Shady Grove - Driftwood

Driftwood performs the traditional folk tune "Shady Grove" (recorded by Doc Watson and many others). Recorded February 18, 2012 at Cristina's Cafe in Strasburg, VA. Watch in high def!
Members of Driftwood are:
Joe Kollar - Banjo, Vocals
Dan Forsyth - Guitar, Vocals
Claire Byrne - Violin, Vocals
Joey Arcuri - Bass
www.driftwoodtheband.com

[@justforever96]

I keep coming back to this video, it is still just about the best version of this I have ever heard.

[@daydays12]

I agree - all the others I've heard are too fast, too bluegrass...

[@andrewgallagher1923]

Same, they nail it, just the right pace

[@PeterSchroder]

100%

[@godzillasmother]

This is my favorite version

[@robertrindler2080]

Me too

[@ohiosouthpaw4283]

They are Completely Locked in. Fantastic rendition.

[@HumbleDisciples]

Locked tf in man. Damn str8.

[@cowsongs]

Aces! Nice slowed-down tempo is the way to play Shady Grove. The instruments and feel of this version have such an earthy, true, "prairie" sound. Love this.

[@daydays12]

I completely agree . It's often played too fast, de-natured by bluegrass. This version is just right! Love it too 🙂

[@bigfootguitars8536]

Just. Amazing! I keep finding my way back to this version every month, and it never gets old.

[@heathermorales7582]

They're so awesome! Especially live!!

[@gargoyle38]

Instrumentally one of the finest and most interesting versions of this I've ever heard...and honey, there ain't no banjo like that

[@greenshp]

Well, yeah... except for the "fiddle" - what the heck is happening there? Crack cocaine? (Yes, I'm a fiddler.)

[@daydays12]

@@greenshp It's great fiddle. I'm a fiddler too :-)

[@johnroberts1141]

@@greenshp How does it feel to be so clueless?

[@cyclonnb]

this version is real diamond

[@lisareaume3857]

That's what I think too!

[@billreid818]

Psychedelic bluegrass...very cool.

[@daydays12]

NOT bluegrass at all. So so much better. Old Timey.. Respects !

[@gargoyle38]

At 5:00 fusion....

[@jarg7]

Wow amazing version. Banjo is off the charts.

[@johnroberts1141]

Lead banjo, Never saw that before.

[@tomfyfe6160]

Really great , different version from hotrize…I like it, fiddle played old school too , banjoman excellent

[@Tasmanaut]

didn't like the banjo, he's just picking it with a flat pick. May as well play a tenor banjo. And it wasn't particularly impressive either.

[@jerimahstonebreaker7236]

Awesome singing group keep up the good work y'all

[@rolandjgutierrez5839]

man these musicians are ausem iv never was into this music,classic rock I was into. never heard this style until a few months ago these musicians took this song to another level. Iv been missing out. very nice ...

[@woodcock911]

This version is smokin' hot, especially that jam to finish. Yeah, I was likin' that banjo too.

[@vickystanley8853]

Beautiful rendition!

[@jayarezed1943]

This is a great 'old time' number performed to perfection.

[@QMPhilosophe]

+John Zarfas The musicianship on this is astounding. Best version of this classic I have ever heard.

[@daydays12]

I couldn't agree more ...looked all over to find a good version of Shady Groves to present to the members of our 'Hootenanny'! And this was it!! Great 'Old Time' stuff. So good 🙂

[@powderfinger2029]

Y’all give the band Cabinet a run for their money

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

Oh yeah... I could listen to these folks for many many hours quite happily.

[@tmkreh8635]

Sounds great, right up the road from me here in Virginia.

[@ranzamaceanruig]

Very cool banjo technique! Sounds like he's been studying his rock scales. Heck, the whole band is righteous! I have never enjoyed this particular song so much!

[@deborahbillick882]

Wow. This kind of music makes me want to roll around in it.

[@kmrdesigns]

Best rendition I've seen in a long time. Truly inspirational! Thanks.

[@SpyderWebbArt]

Wow! I LOVE that 5 string flat picking -- you just almost never see that!

[@QMPhilosophe]

+Spyder Webb Agreed...he pulls it off, though, and quite well,, I think.

[@tanya5322]

My grandpa played a 4 string banjo … always with a flat pic

[@tomato88ish]

That was a great performance!

[@snuzebuster]

I like the way they honed back in on the traditional theme at the end.

[@DeanEthridge1]

Wow! What a great sound on this song! I love Bluegrass and Driftwood did a super job on this classic. Thanks for sharing

[@Odyssey1159]

One of my favorite jams i've ever seen.

[@markomakeshta]

Mine too

[@judeolney2944]

This is really cool! Thanks for sharing it. I showed the video to some of my students who were singing this song in music class.

[@trudyr2316]

Really nice version! I like the talent of this band

[@kennethmccann971]

Love these guys, great rendition.

[@tomarthur676]

Just great. Thanks.

[@HumbleDisciples]

one of thee hardest most rockinest performances i ever seen.. surprised they didnt start a huge riot... out freakin standing!

[@patchouliskye]

love this !

[@christochristov4971]

Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@rochellerussell3896]

Fantastic...can really hear matty groves in this version

[@daydays12]

Nice observation! 🙂

[@badvoodoo4090]

Best version I`ve ever herd!!!! LOVE it......

[@daydays12]

Yesss. Me too !

[@billfreeman5914]

I love the sense of desperation in your delivery and I especially *love* the violin (fiddle?) solo! ❤️❤️❤️ (Didn’t love the background noise but what-are-ya-gonna-do - it’s a live recording. 😉👍)

[@kellyq204]

Thanks for posting this! This song is my favorite!

[@AhearnEducation]

That was outstanding and so much fun!

[@PagoCitiesSkylines2]

Great performance!

[@Pajaholic]

This is about the closest I've heard to bluegrass-bangla fusion in a long time. Absolutely love it!

[@daydays12]

No bluegrass, thank goodness. A bit of bangla I guess ;-)

[@MrArachnophobe]

Best version of Shady Grove I've ever heard. And I've heard a lot of versions. I'm dusting off my banjo. Thanks!!

[@Songwriter376]

Have to agree .....

[@daydays12]

I agree and I have heard many many versions...

[@Hyperion35]

I heard this song many years ago, and I've been trying to find a version that has the chorus lyrics like this, and also slower like this. I guess being a folk song there are many different versions, but it's good to hear the old Appalachian style here, seems like everyone else tries to play it Kentucky Bluegrass style. There's nothin' wrong with either way, it's just that as a Virginian who had to move away, this brings back memories of the Blue Ridges. Also, holy hell the instrumentals on this! Wow, just wow, especially the violin and the banjo, but really the whole ensemble rocks.

[@dunkee19]

You should check out my other videos of these guys. Not really a bluegrass or traditional group as such, but one with a lot of influences, and great original songs. Great people, too!

[@KKIcons]

bobby horton... he is coming from 1850's tradition, so very old time. He had an album of Appalachian-inspired pieces. he did all the instruments himself, and it is very well arranged.

[@cybermanne]

Check out Jerry Garcia.

[@daydays12]

@@dunkee19 Yes exactly, NOT bluegrass. Great 🙂

[@Phyrenia]

This song is actually based off of, and shares a tune with, an english ballad called Matty Groves. Unlike this song, Matty Groves has a body count...

[@donaldoates2809]

Best version of a great song.

[@Zto0]

Yewwww still love this song

[@andrewgallagher1923]

Keep coming back to this, amazing rendition of one of my favourite songs

[@Mary-uw3pt]

Wow!!! ❤ I love this performance so much! Absolutely the best rendition of Shady Grove I’ve ever heard. Thank you so much for posting this! Wish they would record this song and include it on a CD. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@barrywhite1770]

No one makes cds anymore.

[@MegaMissfitz]

Fly up to shady grove for 10 mins if ya can😘😘😘

[@aarusty51]

You all are great!!

[@derekdillman643]

from an ex sunny mt boy, I love it great banjo playin!

[@johnn2326]

I understand this song is at least 200 years or more old. This version is what I imagine folks did back then in their home or at a church gathering.

[@d.howerton9273]

Great sound.

[@dunkee19]

This Driftwood has been around since 2005 (the current lineup since 2011). I agree they have a great sound, and more importantly, are great people as well. Band members are listed at the bottom of the description. :)

[@rubysoho9200]

I like how into it you all are. It makes it. Great song.

[@chemmy_durden]

Listen to lost indian and before I rust

[@SMDAK59Z]

Superb from scotland

[@davidcoleman2463]

I think the tune goes back 200 years to England .

[@daydays12]

Yes, very old song back to 'Matty Groves',. Listen to the folk-rock band Fairport Convention's version.

[@1994sog]

Damn. That was awesome.

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

I love this song in all its forms but you can really get lost in this version !

[@HumbleDisciples]

The gal on the fiddle is str8 gangsta gangsta man.. whole band goes hard but the gal is shotcaller on the yard.. respect.

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

Awesome!!!!!

[@1Jennabug]

Fantastic

[@Banjo362]

Love it, that's a very interesting banjo style that guy is playing I like it.

[@andgalactus1]

That's one way of putting it, looks like he's a guitar player that never really learned how to play the banjo, he's got a pick for some reason and he's playing so damn close to the bridge. Neither of those things are helping his sound.

[@gargoyle38]

Definitely some cool licks in there

[@lawdayl]

@@andgalactus1 it works though!

[@ansonstiles]

Reasons why I'm picking up the banjo

[@barrywhite1770]

Yes but just be careful. It is a lot louder than other instruments because of the drum skin head. The player here drowns out everyone else when he starts strumming it. That’s why most people play claw hammer style, sits in the mix better with the other instruments.

[@noninoni454]

✨️🌜🌑🌛This is a nice version of this song really well done! My personal fav is done by 🌟Jesse Stewart and Sean Christ 🌌🌥 as I really resonate with the grit n crust and passion

[@steveshort1121]

The best version

[@patrickdempsey7850]

Awesome!

[@elijah8867]

Excellent!

[@newcince]

I would have loved to have heard a female lead vocal on this. Incredible song..incredible sound. Wow you guys would be amazing to see live.

[@dunkee19]

www.driftwoodtheband.com/#tour

[@chengliu872]

If you want that, listen to the version by Among the Oak and Ash.

[@justforever96]

The song is a guy singing about his girl. They make that pretty clear in the lyrics. It would just distract me to have a female singing it. I would be thinking "did they just not think this through or are they intentionally implying a same sex relationship?"

[@troygibson6845]

nice arraignment picking the banjo! I may have to experiment with a pick

[@vivianpaff9595]

Flat picking the banjo is what many celtic/tenner banjo players do regularly.

[@robertrindler2080]

Outstanding

[@corydb10487]

Awesome.

[@prettymuchketo2967]

🎼🍑🍎🍏🎻🎼my husband introduced me a few years back to bluegrass🎼

[@Songwriter376]

Sort of has a Dylan feel to it. Excellent rendition.

[@daydays12]

Better every time !!

[@justforever96]

Shady Grove before there was such a thing as bluegrass. I like it. =)

[@daydays12]

Exactly! That's why it is so good. Old time!! yay

[@lorensims4846]

Wonderful performance everyone!

[@miguelangelcolanhernandez5422]

Very nice song

[@jbaker1341]

You guys have a great sound. I like to pick this one a little more traditional (faster tempo, alternating base notes booming) but I really like the way you sing it. Great harmonies. Also a couple verses I haven't heard. Very cool. (Edit) The solos are amazing, of course, as well!

[@seanoconnor2531]

very nice

[@jeffreyhoward6319]

Bluegrass my ass! This is Old Time, which makes it even better. ;)

[@pauliewalnuts7088]

Yes sir! It's great

[@pclodius]

How so?

[@daydays12]

Great well said!! This IS 'Old Time' 🙂That's what makes it so good. Bluegrass homogenises everything - makes it all sound the same.

[@sandraalston7863]

Wow!

[@benstahnke8742]

So fucking fantastic.

[@HumbleDisciples]

dudes even goin hard as nails on the bass.

[@alexandriaofatlantis]

This is fabulous. Have loved this version for years. Can you please post guitar chords/tab? Just beautiful.

[@caelachyt]

Epic.

[@acousticapothecary]

Some kinda sweet!!!🎻🪕🎼

[@jimmyoleary8667]

Erin go braugh....Long live Ireland!

[@blindwelcome]

love

[@michaelkraemerman2009]

A bit late to the party, but this is so fucking good. Cheers to these amazing musicians🌞

[@Tummysticks315]

grate!!

[@briarroot]

plectrum 5 string? fascinating. Sounds great.

[@dmoorefsmfn]

Quite odd I think, using a single on a banjo.

[@jackk59196]

Cool

[@itdoesntmatter56789]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing. A tip-o-the hat to ya!

[@lasurvivor47]

Smoke'n!!!!!!!!!!!

[@keithcarnley1802]

Jammin!

[@saboteur1001]

So fantastic! So rare today! Real musicians, putting their souls in performing! Are there any records available?

[@dunkee19]

driftwoodtheband.com

[@saboteur1001]

@@dunkee19 Thanks. I've already found them myself.

[@williamsumptersr2301]

Sound n good 2me

[@tripperdelaluna1]

1984 Hallowed Groundish..

[@earloneeleven]

What is the banjo tunning ??? Awsome job!!!!

[@michalloydaustin1075]

I particularly love the Banjo and the Violin! and its nice to have that bass in there as well. I have been trying to learn this song for all these instruments for a while, do you know where I can find the exact music the Drift Wood uses?

[@cdaddyoo]

You could look up the song on a tab site but it's an easy modal tune. Just two chords, Dm and C. I love jamming along with this tune. Good stuff Driftwood.

[@danwebb4418]

Nick Cave comes to mind..

[@bentao3352]

Banjo sounds like an oriental mandolin，then like a rhythm guitar

[@powderfinger2029]

Where was this at? Sick Banjo solos …. Tight band

[@dunkee19]

Cristina's Cafe in Strasburg, VA. That cafe closed several years ago.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

Interesting banjo style. Seems to come from a guitar background.

[@dunkee19]

He does! Joe's a great guitarist!

[@BlackKnight-ll8qh]

Love it! Wish the vocals were a little louder though

[@dunkee19]

Yeah, vocals are always tricky when a band is unplugged.

[@davidmarks509]

@@dunkee19 Vocals are fine. Modern music always has the singer/s pumped up. I think people are conditioned to it, and expect it that way now.