Fifty years of dirt, sweat, and harmony — with John Prine stealing every scene he's in.
Filmed and Recorded Live at Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee, on September 14, 2015, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin' Back: Celebrating 50 Years captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.
Acting
John Prine's deadpan between-song banter.
Sound
Jerry Douglas's dobro will melt your face.
Production
Ryman acoustics, no frills, pure church.
Director
James Burton Yockey
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Ryman's pews have hosted everyone from Hank Williams to Lizzo; this concert continues its reputation as country's truest cathedral.
Jimmy Ibbotson's return marked his first appearance with the band since 2009, making this a rare full-circle moment for the original lineup.
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