Biography
Old & In the Way was a short-lived bluegrass band formed in 1973 by Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia as a side project to revisit his banjo-playing bluegrass roots. The group originated in Stinson Beach, California, where Garcia, David Grisman, and Peter Rowan were living and jamming together, seeking a break from their rock music commitments. Initially a quartet without a fiddler, the lineup included Garcia on banjo and vocals, Grisman on mandolin and vocals, Rowan on guitar and vocals, and John Kahn on bass. They debuted publicly on March 2, 1973, at the Lion’s Share in San Anselmo, California, following a KSAN radio broadcast.
The band evolved quickly, performing around 40 gigs mostly in California between March and November 1973, including an East Coast tour. Early fiddlers included Brian Price, Richard Greene (who played four gigs), and John Hartford (nine gigs), before Vassar Clements joined for the remainder, bringing his renowned fiddle skills. Though they never recorded commercially during their active period, live tapes from October 8, 1973, at San Francisco's Boarding House—captured by Owsley 'Bear' Stanley—later formed their seminal debut album, released in 1973 on Round Records. This album, blending bluegrass standards and Rowan originals, became one of the best-selling bluegrass records ever and is celebrated for pioneering 'newgrass' with its jam-oriented style.
The band disbanded by late 1973 due to differing priorities and tensions, with their last gig at Sonoma State. Post-breakup, members continued collaborating in various permutations, and posthumous releases like That High Lonesome Sound (1996) and Old & In the Way Breakdown (1997) extended their legacy. Old & In the Way influenced the fusion of bluegrass with rock and jam elements, remaining a revered act despite its brief existence.
Fun Facts
- Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Peter Rowan first jammed bluegrass together at Garcia's Sans Souci house or Rowan's place in late 1972, needing a break from rock stresses, which laid the groundwork for the band.
- Vassar Clements was recruited cold-called by Peter Rowan for the East Coast tour when other fiddlers couldn't commit; his first gig was in Boston.
- Their only studio album was actually a live recording from October 8, 1973, at the Boarding House, taped by Owsley 'Bear' Stanley using a stereo Nagra recorder, becoming the best-selling bluegrass album ever.
- The band performed about 40 gigs in 1973, mostly in California, with no manager, record company pressure, or agenda—just 'mad enthusiasm,' per Peter Rowan.
Members
- Vassar Clements
- Jerry Garcia
- David Grisman
- John Kahn
- Peter Rowan
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bill Monroe - Stylistic influence and idol for the 'high lonesome sound' (Bluegrass music) [1960s-1970s]
- Flatt and Scruggs - Key bluegrass inspirations (Bluegrass standards) [1960s-1970s]
- Stanley Brothers - Idols for traditional bluegrass sound (Bluegrass repertoire) [1960s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Jerry Garcia - Band leader, banjo and vocals (Old & In the Way album, live gigs 1973)
- David Grisman - Mandolin and vocals, co-founder (Old & In the Way album, live gigs 1973)
- Peter Rowan - Guitar and vocals, originals composer (Old & In the Way album, Muleskinner, live gigs 1973)
- John Kahn - String bass (Old & In the Way album, live gigs 1973)
- Vassar Clements - Fiddle and vocals, final fiddler (Old & In the Way album, live gigs 1973)
- Richard Greene - Early fiddler (Early gigs 1973)
- John Hartford - Interim fiddler (Boarding House gigs 1973)
Artists Influenced
- Newgrass and jam band scenes - Pioneered fusion of bluegrass with rock/jam elements (Best-selling bluegrass album influence) [1970s onward]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #bluegrass, #folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
Old & In the Way has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.