest.  Plus, they consider how musicians ultimately find their voices in a world filled with influences, categories and, occasionally, restrictions.   Also on this week's show, our usual powerful lineup of old time and bluegrass music from the southern mountains.

Episode 43 Playlist

1. Mississippi Sawyer
   Foghorn String Band
   Weiser Sunrise
    
2. Little Annie
   Longview
   High Lonesome
    
3. I Fell in Love
   Del McCoury Band
   (single)
    
4. Cumberland Blues
   The Travelin' McCourys
   (single)
    
5. Rose of Allandale
   Janet Beazley
   5 South
    
6. Break 1- North Carolina Breakdown
   A. Robic & the Exertions
   Old Time Music Dance Party
    
7. The Flowers of Edinburgh
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    
8. Free Little Bird
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    
9. Across the Plains of Illinois
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
   Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    
10. Between The Wars
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
     
11. Granddad's Favorite
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
     
12. Break 2- Isambard's Waltz
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
     
13. Metis Set
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
    Molsky's Mountain Drifters
     
14. Forever Young
    Bob Dylan
    The Essential Bob Dylan Disc 2