Here's a Christmas story you should never forget! My wife and I spent Christmas day 2006 on a pilgrimage to the banks of the Delaware River to celebrate George Washington's crossing and the historic battle with British forces in Trenton, New Jersey. That turning point battle came at a time when most felt the American Revolution was over. Washington's Continental Army had been badly beaten during the summer and fall of 1776 and the army reduced from 26,000 to just 4,000 men. Those left were tired, demoralized and their enlistments were about to expire at the end of December. All seemed lost. Listen to the story set to music of the time.

Christmas time is comin'. Here's a variety of Christmas songs performed by old time and bluegrass bands for your holiday enjoyment. Merry Christmas to all and have a wonderful New Year.

The Blue Mountain Boys, a Swedish hard-driving, high and lonesome bluegrass band in the tradition of Bill Monroe, is featured in this episode. I play songs from their new album "Tall och Gran" (In the Pines) and discuss the influence Sweden has, and continues to have, on America. You’re going to like the Blue Mountain Boys not only for their talent, but also for the fact they have their music for sale on CDbaby.com. Check out their website at www.bluemountainboys.com.

Original Formula, a stimulating duet with wonderful vocals and expert guitar pickin', is featured in this episode. Alton Elliot (guitar and vocals) and Robert Perkins (lead guitar and vocals) will thrill you with music that harkens back to duets like the Blue Sky Boys, the Louvin Brothers, the Stanely Brothers and the Everly Brothers. Through my interview with Alton and Robert, you will also learn about Nick Lucas and his amazing role in the origins of guitar playing in every musical style we know today. You’re going to like Original Formula not only for their talent, but also for the fact they have their music for sale on iTunes and CDbaby.com. Check out their website at www.melodymanrecords.com.

Songwriters, who needs them? Well just everyone who loves music and that means you and me. This episode contains a number of bluegrass and old time songs written by living songwriters. They're not real popular and you may not have heard of them, but then how many people think of who wrote the song they just heard and liked? Listen to the songs these people wrote and remember their names. Who knows, maybe ten years from now they will be famous.