Del McCoury Band: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Aug. 1, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- There is a moment, near the top of this Tiny Desk concert — when three voices gather 'round a single microphone to deliver the chorus of "That Ol' Train" — that is so pure and beautiful it made my eyes well up with tears when we filmed it. Not since bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley played the Tiny Desk in 2009 have I felt vocals resonate so deeply.

Del McCoury is another bluegrass legend, singing, playing guitar and writing songs for the past 60 years, including his days with the "father of bluegrass," Mr. Bill Monroe. The Del McCoury Band itself is 50 years strong, and these days includes Del's sons Robbie on banjo and Ronnie on mandolin and vocals. All are astonishing players, here joined by the five-time award-winning fiddling of Jason Carter and this year's International Bluegrass Music Association bass player of the year Alan Bartram.

For their visit to the Tiny Desk, the group brought along some traveling songs. The first (of two) train tunes, "That Ol' Train," comes from their new album Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass, while their closing gospel tale "All Aboard" is a staple from 2001's Del and the Boys. The other (a motorcycle song), "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," was written by another master of his craft, British folk icon Richard Thompson, and has been a part of Del's repertoire for a while now. It shows not only the deep connection that bluegrass has to British folk music, but also Del McCoury's willingness to keep his sound fresh all these years on.

These are story songs; Del is, of course, quite the storyteller, taking his time between them to reminisce. At 79 years old, he's got a lot of them tell.

Set List

"That Ol' Train"
"1952 Vincent Black Lightning"
"All Aboard"

Musicians
Del McCoury (vocals, guitar), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Alan Bartram (bass), Jason Carter (fiddle)

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Bronson Arcuri, Khun Minn Ohn; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Samantha Clark/NPR.

[RobertMorrisKnowsStuff]

A living legend...for those that don't know Del is one of the few legends still touring and putting on great shows night after night..Go see him whilst you can!

[louisvillebsc]

I seen Del and the boys several times. A great show everytime. He is truly the last of the bluegrass kings

[sef]

Here in Cumberland, MD, Rob, Ronnie, Alan, Jason and Del and their families are much-loved and considered our cherished friends. They are great artists and gentlemen. I was at that year's Delfest, and Richard Thompson's guitar picking was lightning fast. Families were lounging on the grass, relaxing at their campsites, or tubing down the Potomac River. A true community.

Ricky Skaggs, Trey Anastasio from Phish, Warren Hays and Govt. Mule, and the best bluegrass musicians in the nation have been there over the years, and the organizers conduct the Delfest Academy for instructing and encouraging new musicians. And the McCoury family runs the Delfest Foundation, helping out people who are hard-hit socially and economically in Cumberland and Allegany County. They are more than world-class musicians, they are true heroes and fine folks.

[richardmindemann]

I admire this man for his sunny attitude and his willingness to put his spin on diverse material from non-bluegrass musicians as far flung as the Lovin' Spoonful, Richard Thompson, and Blind Lemon Jefferson. He's so cool without even trying. Folks here have called him "a living legend" and a "national treasure." So very true. His sons, Rob and Ronnie, are fine musicians who lead the Traveling McCourys. Lots of great music has come from two generations of McCourys. Americana and bluegrass royalty.

[Sarah-fkjj]

Del McCoury is one of the greatest storytellers I’ve seen live.. you feel like you’re sitting down with him having ice tea on the porch hahaha such a bluegrass legend

[learning-is-winning]

Wow to be 79 years old, so amazing. That suit is very snappy.

[peterharmon]

I’ve seen a lot of music but this band stands alone at the very pinnacle of traditional bluegrass. See it while you can! It’s a special experience…. Thank you Del and family so much for keeping this space for people to enjoy

[jamosensei]

HOT DAMN!...You got The MOST PROFESSIONAL, BEST DRESSED, OL-TIMEY SOUNDIN' BLUEGRASS BAND, RIGHT HEE-YAH!!! YOU NAILED ANOTHER ONE, NPR!!!

On a serious note, though...every time I've ever seen them perform...was security for them once, too, long ago...I always felt such passion and joy coming from them. Del and the boys have ever been the consummate gentlemen, and getting to spend any time with him and his family, musically, is an honor.

[joecastevens]

Saw last night in Asheville. By far the best band led by a living legend. Sounds good as ever.

[markwilliams]

There's only one Del Mccoury band. Some try to copy them, but non have or every will stand up to them.They are a legend.

[livingadreamlife]

Del is Bluegrass royalty, going back to his time as a member of the Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. From a broader perspective, all of these players are world-class musicians individually.

[quigley]

Great musicians, and being a mandolin guy, really appreciate the playing by Ronnie. Makes that mandolin sing so sweetly. Banjo is just soft enough to not overwhelm with that flame thrower.

[caileenbrandt]

THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING REAL ASS BLUEGRASS INTO THE TINY DESK FAMILY! FINALLY!

[leejones]

This Tiny Desk Concert was a real treat. I wouldn't have been exposed to this group's outstanding material. These guys truly are some impressive musicians!!!

[garybragg]

Ole Del has still got it!
I love Del Mccoury and his band. Definitely, A true living legend

[benjaminlouquet]

Legendary, and makes me appreciate MY father. He isn't the musician Del is, but he weaves his magic in other ways. This reminds me of all the good things Dad has done for me. Thanks Del, I'll listen to you 'til the day I die!

[thehoobah]

Absolutely love anything Del does...classic bluegrass voice and sound...well done again Tiny Desk!

[tommynocash]

Listenin to deal mccoury makes me proud to be workin class

[josekedy]

No hablo inglés de origen pero que bella es esta música, estoy fascinado por la complejidad de la mezcla delos instrumentos y la gran voz de Del McCory. es simplemente la belleza de atreverse a explorar nuevos horizontes musicales, esta música me resulta exquisita.

[Wildwolftherien_TS]

All Aboard still gives me chills every time I hear it. So good