Chris “Critter” Eldridge: Acoustic guitar virtuoso, unique spiritual being

Chris Eldridge and I met when I stepped off of an elevator with my bass at the International Bluegrass Music Association's convention in 2004. The Infamous Stringdusters were forming in Nashville at the time and they needed a bass player for the jam that night and, it turned out, for the band in general. We spent the first two years of that band traveling and making music together and Chris is still one of my favorite musicians and humans. A member of the Punch Brothers and Mighty Poplar, he’s also made a couple great records with guitarist Julian Lage and plays in a duo with his wife Kristen Andreassen. Our conversation started when he arrived at my house and didn’t end until he pulled out of the driveway the next day, but we’ve captured some of the best parts here for the podcast.

This episode was recorded live at 185 King St in Brevard, NC on November 12, 2024.

This episode is brought to you by Thompson Guitars and is presented by Americana Vibes and The Bluegrass Situation as part of the BGS Podcast Network. You can dive into all things roots music anytime at thebluegrasssituation.com

Timestamps:

0:06 soundbyte

0:43 introduction

1:58 introduction by Bill K.

3:12 Little Sadie

7:43 “darkest song to happiest song”

9:00 Living in the Mississippi Valley

11:43 Poor Boys Delight

16:09 ad break 1

16:11 Muddy Water

19:38 Rygar

23:20 insert

23:36 interview

53:44 ad break 2

53:56 Angeles

57:37 My First Will

1:01:39 on Uncle Earl

1:02:57 Through the Bottom of the Glass

1:06:33