Old & In The Way Reunion "Land of the Navajo"

Old & In The Way was a bluegrass super group of the 70's (1973-1974)that included Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements and David Grisman. This reunion concert had Herb Pedersen replacing the late Jerry Garcia (banjo) and Bryn Bright on the bass. The reunion concert released the "Old and In The Gray" CD in 2002.

[@BirdLivesInMe]

I can never get enough of this. Peter Rowan's mournful cry takes me back in time and place. The quiet interlude into Vassar Clement's incredible fiddle solo along with Grisman's mandolin puts tears in my eyes almost every time. Passion and soul can't always be taught but any musician watching this can learn from it. This is one of the best live performances I've ever seen.

[@rydawg1977]

Wish Jerry and John was still here. They would be very proud of the Reunion. I study Jerry's Banjo style note for Note from the CD's. I will always love Old and in the Way!! Rest in Peace all you fine souls. Vassar was amazing!!! Rest in Peace.

[@mikemccoy3430]

You know your name is Vassar when Peter Rowan looks at you on stage with that much admiration, love and respect.

[@ebaylistentomusic]

I first saw Peter Rowan about 50 years ago. He remains one of the coolest cats in the music world of any genre or era...

[@BirdLivesInMe]

If this was a record I would be on my 3rd copy. Vassar gets me every damn time!!! What an amazing performance.

[@spaceeyt]

How can you not adore Peter Rowan? Thanks for posting this!

[@jerryblack3655]

Which Merlefest?

[@ICU2HI]

This may be the best version I've ever heard so sweet.

[@onehipdawg]

It's hard for me to watch Vassar.... RIP friend....

[@Hogo69]

Such an awesome song here. Makes me want to learn an instrument just watching them play.

[@daveguitarnowski4402]

that's the kind of thinking that got me 55 or so years ago!

[@ICU2HI]

One of my favorite songs. No this is my favorite song when Vassar Plays it. Thank you Peter & all

[@Goodrice97]

My history teacher played this in class today, it was beautiful.

[@Preston_McKnight]

You had an awesome teacher

[@jazzfolkrocker]

I've watched this 3 to 5 times a day for the past couple of weeks. it's haunting.

[@tugboat1951]

Herb Pedersen,a multi instrumental wonderment,and Pete Rowan still hitting those ball bustin'highs.

[@lifebeginswithaseed]

Not just any song will make my eyes mist and give me goosebumps.

[@deadtimber]

Of course we think the yodeling is Running Elk, but on second thought maybe it's Jack's mournful cry as he lost his longtime friend...Song freakin gives me chills everytime I hear it. On of my favorites from O&ITW. & still missin Jerry & John & most recently Vassar.

[@Rayomoonshine]

Yes, I thought the same thing... the last line is about Jack's mournful cry

[@arkbarkvark]

great stuff. makes me cry when i hear music on the radio today. Peter and Jerry are amazing

[@jamesfairfield3593]

Great song!

[@wakeoftheflood2]

I saw Vassar play at this little town park in Danvers, Ma, back in like 98-99. He was a really nice guy, I asked him about his instrument when he came off stage to smoke a pipe..He said it was built in the 1700s

[@GregDrayGregDray]

wow just fantastic.When they were all alive they were awesome! This has been a favorite of mine for decades.Thanks for posting this gem!

[@welltrainedsquaw8004]

Vasser is deeply imbedded within my soul, miss him so, tears

[@mogway99]

Not to forget the late John Kahn, who played the bass

[@jimbluebus]

LongLife To Jey Kay!!!

[@Rayomoonshine]

Pre-Jerry days, John Kahn played on the Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper. First time I heard of him

[@DanFrechette]

I saw him play this song solo at Felton Music Hall a few years ago. Great show and I'll never forget what feelings this song conjured for me.

[@pinkpriss]

Man I NEEDED this in my life RIGHT NOW like nobody's business! This is like a dea- no, IT IS a dear old friend! I've been playing this at least once about high noon every day since I discovered it was on KZbin and playing it at no less than 110 decibels I might add. Normally I am most adverse to me or anyone inflicting their musical taste on others but trust me, my neighbors may not recognize the value of this now, but they WILL thank me later!

[@Rayomoonshine]

This song always leaves a tear in my eye

[@julie4js]

I remember seeing Pete at I think the 1980 Berkshire Mountain Blue Grass Festival! My gosh where does time go!

[@geraldvermeille9933]

Sublime !!!

[@BluegrassPhil]

Old & In The Way est le deuxième album de bluegrass que j'ai acheté et ça a changé ma vie en 1978 !

[@RUuser]

God, I miss Vassar. I miss my father, too.

[@bluesriot2]

amazing performance, just incredible

[@deadtimber]

Wow, if this song doesn't give you chills you don't have a heart. One of my favorites and a great rendition. Peter channeling Running Elk, or is that Jack's mournful cry? Many times standing in front of Jerry & Dave (G/G Band), I hoped they would play it but they refused. Ok, had to be happy with "Long Black Veil" or "Oh The Wind & Rain" ;-)

[@shelibeane]

I first saw Rowan perform this on the belvedere of The Galt House in Louisville, KY September 1981, during the KFC-sponsored birthday party/festival for Bill Monroe. I was enamored with his rendition of this piece and all these years later, I find that I still am! Rowan is an incredible talent. Thanks for sharing this verison with a stellar cast of musicians performing along with Rowan!

[@Taylorcoltsfan18]

Good ole kentucky baby

[@pkneeno]

Great rendition. I used this lyric in a seventh grade lang arts class. Some kids didn't think the lyric was an actual song. So much happens in this song. Rowan is an excellent lyricist. Thanks for the great post. Lives up to the original release if not better. Great coda.

[@stephenhenion8304]

This is a life story.... in a Poker Game.... the Metaphors go on, don't they.

[@sellisaz]

This is one of the best videos I have seen in a loooong time.

[@Ken-uo7iw]

I had the pleasure of promoting their Washington DC area appearance. I had known Peter & Vassar for decades.

[@c99sativa]

this is very good,,, can't believe i just found it today.... thanks for posting!

[@stephenhenion8304]

There's music.......and then THERE'S 🎵🎶🎵🎶..MUSIC.... I'm working out this song.....its great!!!!!

[@gordonwest5505]

I have been around the world one time. This is amazing!.I hope I can go around the world again

[@yukihh]

Never seen Vassar's performance in person. Really nice as their 1975 recording!

[@joestephan1111]

Peter Rowan is an American Treasure.

[@jamjax]

Peter Rowan is so cool!

[@welltrainedsquaw8004]

Attended Merelfest for 13 yr! Never let down! From Pa!

[@danotunes]

Great vid, nice to see Peter's smiling expressions during Vassar's solo, but the Camera's ''Eye'' was rude to miss Vassar's solo.

[@desalora]

*staring at screen with mouth open for most of the video*

[@thomasmazur6916]

I have had Old and in the Way for years. Excellent bluegrass. I was unable to find this song on the Old and in the Gray cd on Amazon. They have the cd but this cut I didn't see. Great version of it.

[@clubmike2910]

Looks like David has adopted that ole Jerry look.

[@MrLindeman]

hahah that's what i was thinking!!!!

[@wilsgetchell6420]

Saw Peter Rowan with Seatrain--Wellfleet, MA many moons ago..

[@madhatte73]

Saw NRPS in Spokane in the mid 90's. What a show!

[@debraprice8508]

Excellent. My heart was swelling and the goose-bumps broke out all over. Harmony & Native American chanting along w/ghostly imaging through out the video made me think of shamans and shape shifting.

[@meathead891]

I think that there was the best thing i have ever heard.

[@pinkpriss]

...and thank you AcousticBoxOffice!

[@Roryann1]

WOW!! Amazing! Deeply touching to the core of my being..Thank you.

[@frreedy]

Got to see this mob twice in 1973, once on each coast, for good balance...

[@apbIII]

nice post. thanks. one of my favorites.

[@kimschafer3147]

i LOVE THE NATIVE AMERICAN VOCALS IN THIS SONG, MAKES IT SO HAUNTING.

[@edgarricardocortezherrera357]

great song

[@gordonwest5505]

Oh the wind blows cold. Been there. I'm fortunate to be alive. It isn't so great. But there is a tomorrow. Sorry for souls lost. Death is a part of living.

[@lynnson57]

Great!! ... this was the only Merlefest I've missed in the last 16 years ... thanks so much for this post!!!

[@bstapley]

Killer THANKS, Billy.

[@oneswatter]

absolutely fabulous! thanks

[@bendummitt888]

Bravo. Double bravo...

[@davenaslund643]

Yes Peter wrote this Check out Rowan Rice Obrien live Midnight Moonlght

[@martinbrooker2105]

I first saw Peter Rowan and The Free Mexican Air Force at The Kerrville Folk Festival in 1980.

[@RJaeger1993]

So cool.

[@budola06]

talk about channeling the spirit

[@stephenchase3352]

I guess the camera director didnt realize that right around 7:15 in, when he cut to peter rowan, vassar was ripping it up. and by the look on peters face, he could tell as well. I couldnt bear to watch so I just closed my eyes. ahhhh, bliss. returned @ 8:00. wow.

[@arkbarkvark]

yes!!.... legends!!!

[@roselovr2004]

And I forgot how gorgeous Mr. Rowan was that year! (Sigh.) :-) :-)

[@brianflynn7598]

Was backstage for that set

[@21susan59]

Peter Rowan is playing toight at Mexicali Blues in Teaneck n.j. I'll be there!!!

[@duanepartusch9603]

Peter Rowan is the god of bluegrass he is amazing

[@oaklandrater2871]

Duane Partusch And its heart

[@jcgood]

Just ask him he'll tell you

[@StevenKHarrison]

Brilliant!

[@peterpun1]

Great stuff, thanks for posting. A true Strawberry Favorite!!

[@nancychace8619]

Would have loved to have seen this.

[@akhan5871]

world class musicians all--and bryn sooo good so young!

[@timdybala7127]

WOW!

[@headbandbybrianlundeen3132]

awesome!

[@t-mama9464]

Was this Merlefest 2001?! Did I really just get to see the finale of the Old & in the Way reunion again?! (And if it wasn't the finale my apologies.) I'm just beside myself in the best possible way. Shame on me for never thinking to look it up before now!

[@MrJDP1974]

Nobody picked 5 string with that lope like Jer! You would think he was nearly going to miss the change but the lope of his roll would accentuate the changes brilliantly! Anyone that knows this band in its original form and knows bgrass pickin will know exactly what I am referring to.. peace be with you!

[@R2burde]

it doesn't get better

[@libertybus]

Rowan showin' how it's done!

[@tattoodboop]

I haven't heard that since high school.

[@WalterWrayJr]

Sangre De Cristo Monta~nas...

[@WalterWrayJr]

"The Mysterious Valley," by Christopher O'Brien.

[@QuaaludeCharlie]

Vassar Clements can Play , Peter Rowan Sings Lead Well on this , Love that Yodeler Stuff :) QC

[@JoeyhasMojo]

Damn, this is GOOD!

[@mandolinmountain]

goosebumps

[@ICU2HI]

cut short but still sweet

[@AcousticBoxOffice]

2001

[@DaddyWooTz]

Do you have more footage or audio from this show??? We want more!

[@LSommer]

Any video of Jerry and Peter Rowen around? Thanks for the photos as well.

[@deadtimber]

The Real Deal...

[@skinfaxi2562]

Guess who I was named after

[@johns.8082]

A guy named Mcadoo?

[@MrBeepbeep11]

so cool to be named after him - I've been in love with Peter Rowan for more years than I can count.

[@MrBeepbeep11]

FYI - (I'm not Mr. Beepbeep11.) I'm his wife, Mrs. beepbeep!

[@timschaible5555]

M

[@taylormade6538]

OK Mr and Missus bitches

[@defdeezy]

@R2burde no, it really doesn't. except when vassar comes in with that violin solo... whew.

[@Preston_McKnight]

Do you think they were wishing Jerry and John were beside them

[@MrCraigary123]

Wow grissman looks like jerry

[@MrCraigary123]

Ha ha grisman is looking like jerry!

[@WalterWrayJr]

Saw Rowan warbling like that at the Tower Theatre in Philly town, when he opened for Jerry Garcia Band on Halloween night, with the "Wild Stallions." Boy,! did I get an "undertoned" show of disapproval, from the "uninformed," in the audience, by dis-associative referendum technique. The guy that sold me the ticket stepped on my foot in an apparent show of dissonance, maybe cause I refused his Coke.

[@WolfmanMusic]

he's still got the yodel!

[@michaelmormando8927]

These guys should've played at Bilbo's birthday party.

[@WalterWrayJr]

Acid Trumps Coke anyday!

[@cjnav7832]

Huh? Trump on acid & coke - what?