The Ol Pals Footprints in the Snow

[craigw]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...27CA&FORM=VIRE
The Ol' Pals is a band I was able to assemble from picking friends who have known one another for decades but for most of that time lived too far apart to seriously play much. We played a bit in 2011 but not since then until we got together a little more earnestly about this time last year. The guys in the band are Larry Cohea-banjo and Butch Waller-mandolin (both members of High Country, a band that celebrated their 50 year anniversary in 2018), Paul Shelasky-fiddle, Matt Dudman-bass and me, Craig Wilson-guitar. This video is a cut from our performance at the California Bluegrass Association's big Fathers Day Festival in Grass Valley this past June.

[Luna Pick]

Thanks for posting, everyone sounds fabulous. Larry is a great bluegrass banjo player as well as incredible luthier.

[MikeZito]

Two thumbs up.

My old radio boss (who had a country/bluegrass show for nearly 60 years) would have called that 'REAL old-timey country music' . . . his highest phrase of praise.

Keep up the good work.

[JAK]

Is that a Red Diamond mandolin Butch is playing? It cuts through nicely. Pretty sure I was at that performance at Grass Valley. Good job!

[craigw]

John, I thought Butch was playing his 23 Loar that day but I wasn't paying real close attention. He also plays his Stan Miller some but I'm not sure which one that was!

[Johnny60]

Guys - slightly off topic - but what’s the song about? I’ve read and re-read the lyrics several times and am still confused!

Did he find her dead in the snow? In which case, why does he bless the day he found her in the snow? Any ideas?

Nice video, by the way!

[Bogle]

Nice video old buddy, and your Wilson D is sounding mighty good!

Butch always pulls great TONE and he's certainly channeling Mr. Bill!

[craigw]

Guys - slightly off topic - but what’s the song about? I’ve read and re-read the lyrics several times and am still confused!

Did he find her dead in the snow? In which case, why does he bless the day he found her in the snow? Any ideas?

Nice video, by the way!

Well, it just could be one of life's little mysteries! But, there are some clues here: 1. it happened when they were young "her mother said she just stepped out" 2. no particular peril suspected "and would be returning soon" 3. He must have found her alive and well because he "blessed that happy day". So I would like to think they had a happy life together until she was called to heaven where he will join her some day.

[Johnny60]

Aah, thanks Craig - that all makes sense!