Bluegrass is Back



Photo Credit: Katie Rusch

 Its track has been long and winding, with ties that have touched the lives of many storied people, places and events. Because of its widespread reach, it has become a historic yet functional element of everyday life.   Although it has been around longer that most can remember, to this day many of us still try to ignore its “high lonesome sound”. I know I do, especially when I am trying to sleep at 5 a.m.

I am referring to the railroad, but then again I could also be talking about bluegrass music.

Photo Credit: countryuniverse.net

Just reading the word “bluegrass” probably caused some of you to yawn, stop reading and go check your email. But for those who stuck with me, don’t worry; your inbox is probably filled with spam and I will not bore you with the history of bluegrass. What I will do is suggest some current acts worth listening to.

While we have been ignoring it in favor of more mainstream music, bluegrass has developed an understated sophistication that can no longer go unnoticed. Gone are the straw hats and suspenders; bluegrass is based upon original craftsmanship, stellar musicianship and stacked harmonies that leave a haunting echo in their wake.

Dierks Bentley showcases these qualities on his new CD, Up on the Ridge. Washington Post music critic Chris Richards described Bentley’s previous country singles as “doofy party anthems”, but changed his tune and calls the bluegrass project “dazzling”. If that dramatic shift in opinion is not enough to convince you to give it a listen, maybe the U2 cover (Pride) and collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson (Bad Angel) will prove that this CD is a bluegrass project suited for the modern listener.

Another country act that has dipped its toes into the stream of bluegrass music is Little Big Town. Their earthy four part harmonies and marketable image have made them country superstars. But bluegrass undertones are present in all their songs, with their new CD, The Reason Why, being no exception. Check it out.

Nickel Creek, Cherryholmes and The Carolina Chocolate Drops are also worth a listen.

Although the sound of a midnight train whistle and the fast picking of bluegrass are equally annoying to some, being able to look past the musty connotations associated with both may bring about a deeper appreciation for the history and mystery they possess. My iPod is not loaded with dueling banjos and songs fit for hoedowns, but I appreciate some of the more contemporary bluegrass recordings, and hope that others do as well.