The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #12589   Message #100416
Posted By: Cathy
29-Jul-99 - 06:56 AM
Thread Name: Know Any Decent Bluegrass Songs?
Subject: RE: Know Any Decent Bluegrass Songs?
Bluegrassers seem to like to claim Doc Watson as their own, though one part of bluegrass culture is to spend time and energy discussing what is and isn't bluegrass. (BLuegrass MUSIC culture, that is. I don't what they do in Kentucky for fun) The "whiney nasal" complaint about BG comes from people who haven't educated their ears. IMO, the reedy high lonesome sound, is best sung by Ralph Stanley and Vince Gill. And the high pure tones are best done by Doyle and Del. Doc has more of a "folky" voice (reminds me of Frank Warner). When "ordinary" voices like Marty Stuart do BG, something is missing. (Though I love ya Marty for tryin') I haven't begun to mention the ladies - the bell tones of Emmy Lou, or the low holler of Maybelle. And Laurie Lewis fits my "perfect" category.