S.O.D. "Mad Lydia's Waltz" by Earth Opera

11/14/2016     Concentrating mainly on versatile musician Peter Rowan, we found this 1968 psychedelic number with sort of an eerie flow.  It is from his younger years while dabbling in the psychedelic genre. From there he progressed to country, folk, bluegrass and progressive bluegrass.  Not counting his solo material, Rowan released albums with 8 different groups.  

     From 1973–1974 he was with a band called Old and in the Way, which he helped to form.  Jerry Garcia was also a member of this group and they proceeded to create one of the best selling bluegrass albums in history entitled "Old and in the Way."  Mandolin and guitar are his preferred instruments as well as his voice, with which he can yodel as well as he sings.  Songs written for other groups include "Panama Red" and "Midnight Moonlight," performed by New Riders of the Purple Sage.  

     In 2012 the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation of Dallas, Texas presented him with the Bluegrass Star Award.  This award is given to an individual who is responsible for advancing traditional bluegrass music and bringing it to new audiences while preserving its character and heritage.  Earth Opera often opened for The Doors.  Please check out his bluegrass music as well.  Might have to pick up an album or two.