Seven years ago this month, I covered The Infamous Stringdusters when the band played The Down Home, one of the South’s most venerable music rooms, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
While working on my review, I chatted with bass player Travis Book. His take on the room has stuck with me ever since, and I am reminded of it every time I step through The Down Home’s doors.
“There’s a lot of history, a lot of good times had,” said Book. “It’s kind of like playing inside a Martin D-28.”
Travis Book returns to The Down Home tomorrow night with long time friend – and guitar wizard – Jon Stickley. Both of these guys are long time friends of Trail Mix and have been well chronicled here; I chatted with Stickley about his latest record in October, and I last caught up with Book when he was putting together what might be the most epic weekend ever.
In between tours with their respective bands – Book with The Infamous Stringdusters and Stickley with his trio – Stickley and Book have taken to playing duo shows. Drawing from their respective catalogs and a collection of tunes purposed specifically for these shows, the duo has crafted a show that allows their individual talents to compliment each other wonderfully, with Book’s baritone and rhythm guitar work allowing Stickley to roam with abandon around his fretboard.
I have heard nothing but great things about two recent performances in Brevard and Asheville. I found that praise well warranted after checking out videos for “Long and Lonesome Day” and “Della’s Walk.”
The kinship and connection between these two is obvious.
Says Book, “Few things make me happier than listening to Jon play the guitar and standing on stage with him is a joy. His love of the music and exploratory spirit are contagious, and he always brings out the best in the people he plays with.”
Trail Mix would like to give you the chance to check out what Stickley and Book can get up to when they put their musical heads together. Take a shot at the trivia question down below. A winner of two tickets to the show will be chosen from all answers received by noon tomorrow (Thursday, January 21st).
Question . . . . Both Travis Book and Jon Stickley play Martin guitars. Whose Martin is older?
You have a 50/50 shot!!!
Good luck.
Tickets for Thursday’s show are $14 and will available at the door. Music starts at 8:00.
Featured image by David Simchock.
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