this past weekend i was fortunate enough to experience the 7th annual rhythm & roots bluegrass festival here in bristol. coming from the midwest where bluegrass is scarcely found, i had little idea of what to expect, but i was pleasantly surprised. this event was wonderfully organized and offered an eclectic sampling of all that the bluegrass genre has in its arsenal; yes, you heard me correctly: i used the words 'bluegrass' and 'eclectic' in the same sentence...i was shocked too. but if you look hard enough and find yourself at festivals such as this one, then you're bound to run into something you didn't expect. twelve stages and approximately fifty bands all along historic state street (the place where rca first recorded country music), with all the vendors and colorful people you would expect, comprised this past weekend in downtown bristol.
but as we all know, it's really about the music, and this event didn't disappoint. bluegrass has apparently been redefined over the years to the end of producing some truly unique sounds that popular music will never be able to accomplish, and believe me, it's a tragedy that most of these band will go unheard-of by a majority of radio listeners. here are a few of the concert highlights i found from this past weekend (their band names are links the their websites).
the carolina chocolate dropswith a sound that belongs to the deepest south, this trio of african-american string players blends the beginnings of soul, gospel, and blues to bring back a sound that simply can't be heard anymore. they make their way through the midwest, so be sure to check them out some time.
the everybodyfieldsa good way to get yourself recognized is to take something old and make it new; this band is gaining recognition for doing just that. a quartet from the tennessee area , the everybodyfields draws influence from country, rock, and blues to paint sounds that make you sit and pay attention; not only that, but their powerfully morose and doleful lyrics pull you in until you're completely lost in the experience of listening. they have a new cd just out called 'nothing is okay' with the picture of an upside down cartoon rainbow on the cover...enough said.
the wiyosragtime vaudeville is back! that's right, you heard me...there is a place in music still for the vaudevillian sideshow and this trio proves it. if i had only heard this one band all weekend, it would have been enough. a certain crowd favorite (for good reason), the wiyos provide non-stop entertainment with their shtick and banter while backing it up with the most amazing musicianship i heard throughout the entire event. tight rhythms and even tighter three-part harmonies, wonderfully nuanced compositions (some traditional tunes but many of their own), and a condensed sound that seems it should be coming from an old victrola; top it all off with a washboard, harmonica, kazoo, megaphone, etc. (played by a musician who actually knows how to play each of those instruments) and you'll start to have some idea of what this group offers.
of course i didn't have time enough to sample every band there, which, in my opinion, is a good thing; there really was something for every one; a sonorous taste for every musical palate. kudos to each band that participated in keeping the spirit of bluegrass alive. i can't wait for next year's event.
of course i didn't have time enough to sample every band there, which, in my opinion, is a good thing; there really was something for every one; a sonorous taste for every musical palate. kudos to each band that participated in keeping the spirit of bluegrass alive. i can't wait for next year's event.
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