Backstage with Bruce Hornsby

Just got into the press office after observing a Bob Edwards (XM and formerly of NPR) interview with Bruce Hornsby, who, along with Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, comprises tonight's performance lineup. After what is sure to be a stellar opening set from Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet (featuring Bela Fleck,) Hornsby and Skaggs will take the stage to share selections from their 2007 self-titled release.

The interview lasted about an hour, but typical of Bob's laid-back approach, the dialogue manifested into more of a loose, free-form conversation, rather than a structured Q+A. The diverse array of discussion topics, ranging from Hornsby's beginnings as a musician at the surprising age of 17, to his multiple live performances at the NBA finals, to his dream team collaboration (which incidentally happens to be Mark Knopfler,) was pretty enthralling, but I particularly came alive when Bob began inquiring about Hornsby's 20 months as a full time member of the Grateful Dead. I don't want to give too much away since all you XM subscribers can tune into the full-length interview in the weeks to come, but it was fascinating to hear how much of an influence Garcia, Lesh and company had on Hornsby's songwriting, especially when members of the band were never given proper due for their songwriting prowess.

I've posted a pair of photos below (Edwards on left, Hornsby on right in blue shirt.) I would have taken more, but I felt a bit intrusive with the flash.

Talk soon,

Graham