The latest installment of the Infamous Stringdusters in The Road to Boulder and We'll Do It Live shows how much the band, for me, has grown in 5 years. The concert I'd been able to see prior was Fork in the Road in Tacoma, WA. http://music.thestringdusters.com/album/silver-sky
Set at Track 29, Chattanooga got to once again got the opportunity to see Andy Falco, Travis Book, Andy Hall, Jeremy Garrett, and Chris Pandolfi. I'd never been as near as I was to the stage and got to see first hand how the sound they create as a quintet is fed from one set of 2 or 3 to the full five. They break apart to play against each other, but cohesively become part of the same musical machine.
I tried to really break apart and see each of them at their best to scrutinize what they were doing. Here is what I saw:
Travis Book keeps time with his rear. It's totally adorable and I don't think he even knows he's doing it, but there he is, hips swaying to each 3/4 time. Besides being able to both pluck and saw his bass to the needs of each new song that is being played he's clearly matured in several areas. He's become more comfortable with the one instrument that he can't hide behind; his voice. He plays with it, going to gravel in Get it While You Can, showing the blue in bluegrass. I was so pleased that they hadn't lost the jam session sound.
Chris Pandolfi surprised me with his clear leadership. Banjo players are notorious for being the "straight" men of the bluegrass scene. They have the similar intensity that I see in mandolinists. I had some curiosity while watching him play. He had a capo on for the most of the show, he has the technical ability to not have to use them, and he was still amazing sounding, I just wondered why he needed too. Changes in his showmanship from 5 years ago, Mr. Pandolfi rarely spoke, either on stage or off. This time, I saw him dare his fellow Dusters to hold off one more bar, jump in early, and take in some of the duster fans. He seemed to find it amusing at times. One of the things that I truly wish he would do would sing a solo once in a while. Unassuming Pandolfi has a HUGE BASS VOICE. I don't know if it's distracting to him to both sing and play but I'd love to see more of it showcased.
Jeremy Garrett is clearly the guy who needs a stage. Thank goodness he can play the hell out of a violin and sing like a man afire! Mr. Garrett has always been that voice that made you stand still and listen for a moment then you find yourself an hour later still just listening for "the moment". His body jerks in time madly to his own metronome. What I try to avoid most in writing about musicians is the fingering. Sometimes it's impossible. Garrett makes it hard not too. He's all over his fiddle/violin and owns it. Trying to get a glimpse of him while he's playing can sometimes be difficult to see how he does it technically. His voice is high and slightly reminiscent of a young Del McCoury.
Andy Hall....so much better when you're not sick with food poisoning and playing. He swapped between two different steel guitars, both of which I couldn't tell what brand they were. He was everywhere really enjoying the stage it seemed. You'll have to forgive me as a blogger...Mr. Hall is just fun to watch. His playing on the steel guitar is both meticulous and feverish. He's got this voice that could command several fans to do his bidding should he wish. We drank a few pints prior to the show care of Can'd Aid in benefit for the flooding that happened in and around Mr. Hall's home and community.
Last but not least is Andy Falco. I have a burning desire to know what kind of guitar, strings, and feedback he's got in his guitar. I have listened to hundreds of guitars over the years. Some are so poor that it makes me hate the instrument for a while. I'm quite sure his cost around the $12K marker, but it has the best sound I've ever heard coming from a guitar. It has perfect pitch, resonance, melodious, and what I call round sound. It's phenomenal for it's ability to really reach a crowd. Not that the other instruments aren't fine, Mr. Hall's steel guitar, Mr. Pandolfi's banjo are almost as distinct as a voice.
My feelings are just that of the 5, Falco destroys the competition with his instrument and his forearms. Anyone else see them? Ridiculous power.
Singly, each of them could go anywhere they wanted too. However, as the Infamous Stringdusters they are a powerhouse. I can't think of one thing that I do as well as each of them do up there by comparison. The Road to Boulder tour has tells to the exhaustion the road has been to them either now or in the past. They miss families and friends and around the holidays it's got to be more than hard to both make home and work. All the Same says : "When you want me, I'll be here."
For me the last thing I am going to mention is my utter thanks and gratitude to the band for coming to Chattanooga, Tn. I'd love to see them playing at the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival. Sadly, it coincides with the weekend after the IBMA's in Raleigh. We lost a lot of players that had normally played the IBMA's from Nashville. The crowd turnout could have been larger, but this area is just starting to get to know Bluegrass and Folk music again. Chattanooga has long had bluegrass ties; Lee Highway Blues was written about our Lee Highway. Norman Blake lives here in Chattanooga, as a recluse who can be found only by those who have the musical ability to reach the genius that Blake is.
We all have our personal tastes about why we love what we love stylistically and musically. For me it has great reminder of my family during the holidays when we'd get together and have jam sessions. I miss it and long for it often. Since I won't be going home for Christmas this year, hearing the I.S. play let me close my eyes and feel that feeling of being home.
Lastly, they closed the show to a Bill Monroe song that brought us to frenzy. I appreciate that they gave nod to the Godfather of Bluegrass. Monroe made it possible to realize bluegrass isn't just the music, but the character of person as well. I don't like the word fan. I don't believe I want to be one. It's short for fanatic, and the connotation is ill. I cherish what the past has offered us and very much want each of our bluegrass boys and girls on the road much happiness and well wishing this season and more.
Merry Christmas from Bluegrass and BlueCheese!
Dec 15, 2013
May 17, 2012
Nashville Loses the IBMA's.
I am stunned. STUNNED. Like the mother in Mississippi got tasered twice aka "stunned" because she went to check on her baby in her minivan while pulled over by police, I am equally stunned and rendered stupid by the newest revelation that the International Bluegrass Music Association's resolve to move to Raleigh, NC!
They claim it is due to the costs associated with Nashville. While this is ever present in Nashville it isn't for a bad reason. When you visit Nashville expect the costs to be similar to visiting Las Vegas. Yea, you're not going to win at slots, but you do get the chance to be inundated with amazing musical talent ranging from Rock, ska, techno, country, & of course what we go to see: BLUEGRASS. All of which is welcomed with open arms.
In complete curiosity with the competition from Tennessee, I went to the city website. http://www.visitraleigh.com/ Now I don't know about you, but I'm not overly enamored with their wooing of tourism. They do have an area where they show some Tejano music. Whilst some persons can really shimmy to Tejano, I'm not one of them. Being from Phoenix, one would assume I would be able to; and they would be so, so, so, wrong. Even when it's done well, it sounds like drunken caterwauling. The same I feel for ska, death metal, metal, and two other bands: smashing pumpkins and Hole.
While there are things to do, such as kitschy shops, supposedly interesting resteraunts, museums, none of which scream : WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MUSIC!! So why the desire to move there? The other "contender" was Louisville, KY and I can actually get behind that train. There are many a song even written in Bluegrass about KY. Blue Moon of Kentucky being one of them.
You have to understand, for me this is actually life altering. I got married the week that it ended so that I could actually have more relatives show up for my wedding in Nashville. It's been a continued pilgrimage and a way to hook up with my relatives ever since. Now that it's moving to Raleigh, it's in jeopardy for me. Bluegrass and family has always run so deep but the farther east it goes the harder it makes it for my family who lives on the west coast. They don't have a place to go prior or after. Bums me out.
While I don't entirely begrudge the win for the city of Raleigh, I'm not happy with the loss for Nashville. We had the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Theater, Station Inn, not to mention Cooter's Place home of Daisy Duke's Jeep, the General, and the original theme music. For those aficionados. All I'm saying is there is that not to mention the nickname of the city: MUSIC city. So weird that the Association would pull out of the station when there is money to be made in Nashville. The only way I see them moving is the performers being unhappy with accommodations which are meager for their busses. If this was the case, then for SHAME Nashville.
So ladies and gents, starting 2013 pack your bags for a whole new experience. Without knowing the venue, I'd say pack some sunscreen too, because who knows we might be backpacking it as well!
HEE-HAW!
They claim it is due to the costs associated with Nashville. While this is ever present in Nashville it isn't for a bad reason. When you visit Nashville expect the costs to be similar to visiting Las Vegas. Yea, you're not going to win at slots, but you do get the chance to be inundated with amazing musical talent ranging from Rock, ska, techno, country, & of course what we go to see: BLUEGRASS. All of which is welcomed with open arms.
In complete curiosity with the competition from Tennessee, I went to the city website. http://www.visitraleigh.com/ Now I don't know about you, but I'm not overly enamored with their wooing of tourism. They do have an area where they show some Tejano music. Whilst some persons can really shimmy to Tejano, I'm not one of them. Being from Phoenix, one would assume I would be able to; and they would be so, so, so, wrong. Even when it's done well, it sounds like drunken caterwauling. The same I feel for ska, death metal, metal, and two other bands: smashing pumpkins and Hole.
While there are things to do, such as kitschy shops, supposedly interesting resteraunts, museums, none of which scream : WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MUSIC!! So why the desire to move there? The other "contender" was Louisville, KY and I can actually get behind that train. There are many a song even written in Bluegrass about KY. Blue Moon of Kentucky being one of them.
You have to understand, for me this is actually life altering. I got married the week that it ended so that I could actually have more relatives show up for my wedding in Nashville. It's been a continued pilgrimage and a way to hook up with my relatives ever since. Now that it's moving to Raleigh, it's in jeopardy for me. Bluegrass and family has always run so deep but the farther east it goes the harder it makes it for my family who lives on the west coast. They don't have a place to go prior or after. Bums me out.
While I don't entirely begrudge the win for the city of Raleigh, I'm not happy with the loss for Nashville. We had the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Theater, Station Inn, not to mention Cooter's Place home of Daisy Duke's Jeep, the General, and the original theme music. For those aficionados. All I'm saying is there is that not to mention the nickname of the city: MUSIC city. So weird that the Association would pull out of the station when there is money to be made in Nashville. The only way I see them moving is the performers being unhappy with accommodations which are meager for their busses. If this was the case, then for SHAME Nashville.
So ladies and gents, starting 2013 pack your bags for a whole new experience. Without knowing the venue, I'd say pack some sunscreen too, because who knows we might be backpacking it as well!
HEE-HAW!
May 11, 2012
Tour dates launched and Bluegrass is growin~
Well, we are officially getting cranked up into tour season with some very fun groups this year. I have the hot and heavy of course for the New Video of The Carolina Chocolate Drops and their debut of "Country Girl" to get a taste of this soul trio from the south check them out at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVIaiADsyYo Because let me tell you, you're going to see a lot more of them. They've been touring around for the last 8 years that I'm aware of and have built a cult following of people dedicated on making them mainstream, but still they come back and write these interesting, fun, soulful, and historically rooted songs. Kudos to CCD, keep it coming
On the front of Break-ups, shake-ups, and Make-ups was the big time split up of Steeldrivers. Just about the whole barn burned in this one. Chris Stapleton jumped ship and quickly found himself in another fun and amazing group: The Jompson Brothers. The collaboration comes off as Southern Rock and Country, similiar to the Allman Brothers, but with a ballsy writing of the Doors. Sexy songs like "Ride My Rocket" and gigs meant to help people hurt by Kentucky tornados, Stapleton's new gig shows to be both caring and low key but full of staying power. His voice alone will allow for long term play through his lifetime, as long as he takes care of it. Mike Henderson shortly left the Steeldrivers to join the Mike Henderson Band, truly i'm so glad he branched off from them to create his own vision of what his voice in music should be. What I see for the Steeldrivers is the manager wanting to create a new look one that has emulation towards the AKUS band, and to be honest: There is on one AKUS....and it should never be the Steeldrivers. To be perfectly honest I feel like a petulant child that had thier toy broken by another big kid on my block and handed it back. With both Chris and Mike gone, Steeldrivers had better have one hell of a new CD coming, because they have a lot to make up to with their fans.
Next in that catagory of Breaking up was a total shock and midseason last year : Old Crow Medicine Show split and added the Critter & Ketch reunion tour leg.(This would be the Make-up) Those that were used to the old line-up even had recinded tickets due to the meltdown that occured after the lights went down in Georgia. I have no idea what happened to Willie Watson, as he is twisting in the wind or taking time off. Whatever the reason I wish him the ultimate best as he is an amazing guitarist and when he does come back with a blast, I'll be standing in line to watch. As far as the OCMS goes, fans of them will be happy with the replacement of Critter Fuqua. Back in September there had been rumor that there would be a shake-up on a interview given by Secor to a bluegrass magazine. Who knew it would be this? Time will tell if it was the right path for this budding group.
Dollywood is going to be a blast this year if you're attending the BBQ at Pidgeon Forge! Breaking Grass is set to perform! This 5 man team, ranging from 16-well ahem! will be kicking butt and taking NAMES. Cody Ferrar's wonderfully written songs and older than he sounds at 25 is going to set this stage on fire from June 1-3. What can be better I ask of you? 5 sexy men in bluejeans grassin out with BBQ to boot on the base of Country's most talented woman Dolly Pardon! mmm mm mmm! For the men out there Dolly is providing the boobs, and the men the bootay! ;D Personally hoping to hear the Ghost Song...because it should be in a CSI ending. However I'm guessing April Rain will be the breakout song.
Audie Blaylock and Redline made a break for it this year hitting the charts hard this year with their new CD I'm Going back to Old Kentucky hit Number 1 with Cry Cry Darlin. While a well known tune sometimes it is the stuff that keeps the bluegrass roots grounded that reminds us what it is that makes us remember why we love the music to begin with. You can have a good time and it doesn't have to be hologramed, futuristic, sound changed bugouis rythym and blues material. No, this is the good salt of the earth, where we started out songs that still have a core within us.
Noticibly missed this year is of course going to be Earl Scruggs. Nothing could have gotten me prepared for his death, regardless of his age. Sometimes there are those that are there in your life that are so meaningful with out even being present that affect you. I grew up to Flatt and Scruggs. I knew the history of their breakup. I watched with amazement as Steve Martin attempted to keep up with Earl on the Late Show with David Letterman. He spanned such a music generation that he has a place with us in our hearts forever. He goes on to be with those like John and June, Hazel, Minnie, Grandpa Jones and others that I still can't believe are gone. You know it reminds me of the song the Circle Be Unbroken. All I know is they teach us and we can only hope that we can carry on the tradition as the rest of them.
To the 2012 year I cannot WAIT to see what is goin to happen when the sun goes down and bows get rosen'd up!
On the front of Break-ups, shake-ups, and Make-ups was the big time split up of Steeldrivers. Just about the whole barn burned in this one. Chris Stapleton jumped ship and quickly found himself in another fun and amazing group: The Jompson Brothers. The collaboration comes off as Southern Rock and Country, similiar to the Allman Brothers, but with a ballsy writing of the Doors. Sexy songs like "Ride My Rocket" and gigs meant to help people hurt by Kentucky tornados, Stapleton's new gig shows to be both caring and low key but full of staying power. His voice alone will allow for long term play through his lifetime, as long as he takes care of it. Mike Henderson shortly left the Steeldrivers to join the Mike Henderson Band, truly i'm so glad he branched off from them to create his own vision of what his voice in music should be. What I see for the Steeldrivers is the manager wanting to create a new look one that has emulation towards the AKUS band, and to be honest: There is on one AKUS....and it should never be the Steeldrivers. To be perfectly honest I feel like a petulant child that had thier toy broken by another big kid on my block and handed it back. With both Chris and Mike gone, Steeldrivers had better have one hell of a new CD coming, because they have a lot to make up to with their fans.
Next in that catagory of Breaking up was a total shock and midseason last year : Old Crow Medicine Show split and added the Critter & Ketch reunion tour leg.(This would be the Make-up) Those that were used to the old line-up even had recinded tickets due to the meltdown that occured after the lights went down in Georgia. I have no idea what happened to Willie Watson, as he is twisting in the wind or taking time off. Whatever the reason I wish him the ultimate best as he is an amazing guitarist and when he does come back with a blast, I'll be standing in line to watch. As far as the OCMS goes, fans of them will be happy with the replacement of Critter Fuqua. Back in September there had been rumor that there would be a shake-up on a interview given by Secor to a bluegrass magazine. Who knew it would be this? Time will tell if it was the right path for this budding group.
Dollywood is going to be a blast this year if you're attending the BBQ at Pidgeon Forge! Breaking Grass is set to perform! This 5 man team, ranging from 16-well ahem! will be kicking butt and taking NAMES. Cody Ferrar's wonderfully written songs and older than he sounds at 25 is going to set this stage on fire from June 1-3. What can be better I ask of you? 5 sexy men in bluejeans grassin out with BBQ to boot on the base of Country's most talented woman Dolly Pardon! mmm mm mmm! For the men out there Dolly is providing the boobs, and the men the bootay! ;D Personally hoping to hear the Ghost Song...because it should be in a CSI ending. However I'm guessing April Rain will be the breakout song.
Audie Blaylock and Redline made a break for it this year hitting the charts hard this year with their new CD I'm Going back to Old Kentucky hit Number 1 with Cry Cry Darlin. While a well known tune sometimes it is the stuff that keeps the bluegrass roots grounded that reminds us what it is that makes us remember why we love the music to begin with. You can have a good time and it doesn't have to be hologramed, futuristic, sound changed bugouis rythym and blues material. No, this is the good salt of the earth, where we started out songs that still have a core within us.
Noticibly missed this year is of course going to be Earl Scruggs. Nothing could have gotten me prepared for his death, regardless of his age. Sometimes there are those that are there in your life that are so meaningful with out even being present that affect you. I grew up to Flatt and Scruggs. I knew the history of their breakup. I watched with amazement as Steve Martin attempted to keep up with Earl on the Late Show with David Letterman. He spanned such a music generation that he has a place with us in our hearts forever. He goes on to be with those like John and June, Hazel, Minnie, Grandpa Jones and others that I still can't believe are gone. You know it reminds me of the song the Circle Be Unbroken. All I know is they teach us and we can only hope that we can carry on the tradition as the rest of them.
To the 2012 year I cannot WAIT to see what is goin to happen when the sun goes down and bows get rosen'd up!
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