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PODCAST

Hometown Bluegrass Show

Tim Batts and Josh Williams

Tune in weekly for the latest bluegrass music news, guitar lessons and road stories from 20 time bluegrass guitar player of the year Josh Williams and interviews with folks in the bluegrass music industry.

music music commentary

All Episodes

00:32:00

Episode #83 - Tim & The Williams Boys

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/12/26

This week, Josh Williams didn’t just bring great music — he brought family. Hearing Josh sing alongside his two sons was a powerful reminder of what bluegrass is all about: passing songs, faith, and tradition from one generation to the next.There’s something truly moving about a father sharing the mic with his children, harmonies blending with love, respect, and a shared passion for the music. These are the moments that make this music timeless and keep our roots growing strong.If you believe in

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00:53:08

Episode #82 - Molly Clair

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/12/19

Episode #82 brings a special pre-Christmas feel to The Hometown Bluegrass Show. Josh shares a heartfelt performance of the Gordon Lightfoot classic “Song for a Winter’s Night,” perfectly capturing the season. We’re also joined by young bluegrass rising star Molly Clair, who talks about her musical journey and what’s ahead. A warm episode of great music and conversation just in time for Christmas.

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Episode #81 - Steve Chandler

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/12/12

On this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh sings a classic song from Keith Whitley, highlighting the roots of traditional bluegrass and its lasting influence. We also sit down for a fun and engaging conversation with veteran bluegrass sound engineer and IBMA Award Winner Steve Chandler , who shares stories from behind the soundboard and offers insight into what it takes to make bluegrass music sound its best on stage and in the studio.

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00:56:22

Episode #80 - Rick Faris

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/12/05

In Episode #80 of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim sits down with one of today’s most exciting voices and instrumentalists in modern bluegrass—Rick Faris. Known for his lightning-fast picking, unmistakable vocal style, and award-winning songwriting, Rick joins us for a lively and heartfelt conversation about music, family, faith, and life on the road.Rick shares stories from his early days playing with his family band, his years touring with Special Consensus, and the creative journey behind his

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00:37:22

Episode #79 - Thanksgiving

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/11/28

Thanksgiving Special EditionIn this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh gather around the microphones with a spirit of gratitude, great stories, and the high lonesome sound your family loves. This week’s show is packed with reflections on the blessings of the past year, plus Josh pays tribute to the legendary Tony Rice with a beautiful rendition of “Streets of London,” capturing the tone and soul that made Tony’s version unforgettable. As we wrap up this

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00:50:50

Episode #78 - Austin Scelzo

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/11/21

In Episode 78, Josh kicks off the show with a timeless Michael Martin Murphey classic, “Carolina in the Pines,” showcasing one of the most beloved cross-genre gems that found its way into the bluegrass world.We’re also joined by a special guest and true ambassador of bluegrass music, Austin Scelzo from Connecticut. Austin is a fiddle player, educator, and organizer who has been instrumental in growing the Northeastern bluegrass community. We talk about his work with the Bluegrass Academy, his

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01:00:00

Episode #77 - Josh & Wheldon

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/11/14

Tim was out of town this week, so Josh took the controls—and he brought in a special co-host: his son, Wheldon! 👏These two held down the studio with great music, fun stories, and plenty of laughs. It’s a father-son takeover you won’t want to miss!Tune in now to this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show and enjoy some great bluegrass straight from our family to yours. 💙🎻

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01:00:00

Episode #76 - Shawn Camp

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/11/07

In this week’s episode, Josh spins a little Keith Whitley for all you classic bluegrass and country fans, setting the perfect tone for a conversation with Shawn Camp — the acclaimed country and bluegrass artist known for his soulful voice, powerful songwriting, and deep roots in traditional music.Tim and Josh chat with Shawn about his career journey, his work with legends like Bill Monroe and the Osborne Brothers, and how he bridges the worlds of bluegrass and country with authenticity and heart

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01:07:00

Episode #75 - Heather & Tony Mabe

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/10/31

In this milestone 75th episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh celebrate traditional sounds and heartfelt storytelling. Josh kicks things off with a classic from Bill Anderson, setting the tone for a show filled with warmth, roots, and real bluegrass spirit.Then, Tim and Josh welcome special guests Heather Berry Mabe and Tony Mabe—two incredible artists known for their beautiful harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and deep connection to traditional bluegrass. The husband-and-wife duo

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01:02:10

Episode #74 - Jamie Clifton & Tim Dishman

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/10/24

🎙️ Episode 74 – A Tom T. Hall Classic & Catching Up with Former Special C MembersIn this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh takes us on a trip down memory lane with a Tom T. Hall classic — a songwriter who captured the heart and humor of everyday life like no other.Then, things get personal as Josh reconnects with two former Special Consensus bandmates — Jamie Clifton and Tim Dishman. Together they share stories from their days on the road, the lessons learned from the

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00:48:47

Episode #73 - 50 Years of Special Concensus

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/10/17

🎙️ The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode 73Hosts: Tim Batts & Josh WilliamsGuest: Greg Cahill (Special Consensus)In this episode, Josh digs deep into bluegrass history with an old Stanley Brothers classic that reminds us why their sound still defines traditional bluegrass today. Then, we’re joined by one of the genre’s true legends — Greg Cahill, founder and banjo player of Special Consensus.Greg reflects on the band’s incredible 50-year journey, from their beginnings in Chicago’s bluegrass

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00:49:00

Episode #72 - 2025 River Folk Festival

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/10/10

🎙️ The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #72Hosted by: Josh Williams & Tim BattsRecorded live at: The River Folk Festival – Calvert City, KYThis week, Josh and Tim take The Hometown Bluegrass Show on the road to the River Folk Festival in Calvert City, Kentucky! It’s a packed episode full of live energy, artist interviews, and stories from one of the region’s favorite music gatherings.They catch up with some of the outstanding artists who graced the festival stage, including:Creekwater

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01:07:00

Episode #71 - Ron Block

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/10/03

The Hometown Bluegrass Show – Episode #71In this episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh bring you a packed hour of music, news, and conversation straight from the heart of bluegrass.What’s Inside This EpisodeBluegrass News Update – We kick things off with the latest happenings in the bluegrass world, covering festival announcements, artist highlights, and what’s new on the charts.A Blast From the Past – Josh digs into his archives and shares one of his old recordings, giving listeners

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01:30:00

Episode #70 - IBMA 2025 Highlights

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/09/26

Episode 70 – IBMA Convention Highlights from ChattanoogaIn this special extended edition of The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Tim and Josh take you right into the heart of the IBMA Convention, held for the very first time in Chattanooga, Tennessee.🎙️ Artist InterviewsWe sat down with several artists throughout the week to capture their stories, music, and reflections on this exciting new chapter for the IBMA gathering. You’ll hear firsthand from performers and industry voices about the energy and

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00:57:44

Episode #69 - Back In The Saddle

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/09/18

Episode 69 – Back in the SaddleAfter a much-needed break, Tim Batts and Josh Williams are back behind the mics with another fresh installment of The Hometown Bluegrass Show! The guys catch up after their time away, bringing listeners the same warm conversation and authentic bluegrass energy they’re known for.This week, Josh shares a powerful cut, “Moonlight Motor Inn,” giving the show a soulful spark and reminding us all why bluegrass storytelling runs so deep.Whether you’re tuning in for the music,

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00:54:54

Episode #68 - Danny Burns

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/08/15

Episode #68 – Danny Burns & a Gordon Lightfoot ClassicThis week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh kicks things off with a heartfelt rendition of a Gordon Lightfoot classic, setting the tone for an episode full of rich storytelling and stellar picking.We’re joined by Irish-born, now American bluegrass artist Danny Burns, who gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming album. Danny talks about the journey from his roots in Ireland to his current place in the American bluegrass scene, and shares

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00:58:00

Episode #67 - Greg Blake

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/08/08

This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, Josh and Tim kick things off with a soulful duet of the Ronnie Bowman classic, Cold Virginia Night. It’s a heartfelt tribute to one of bluegrass music’s greats and a perfect start to a show full of stories, laughter, and world-class talent.We’re also thrilled to welcome our special guest: 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year and Special Consensus powerhouse Greg Blake. Greg joins us for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about life on the road, the heart of

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01:07:00

Episode #66 - Mike Anglin

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/08/01

🎙️ Episode #66 – "Mordecai, Church Street Blues, and Mike Anglin Mayhem"Get ready for an unforgettable ride on this week’s episode of The Hometown Bluegrass Show!Tim and Josh are back with more laughs than the law allows – especially when Josh allegedly bites the head off a bird named Mordecai (don't worry, no birds were harmed in the recording of this episode… we think).Josh picks up the guitar and delivers a killer version of “Church Street Blues”, and it only gets better from there.We’re also

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01:06:00

Episode #65 - Ashby Frank

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/07/25

🎙️ Episode #65 – Special Guests, Classic Songs, and Ashby Frank!This week on The Hometown Bluegrass Show, we’ve got a full studio and a full heart! Josh's two kids, Wheldon and Whitley, join us in the studio, bringing a little extra joy and fun to the episode.Josh treats us to a heartfelt performance of the John Denver classic, "Darcy Farrow," and we dive into some great conversation and stories.Our featured guest this week is the incredibly talented Ashby Frank — singer, songwriter, and musician

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01:24:35

Episode #64 - Steve Thomas

Hometown Bluegrass Show ·

2025/07/18

Featured in This Episode:🎵 Live Performance: "Another Town"Josh kicks off the show with a heartfelt performance of "Another Town," a standout track from his Modern Day Man album. With his signature vocals and picking style, this song captures the lonesome beauty of life on the road.🎻 Special Guest: Steve ThomasWe sit down for a lively conversation with none other than fiddle legend Steve Thomas! From touring with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country to his work as a producer and

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