Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Take 5 with time

April 9
53 mins

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Episode Description

Thirty years ago the world met Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Their debut album Revival introduced us to two incredible storytellers, singers and guitarists, and in the three decades since they’ve swept us away in song.

It's long been on my bucket list to have them Take 5, and finally here it is. When thinking on a theme, I landed on time. Time, and their ruminations on time, have always swirled in their songs. They love old-time music, and take their time in getting your own songs right. How they responded to the theme, is one for the ages.

Settle in for a deep, insightful, and intoxicating conversation with two of music's best.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' song choices:

  • Robert Johnson - Love in Vain 
  • The Stanley Brothers - Rank Strangers
  • Townes Van Zandt - Pancho and Lefty (Live at the Old Quarter)
  • The Carter Family & Johnny Cash - Will the Circle Be Unbroken
  • John Prine - Angel From Montgomery 

00:55 Gillian Welch and David Rawlings introduction

01:52 Three decades since the release of 'Revival'

08:44 Choosing Robert Johnson

12:32 Robert Johnson - 'Love in Vain'

13:22 O Brother Where Art Thou

18:07 Working with The Stanley Brothers

17:59 The Stanley Brothers - 'Rank Strangers'

26:13 Raw versions of songs

28:10 Townes Van Zandt - 'Pancho and Lefty (Live at the Old Quarter)'

32:35 Recording things as live

34:32 The Carter Family & Johnny Cash - 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken'

40:37 Gillian and David finding their harmony

44:33 Hope for something better

48:48 John Prine - 'Angel From Montgomery'

51:33 Show notes and next weeks guest!

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