In bluegrass music there are many songs where the only instruments played are guitar and mandolin. Many times this was heard in gospel tunes. I totally enjoy hearing a full band including fiddle, banjo, bass and dobro, but once in a while I like to sort of get back to basics with it. This is enjoyable when you have a good friend who just happens to be a master of mandolin! Van Atwell is a modest man who might shy from the description of being a “master”, but I have been playing this kind of music for over 40 years, and can tell you, I have seldom heard anyone play with this kind of smooth, artistic touch! We wrote this song together a few years back…. well Van wrote it, I just added the last verse. If you think we are going through hard times in this country these days, just listen to the story of this poor Ol’ boy!
Water Off The Back Of A Duck – Van Atwell/George Ireton
