Back Porch Bluegrass Show - 15-09-2026

Back Porch Bluegrass Show - 15-09-2026

Author: Free FM September 15, 2026 Duration: 58:19
There are many different styles of bluegrass, and in this show we get to hear just some of them. From the ‘early’ classic bluegrass sound of the Stanley Brothers (played by two youngsters emulating their heroes, Ricky Skaggs & Keith Whitley), through the powerful sounds of the Country Gentlemen featuring Charlie Waller, to the folkier sound of Richard Bennett. Women play a large part, so we hear from Sally Jones. Instrumental prowess is always a feature of the music, so we have tunes from master fiddler Kenny Baker, banjo maestro John Hickman, and even NZ’s own Colleen Trenwith with the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band. In between all these we’ve got Kenny & Amanda Smith, the Lonesome River Band, and Marty Stuart. It’s a bluegrass festival packed into a one-hour show!

There's a particular warmth and camaraderie found in bluegrass music, a feeling best shared in an informal setting. That's the spirit captured in Back Porch Bluegrass, hosted by Paul Trenwith. More than just a presenter, Paul is a genuine enthusiast-a player, promoter, and dedicated advocate for the genre's rich traditions and vibrant contemporary scene. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair on that proverbial back porch to hear some truly exceptional music. The playlist is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a wide range of the genre's best performers, from legendary pickers to exciting new voices keeping the sound alive. You'll hear the driving rhythms of classic banjo, the soulful weave of mandolin and fiddle, and those signature close-harmony vocals that define the style. Produced by Free FM, this podcast is a genuine celebration of bluegrass in all its forms. It’s for anyone who already loves the high, lonesome sound, or for those simply curious about authentic roots music played with undeniable passion and skill. Tune in for a regular dose of expertly selected tracks and the quiet, knowledgeable guidance of a host who truly lives for this music.
Author: Language: en-nz Episodes: 50

Back Porch Bluegrass Show
Podcast Episodes
Back Porch Bluegrass - 14-04-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
A broad range of the bluegrass genre in this episode of Back Porch Bluegrass, from the rather ‘rocky’ Dierks Bentley to the solo performance of some fine finger-style guitar from Doc Watson. In between we have Mike Compt…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 07-04-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
We’ve just had Easter Weekend, and this show includes some great gospel songs with an Easter inclination, then we have recordings from the NZ National Banjo Pickers Conventions in the late 1960’s, which were always held…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 31-03-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:28
It’s almost Easter Weekend, so I’ve included some gospel songs in this show, including the Stanley Brothers’ classic ‘Cry From The Cross’. We’ve also got songs from Flatt & Scruggs, Kathy Kallick & Laurie Lewis, Nothing…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-03-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:39
Tony Rice kicks off the show, followed by Billy Strings & his Dad, the Dillards with some fine banjo picking, and Nu-Blu with a song from the writing of Nanci Griffith. Curly Seckler, Chris Jones, Jim Lauderdale with Ral…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-03-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:35
I’ve just returned from visiting old friends in Australia, and some of the music in this show includes recordings we made together back in the 1970’s, with Anne Kirkpatrick, and Country Sound. There’s also some ‘Irish’ i…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-03-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:59
This show previously aired 8-03-2022 Emerson & Waldron – great band from the 1970’s - kick off proceedings, with a real mixture of bluegrass styles from diverse bands to follow, including Kenny Baker, the Foggy Hogtown B…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 03-03-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:40
Classic bluegrass from the Bluegrass album Band, some ‘older’ recordings from johnny Whisnant, the Lilly Brothers and the New lost City Ramblers, and some contemporary bluegrass/country from Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Ro…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 24-02-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:40
A broad range of bluegrass offerings in this episode, from Bill Monroe singing gospel, to the fiddle & banjo tunes of Byron Berline & John Hickman. In between, we’ve got the Chapmans, Sideline, the Price Sisters, Doyle L…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 17-02-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
A very diverse collection of bluegrass in this episode, from the 80+ year-old Stoneman Sisters, to the stalwarts of classic bluegrass, the Bluegrass Album Band. Dan Tyminski, Barry & Holly Tashian, Emerson & Waldron, the…
Back Porch Bluegrass - 10-02-2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:40
If you’re in the South Island, NZ, then ‘Kindred Spirit’ will be playing near you this week or next (when they’re not fishing!). And if you’re in the North Island, NZ, then get your tickets for ‘You, Me, Everybody’ as th…