Where The Bluegrass Grows

Posted by amyclark on 08/06/2008
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8/2/2007 Stephen L. Betts Welcome to the first edition of a new regular feature at CountryHound, our look at what's happening in bluegrass music. First off I should note that we will cover mainly bluegrass here, and we’re covering Americana in our "Americana Spirit" column, but there will probably be some bluegrass items here as well as there, and the same for the Americana news and such. Plus, we'll be including what might be best termed as old-time music, too, when appropriate. And it is certainly appropriate to start with a little historical, old-time music news: It was, after all, 80 years ago yesterday and today (Aug. 1-2, 1927) that the Carter Family recorded their first sessions for Victor Records in Bristol, Tenn. In two days, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle recorded six songs. Just days later, Jimmie Rodgers would record his first songs for Victor. It's an event that would come to be known as "The Big Bang of Country Music." Now, moving ahead eight decades: Beginning Aug. 11 at 9 p.m. (ET), Alison Krauss will be the subject of a one-hour music special on GAC. Alison Krauss:  A Hundred Miles or More, offers Alison performing songs from A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection with her band, Union Station. Also spotlighted will be duets with Brad Paisley, James Taylor, and British rocker John Waite. The GAC special is set in a recording studio environment to re-create the making of many of the tracks featured on A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection. One of the songs featured is Alison’s new single “Simple Love.” Alison, who has earned more Grammy awards - 20 in all - than any other female artist, will talk about her successful musical career, her life’s journey and what she’s learned along the way. And in new CD release news. the Bluegrass Elvises, Vol 1, from Shawn Camp and Billy Burnette on the American Roots Publishing label, features fun bluegrass covers of Elvis Presley classics. Among the standouts:  "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," "Little Sister," "That's All Right Mama," and CountryHound’s personal favorite, "Hound Dog." Here’s one for the kiddies (of all ages): Little Mo' McCoury (McCoury Music), features bluegrass mandolin player/vocalist extraordinaire Ronnie McCoury backed by the entire Del McCoury Band.  Each song is introduced by one of Ronnie's kids, a niece or a nephew. Childhood favorites such as "This Old Man" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad," are included, as well as "You've Got a Friend in Me," the Randy Newman gem from Toy Story, and Bob Dylan’s version of “Old McDonald” - "Man Gave Names to All the Animals."  Did you know? Bluegrass consumers are 9% less likely to read Cosmopolitan, 29% less likely to read Star, and 10% less likely to read Vanity Fair when compared to the general population.