Kevin's Watch

I've been debating starting this thread for a while. I wasn't sure just how much ridicule I could stand. But this has to be said: BLUEGRASS RULES!

Bluegrass is my favorite music to listen to, and play as well.

Anyone else care to admit to enjoying bluegrass?

I will happily and freely admit it.

While I don't care for it, several of my Great Uncles were in a bluegrass band. They were from Kentucky.

Ah, Duchess - my impression of you as a woman of impeccable taste has been confirmed.

Who are your favorite bands/artists? Here are just a few of mine:

1) Hot Rize
2) Nashville Bluegrass Band
3) Allison Krauss
4) Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
5) Country Gentlemen
6) New Grass Revival - of course

Even though I am a Yankee, my parents come from West Virginia, in the back hills near where Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia all come together. Ther must be something in my genes.

One of my favorite Bluegrass CD's is from Dry Branch Fire Squad, Hand Hewn. One of the songs I like the best on it is Atlanta is Burning, a folk song about the Civil War.

Byrn wrote:While I don't care for it, several of my Great Uncles were in a bluegrass band. They were from Kentucky.

Interesting - any idea what the band was called?

The name escapes me. But their last names are Powell. I'll ask my Dad. He knows.

Well, I finally got around to posting on this. I have played it and sung it all my life, but now that I dont have to, I avoid a lot of it because it brings back so many sad memories. The Allison Krause song Whiskey Lullabye put me in a pit for days and I almost couldn't get out. Yes, Beautiful music and inpsired words, but sometimes it all triggers something really deep that I cannot cope with.
Daddy and his brothers had a band all their lives and sang lots of it and old Hank Williams stuff etc.
There are times when a lot of friends here get together and play and sing and we will sing all night, but then I have to stay away from it for a while til the mood hits me again.
It is mostly written from deep places in people's hearts. I love it when I am feeling strong. hate it when I am down.
When I want it, I want Ricky Scaggs, and no sad stuff.

Hi Cate!

Any chance that I might have ever heard of your father's band or perhaps even seen them?

They used to call themselves the Texas Cowboys, as we lived in Texas, Arkansas, and Tennesssee and back and forth. Uncle Johnny owned an outfit called Royal American Shows, and Daddy's and Uncle Neil's band played mostly rodeos and country shows . They all have decendents that still play and sing and better musicians and singers there never were, although none of them ever made a name for themselves. Daddy even made his own fiddle once.

I flippin' love Blue Grass. Deride away all ye fools! It is really late and I am frightfully tired so can say little more coherant now, just thought I'd give some support. Love you all

Anybody into Bluegrass needs to check out John Hartford especially Steampowered Aereoplain,Mark Twain,or Morning Bugle you will be glad you did.

I second that - John Hartford was incredible!

I like

Bill Monroe
Nickle Creek
Allison Krauss
my bluegrass Christmas album

Cate, when you say you "want" Ricky Scaggs, do you mean...?

I also love Nickel Creek. Their self-titled album is among my favorites in any genre.

I'm quite ignorant in the ways of bluegrass, but I usually prefer it without vocals. I love the virtuoso instrumental playing! And ridicule away, I could listen to Dueling Banjos all day long!

I like a bit of bluegrass now and then. Our local NPR station does "Stained Glass Bluegrass," a religious bluegrass show on Sundays from 8 to 11 am or so. Not much on the religion, but it's great music. I used to be a Ricky Scaggs fan, but I've lost touch with the genre.

I'm not familiar with the genre as a whole, but I took an interest in Alison Krauss after hearing her on [shame]the Buffy soundtrack[/shame].

John Hartford?I can't believe my eyes-someone else into Hartford-its too much.My favorite Hartford music I have is a bootleg of a show in 77,its just him,a fiddle,a banjer(banjo),and his stomping feet.So talented,but too eclectic to achieve mass popularity-yes by all means check out John Hartford.

on the Down From the Mountain show, I love Hartford and Gillian Welch doing Indian War Whoop.

At that point Hartford was near death with cancer, as sick as he was it was a real testament to his love for his craft to still get out there and perform in that state-he was very sick at the time.R.I.P John Hartford