Old & In the Way was an American bluegrass group formed in 1973. It was composed of Peter Rowan (guitar, vocals), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Jerry Garcia (banjo, vocals), David Grisman (mandolin, vocals), and John Kahn (bass). When the group was forming, it was intended that John Hartford would be the fiddle player. Based on Hartford's engagements, and Clements' reputational stature in the bluegrass community, Clements became the group's fiddler.
The group performed traditional tunes such as "Pig in a Pen" as well as bluegrass-flavored versions of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" and Peter Rowan's "Panama Red". Old & In the Way biography The group had a short existence playing a total of approximately 50 live shows through much of 1973 then briefly reconvening for one bluegrass festival in 1974. All the official Old & In The Way releases consist of live recordings made in San Francisco in October 1973.
Old & in the Way's self-titled debut album, which was released in 1975, went on to become one of the best selling bluegrass albums of all time. The group, without Jerry Garcia and John Kahn, released a reunion album in 2002, called Old & In the Gray.
On July 31, 2015, Peter Rowan and David Grisman (the last two surviving members of Old and in the Way) performed a set with the String Cheese Incident, Chris Pandolfi (banjo) and Blaine Sprouse (fiddle) at the 20th annual Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They performed many Old & in the Way songs in addition to other covers and original compositions.
Personnel
Old & In the Way Jerry Garcia – banjo, vocals David Grisman – mandolin, vocals Peter Rowan – vocals, guitar Vassar Clements – fiddle John Kahn – bass Richard Greene – fiddle (original player during the group's first three months) John Hartford – fiddle (relieved Richard Greene during rehearsal sessions)
2002 reunion: Old & In the Gray David Grisman – mandolin, vocals Peter Rowan – vocals, guitar Vassar Clements – fiddle Herb Pedersen – banjo, guitar, vocals Bryn Bright – bass
Discography Year Recorded Year Released Album Chart Positions Label US US Bluegrass US Country 1973 1975 Old & In the Way 99 Round Records 1973 1996 That High Lonesome Sound Acoustic Disc 1973 1997 Breakdown 2002 2002 Old & In the Gray 9 72 1973 2008 Live at the Boarding House 3 Acoustic Oasis 1973 2013 Live at the Boarding House: The Complete Shows Acoustic Oasis 1973 2023 Live at Sonoma State – 11/4/73 Acoustic Oasis / Round Records
References
External links The Jerry Site for complete set lists of live Old & In the Way concerts.