The Yolo County Breakdown

This week features a couple great John Hartford covers as well as some classics from the likes of Norman Blake and the Allen Brothers. Rocky also takes a look at some of Bill Monroe's major influences - from Uncle Pen through Arnold Shultz. See where the Father of it all got his ideas!

Some of the bluegrass purists out there revile at the sound of drums in their bluegrass. Rocky tries to remedy this by playing a set of tunes that use drums effectively. Ickes & Hensley, John Hartford, the Osborne Brothers, and Doc, Earl & Ricky all take part. What's your take? Is this bluegrass if it includes a stick on a snare?

This week Rocky has a chat with bluegrass and Americana/country icon, Jim Lauderdale. Jim is a 2-time Grammy winner and is set to release his 39th album. They chat about Jim's work with Ralph Stanley, Roland White, Robert Hunter and more. Jim's love of bluegrass is inspiring, and he surely knows how to spin a good yarn. Plus, he gives Rocky permission to give listeners a world premiere listen to the title track from his upcoming album, The Birds Know!