My Own Private Merlefest: Day 4

I guess ignorance really is bliss. I've been including John Hiatt in my heavy rotation this weekend since I was unable to attend Merlefest. You might even remember that I said a couple of days ago that it was just my luck that he was there on the year that I was not. As it turns out, neither of us was in attendance. I must have been getting confused with last year, when he was going to appear but had to cancel because of back surgery.

Anyway, the books are closed on another Merlefest. Maybe if I spend a couple more days immersing myself in this music I can convince myself that I was there this year.

Sunday's festival closing lineup for my virtual Merlefest:

BR5-49 � "Coast to Coast Live": One of the best live bands you're likely to see. They happily take requests, but are more likely to play a "suggestion" if you pay a visit to the tip jar.

Old Crow Medicine Show � "O.C.M.S.": After their 2004 set, you could actually feel the surge of converts heading to the merch tent to pick up this disc.

Peter Rowan & Tony Rice � "You Were There For Me": This pairing has been a lot of fun to hear. I still miss Tony Rice's singing, though.

Gillian Welch � "Soul Journey": This year the main stage, next year the world? Here's hoping that she gets some long-overdue stardom with her next release.

Buddy Miller � "Universal United House of Prayer": "Don't Wait," co-written by Miller and Jim Lauderdale, is compelling evidence that they should work together more often.

Emmylou Harris � "Heartaches and Highways: The Very Best of Emmylou Harris": Do I really need to say more?

Sam Bush � "Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride": Wrong festival, but oh-so-right CD.

Rosanne Cash � "Black Cadillac": She closed the festival in 2004, and I would think she'd be welcome back anytime.

Doc Watson � "Southbound": If the first thing I did every day was listen to "Walk on Boy," I'd probably have more good days.

Guy Clark � "Dublin Blues": Same goes for "The Cape," even though it always chokes me up: "Spread your arms and hold your breath, and always trust your cape."

John Hiatt � "Crossing Muddy Waters": Like I said before, it's my own private Merlefest. So Hiatt's closing the show. Hope to see him, and you, there for the 20th in 2007.