Historic Bluegrass video on TNN

Subject: Historic Bluegrass video on TNN
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 01:05 AM

My sisters called me to tell me to turn this on this evening. I thought, hmmmm, bluegrass, not really my favourite, but I tried it anyway and was delighted to watch an hour of Mac Wiseman and another guy whose name I can't remember Terry or Kerry?, host a get together/song circle of some really fine, old, pioneers of the genre. Performers, with wonderful stories and music included, Mac, Kenny Baker, Ramona Jones, JD Crowe, Charles Bailes and Jim McReynolds.

There were a slew of others whose names I didn't get, including some of the Carter family. A lot of memories were shared and there were some really hot banjo tracks as well a beautiful fiddle tune by Kenny Baker. Also, Mac Wiseman sang Carry Me back to the Mountain (I think I got that right); he said Roy Acuff used to sing at the end of a show (Grand Ole Opry?), that he remembered as a kid and had the great pleasure of singing it with him, on an album, a couple of years ago.

Anyway, out of two days of jamming, they put together this one hour special, to promote their four videos, each of which is four hours, plus you get a documentary video of behind the scenes, free, if you order all four. They were $19.95 each or $79something for all four. I wouldn't spend that, but for anyone who is really interested it sounded and looked like a great addition to the video library. Lots of history. Did any of you see it?

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Historic Bluegrass video on TNN
From: Allan S.
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 01:44 PM

Hi there Cat Yes, my son phoned and told me to see the show. Really super. tho it was a plug to buy the entire series for 70 +- dollars. What was interesting tho would be to compare the old Timey music to what blue grass in now. Went to the CT. blue grass fest a few weeks ago. and it all appears to be speed and techniqie. You get the impression that there are about 12 basic tunes and all the rest are variations on the theme. With many bands all you hear is the Mandolin kachunk kachunk. Bah Humbug OLD WAYS ARE BEST Allan :-(

Subject: RE: Historic Bluegrass video on TNN
From: j0_77
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 02:04 PM

Thankyou for the info - I will be looking out for these videos. Kenny Baker - a fine fiddler and a great person. I once was in a group that included Mr Kenny and a specator from the show just over asked Kenny how many tunes he knew. Kenny replied 'oh 'bout three' he was joking of course. The old Bluegrass is excellent, the new bands do make such a rush of the tunes I quickly tire of em.

Irish trad is going down the same fast lane and will end up like Bluegrass. I think that is a shame.

I always prefer Old Time Clawhammer Banjo and Fiddle doing American Trad tunes. Seems to me (student of the banjo) it is pretty darn difficult to play some of them clawhammer tabs at great speed.

Subject: RE: Historic Bluegrass video on TNN
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 02:11 PM

Well guys, I accidentally started two threads on this. I thought I ahd stopped the first to put in the name of the show and wasn't speedy enough:-) Maybe Max or someone can combine them.

I know what you mean about bluegrass. The reason I watched this one was because it was old timey. I really can stand to listen to most of it nowadays. Not just the playing, but the singing, too. It all sounds too much like whining through their noses!

Lucky you! For getting to play with Kenny. He has such long and graceful fingers. Being a trained violinst and budding fiddler, I was amazed at what ease he took while playing such a beautiful tune. BTW, did either of you catch the name of the tune he played? I missed it and didn't know it. Would like to practise it.

Thanks!

kat