My Own Private Merlefest: Day 2

One advantage I've noticed about my self-made Merlefest (probably its only advantage) is that I don't have to make those gut-wrenching decisions about which act to see when their times overlap. The artist roster is sitting in a neat stack next to my monitor, waiting to be enjoyed in the order I choose. If The Man calls me away to join the other worker bees in a meeting, I just hit "pause" and the band I'm enjoying waits for my return. Still searching for that turkey leg, though …

Here's Friday's lineup:

The Avett Brothers – "Mignonette": They're a little bit country; they're a little bit rock and roll. Actually, they're what the Clash would have sounded like if they'd been digging into old-time music instead of reggae and rockabilly. That's a good thing, people.

The Duhks -- "The Duhks": Another young band with lots of upside. I love the cover of Sting's "Love is the Seventh Wave" on this one.

The Greencards – "Weather and Water": This disc was on sale at last year's Merlefest, several weeks before its official release. Prices have been creeping a bit too high at Merlefest Mall, but the opportunity to get new releases early often is worth a few extra bucks.

Thad Cockrell – "Warmth & Beauty": This guy really deserves to have a wider audience. Sadly, if he acted out like Ryan Adams he'd probably get it.

The Gourds – "Cow Fish Fowl or Pig": Another recent Dance Tent favorite. Two years ago, everyone wanted them to play their cover of "Gin & Juice." They resisted, on the grounds that there were a lot of children present. They finally relented and played it. On Sunday, no less.

Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio – "Hot Swing!": This band was an excellent addition to the lineup two years ago, and the selection of John Jorgenson was a nice follow-up last year. Judging by the standing-room-only crowd at Jorgenson's clinic last year, I'm guessing there's a fair amount of interest in Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz. It certainly makes my wife happy, which in turn makes it easier for me to justify plunking down the bucks for the trip.

The Del McCoury Band – "The Family": I can't even think of anything clever to say. They're the epitome of a bluegrass band. I love the cover of "Nashville Cats," too.

Tony Rice – "Cold on the Shoulder": Like yesterday's selection, "Manzanita," this one has Merlefest written all over it. Joining Rice are Sam Bush (mandolin), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Bela Fleck (banjo) and J.D. Crowe (banjo).

Doc & Merle Watson – "Doc Watson & Son": This is the whole reason we enjoy all this great music every year. At least one good thing came out of the Watson family's tragedy. Every spin of these recordings reminds me of what we lost, too.

John Hiatt – "Master of Disaster": I've been faithfully listing Hiatt on the survey card as an act that should be brought to Merlefest. It's just my luck that I can't be there the year that he is.

Gillian Welch – "Hell Among the Yearlings": Like I said yesterday, I can't get enough, though I failed to recognize the significant contributions of David Rawlings to her albums and performances. My wife accidentally stepped on his foot two years ago, and I'm still a little peeved that when she had the opportunity to speak to him she didn't ask him to teach me the Secret David Rawlings Guitar Method. Oh yeah, there is such a thing. Listen if you don't believe me.

Steve Earle – "El Corazon": Earle created a bit of a stir when he showed up at last year's Merlefest with the then-married Allison Moorer. Now they're married, and it would be nice to see him come back and play a full-fledged set of his own.

John Prine – "The John Prine Anthology: Great Days": I think it was a real coup for Merlefest to get Prine this year. If you read Larry's post earlier today, you know he's a believer now, too.

Two days down and two to go. It's been almost as much fun as being there. At least that's what I'm telling myself.