Billy Strings performing a cover of John Hartford’s ‘’Steam Powered Aereo Plane’’ with Billy Failing on lead vocals at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO on May 12th, 2022.
Coming from a towboat pilot myself, John Hartford will always be a treasure of mine. His river knowledge and music he shared of that river are something special. I hope to hear more of him coming from you!
I just listened to the original and then another cover before listening to this. Your covers are always better than the originals. It’s incredible. Love you boys! And your originals too!
I love finding Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle playing old John Hartford songs on RU-vid, and playing them very, very well. Billy Failing did a great job singing and picking 'Steam Powered Aereo Plane' on this one. It was fun watching Billy Strings mouth the lyrics on the side. John Hartford had the ability to attract the best musicians to come a play his songs with him. Apparently his way-to-early passing hasn't changed that ability. Mad respect to these young people and their respect for the eclectic genius of John Hartford!
Hey, me too. I saw John's genius on the Brother's Smothers Comedy summer replacement show with someone name Campbell. Live, on my parent's TV. John shined. Been a fan since. I am aware of Hartford's life. And his genuis. Thanks!
I had the John Hartford album this song is off of back in the day. There's also a song on that album called "They're Going to Tear Down the Grand Ole Opry" (i.e.. the Ryman). Thank God that didn't happen. I guess he was alt bluegrass before there was anything as such (other than his massive hit "Gentle on My Mind" recorded by Glenn Campbell. which wasn't bluegrass).
The playing is good - but the vocals are lacking. It's not "Steam-Powered Aero Plane" - it's AIR-EE-OH Plane. Not pronouncing it properly takes all the quirkiness out of it.
