Old & In the Way Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Country rock Bluegrass Jam band Americana Progressive bluegrass Folk Old-time banjo jamgrass newgrass

Members

Select a Old & In the Way band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Jerry Garcia

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Grateful Dead Jerry Garcia Band Bonded by Blood New Riders of the Purple Sage Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band Legion of Mary Reconstruction Great American String Band

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David Grisman

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Muleskinner Earth Opera Great American String Band

Needs more gear

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John Kahn

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Jerry Garcia Band Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band Legion of Mary Muleskinner Reconstruction

Needs more gear

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Herb Pedersen

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

Vince Gill & Janis Oliver & Herb Pedersen The Desert Rose Band The Dillards Laurel Canyon Ramblers

No gear added

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Peter Rowan

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Muleskinner Earth Opera

No gear added

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Vassar Clements

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

The Nashville A-Team Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys

No gear added

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Richard Greene

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Muleskinner Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys Great American String Band

No gear added

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About

Old & In the Way was a groundbreaking American bluegrass band that emerged in the early 1970s, known for fusing traditional bluegrass with the improvisational flair of jam bands. Formed in 1973, the group featured a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Jerry Garcia (banjo, vocals) of Grateful Dead fame, David Grisman (mandolin, vocals), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Peter Rowan (guitar, vocals), and John Kahn (bass). Their music, which blends elements of country rock, progressive bluegrass, and Americana, helped to introduce bluegrass to a wider audience, leaving a lasting impact despite their short-lived existence.

How to Sound Like Old & In the Way

Old & In the Way's sound is characterized by its lively, organic acoustic textures and dynamic interplay among the musicians. Their approach to bluegrass is both vibrant and fluid, with intricate string arrangements and improvisational solos that create an inviting, communal atmosphere. The rich, warm tones of Garcia's banjo, complemented by Grisman's mandolin, offer a melodic yet driving rhythm that is as captivating as it is technically proficient. The fiddle's soaring lines and acoustic guitar provide additional layers of harmony and depth. For musicians aiming to capture their essence, focusing on acoustic instruments and careful attention to live dynamics is essential. The use of high-quality strings, such as the D'Addario EJ74 Phosphor Bronze Medium Mandolin Strings, can enhance the tonal richness that defines their sound.

Discography

That High Lonesome Sound

1996

Breakdown

1997

The Complete Boarding House Shows

2013

Old & In The Way (Live at Sonoma State, 11/4/73) [50th Anniversary Edition]

2023

Get the Old & In the Way Sound

Want to sound like Old & In the Way? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.