Home Live Review Live Review: The Del McCoury Band @ Wolf Trap — 1/21/25

Live Review: The Del McCoury Band @ Wolf Trap — 1/21/25

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Live Review: The Del McCoury Band @ Wolf Trap — 1/21/25
Members of the Del MCoury Band perform at the Barns at Wolf Trap on Jan. 21, 2025, the first of a five-night run of decade-themed shows (from left to right, Rob McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Alan Bartram, and Del McCoury). (35mm film photos by Casey Ryan Vock)

Frigid temperatures, dangerous, icy roads — not even these deter. As last week proved, there’s little that can cool the DMV’s fervor for bluegrass and specifically the warmth it exudes for a man who’s brought the music to so many: Del McCoury.

In what’s become the performing arts center’s most anticipated winter-time tradition, The Barns at Wolf Trap hosted the Del McCoury Band in a series of concerts this past week. The lauded ensemble performed five shows across six nights and showcased decade-specific sets to the delight of a packed house each evening.

It kicked off Jan. 21 with an evening devoted to songs from the 1960s, followed by a night of ‘70s-specific works on Wednesday. After a break on Thursday night, Del and his trusty crew performed three straight nights, celebrating songs from the ‘80s on Friday night, the ‘90s on Saturday, and wrapping up Sunday with a focus on the 2000s.

At Wolf Trap on Jan. 21, the song pool included tracks that Del himself played or recorded during the ‘60s, or songs from the same period that he recorded or played at some point in his long, impressive career.

Plunge deep into the music of bluegrass legend Del McCoury with the five-disc compilation Celebrating 50 Years of Del McCoury via Spotify: 

Though it was a unique, festive set building into a grander presentation — a mini-residency, so to speak — it flowed together just like any Del McCoury Band show might as those on hand in the toasty barn cheered and whistled between each song. The plan was known: to get through a predetermined list. But fans fired off their requests anyhow.

Still, Del and his crew stayed their course, serving up songs from the ’60s — the decade this group was truly born, when the elder McCoury hit the road as Del and the Dixie Pals. The outfit evolved in the ‘80s when Del’s sons, mandolist Ronnie and banjoist Rob, joined him. It took on a new life and eventually its name was changed.

With longtime fiddler Jason Carter, who came on board in the early ’90s, and bass player Alan Bartram, who joined in 2005, it’s now a cast of experts, each considered to be among the very best to play their respective instruments. They’ve each won prestigious awards and recognitions and together they’ve played and recorded with long list of stars.

The newest addition, Del’s grandson and Ronnie’s son Heaven, is a sensational guitarist who’s involved in a variety of musical projects. Indeed, the group’s collective network is a wide one. With their remarkable chops and synergy, the Del McCoury Band continues to appeal to listeners far and wide, not just bluegrass fans.

Listen to the latest album from the Del McCoury Band, Songs of Love and Life, via Spotify:

Ticketholders marveled last Tuesday night as a lively Del — who turns 86 years old this coming weekend — began an early celebration in the company of friends, family and longtime fans. It was also enjoyed by remote viewers, as each night’s performance was streamed via Nugs.net.

As many know, Del sang lead vocals and played guitar with Bill Monroe and his legendary Blue Grass Boys for a spell before finding his way out of music for a few years. But he returned, releasing his first solo album, Del McCoury Sings Bluegrass, in 1968. The first track, his take on Johnny Bond’s “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight,” was a nod to his former mentor, who popularized the track with his own version. Last Tuesday, it set the tone for this special occasion.

Already known for his playful banter, the situation invited Del to expound upon each tune, giving a VH1 Storytellers’ appeal to this first night of the run. The barn heard Del extolling another great, Mac Wiseman, even telling stories he “probably shouldn’t tell” about Mac. He admitted he personally used to bring a book of the Virginia native’s recordings into studios in case fresh material ran dry. Del and the boys served up “Remembering,” written by Wiseman and Gurney Martin in the ’60s, later recorded by the McCourys.

Later, attendees heard Del talk about the origins of pieces like “Dark Hollow,” written by Bill Browning and His Echo Valley Boys and later recorded by the McCourys as well as Del’s friend on the road and in the studio, Dave Grisman. Del had the rustic venue in stitches talking about “Don’t Stop The Music,” a song first recorded by George Jones.

His father soared as lead entertainer, but Ronnie brought some tunes of his own to show off, like “Sure Fire” by Bobby Osborne. This, and other red-hot numbers like “Shuckin’ The Corn” by Flatt and Scruggs, showcased the dazzling speed and remarkable synch of a band that makes such intricate playing look habitual.

After the dive into the ’60s, requests were met, and the night was made for a few lucky folks who got through to Del right from the floor on the opening night. The few folks who’d lobbied for “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray,” from 1999’s The Family, were rewarded with a truly stunning take on a stirring favorite.

An annual affair seemingly enjoyed by the artists as much as the fans, the McCoury’s stay at The Barns also serves as yearly reminder of what awaits in the spring.

On Memorial Day weekend, the family will host yet another edition of DelFest, the popular four-day event held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. This year’s lineup, just announced last week, should make it the most anticipated DelFest yet. Those in attendance last Tuesday were the first to here of the details, and the first to enjoy five special nights with this band and the man behind it all.

Setlist

I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Remembering
Rain and Snow
Are You Teasing Me
Dreams
White House Blues
Dark Hollow
The Girl of My Dreams
Sure Fire
Don’t Stop the Music
The Prison’s Song
Can’t You Hear Me Calling
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Learnin’ the Blues
Shuckin’ the Corn
Get Down On Your Knees and Pray
All Aboard

Encore
It’s Just the Night
Unknown fiddle number

Here are a few photos of The Del McCoury Band performing at Wolf Trap on Jan. 21, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Casey Vock.

The Del McCoury Band at Barns at Wolf Trap Vienna VA 01.21.25 35mm Film Photo by Casey Ryan Vock The Del McCoury Band - The Barns at Wolf Trap Vienna VA - 01.21.25 35mm Film Photo by Casey Ryan Vock

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