My Own Private Merlefest: Day 3

This usually is the day when the real crush of people shows up, but there were actually fewer folks at work than normal. It worked to my advantage, though, as I was able to slide the volume up a couple notches.

Saturday's slightly expanded lineup:

Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion � "Exploration": I've got lots of love for these Merlefest newbies, and this disc was my favorite of 2005 (but man, it just edged out Marty Stuart's "Souls' Chapel")

Old Crow Medicine Show � "Live": And if you've ever caught their live act, you know that's the best way to hear them. Much like The Avett Brothers, it's all punk energy and broken strings. For me, they were the highlight of Merlefest 2004, when they kicked ass and took names in the Traditional Tent with special guests Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Slaid Cleaves � "Wishbones": Yet another cool addition to the Merlefest roster this year. Do me a favor, though, all you people in attendance: when you hear people talking about the great Austin songwriter Slaid Cleaves, remind them that he's one of my people, a Mainer. Thanks.

Nickel Creek � "Why Should the Fire Die?": Nickel Creek moved to the main stage this year, and just in time. They aren't the cute kids who can play the hell out of their instruments anymore. They're grown-ups, and the real world came storming into this album. No more Sunday dinners at the kids' table for this band.

The Avett Brothers � "Live, Volume 2": These guys did a successful tour with BR549 this year. Perhaps now they can go on the road with Old Crow Medicine Show. They'll need an extra trailer for the strings.

The Del McCoury Band � "Del and the Boys": Every day is a good day for their cover of Richard Thompson's "1952 Vincent Black Lightning."

Tim O'Brien � "Traveler": One of the Merlefest regulars. His sets always make me feel like I'm watching friends jam on the back porch.

John Prine � "Fair & Square": After Thursday night's set, I'll bet five American dollars that Larry owns this CD by now.

Tony Rice Unit � "Unit of Measure": These discs have all made me miss being at the festival in some way, but this one really bummed me out when I got to the last track, the 8-plus-minute "Sally Goodin." It would have been nice to hear the Unit rip it up.

Doc Watson � "Elementary Doctor Watson": Another shot of Doc and Merle.

Gillian Welch � "Time (The Revelator)": "I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll" makes me smile every time.

Bryan Sutton � "Not Too Far From the Tree": A flatpicking tour de force, which is nice to hear because Sutton is often content to play sideman with many of the acts at Merlefest.

Sam Bush � "Glamour & Grits": Could you even imagine a Merlefest without Sam Bush? He really should have been on my Thursday and Friday lists, too. Total oversight on my part.

Steve Earle � "Jerusalem": He'd undoubtedly bring his political rants to Merlefest. But maybe he'd bring the Bluegrass Dukes, too.

Emmylou Harris � "Wrecking Ball": Everybody's favorite duet partner, and welcome at any show I'm attending. I hope I look that good when I'm her age, but I fear I won't.

John Hiatt � "Greatest Hits: The A&M Years '87-'94": Some of the best songs written by anybody between 1987 and 1994.

Whew, what a day of Americana goodness. I'm pooped. I might just nap for an hour or so, though, and get back up for my own private Midnight Jam.