Have you heard Crooked Still ?

Subject: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 01:50 PM

Hello Mudcat freinds. I was playing clawhammer banjo at my shop the other day and a nice woman who had stopped in asked if I had heard of this group of young musicians who had met in Boston and were playing traditional Oldtime /bluegrass material with a new voice. A week later she sent me a copy of their cd "Hop High ".Very nice of her I must say .. Being of an older generation and interested in a slightly different sound I must say I find their attack very honest and full of the energy of thier age . I love that the driving force of the melody works back and forth between bluegrass banjo and a very lively CHELLO . The results is really wonderfull. Have a listen   http://www.crookedstill.com/CS/5/music.html

Any stories or reactions to this band ?? All the best , Guy

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 02:03 PM

They are a lot of fun.   I have seen them as both Crooked Still and their "alternate" band - Wild Band of Snee. I wasn't that impressed with Snee, but I think Crooked Still is really onto something. I think that the cello is such a fun addition to the sound. I highly recommend them too!

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: GUEST,Digby Jacks
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 02:18 PM

Spot on! The best band I've heard in years and try latest one too, Shaken by a Low Sound - it's even better.

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: GUEST,cranky
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 03:03 PM

They're pretty cool; seen them at a festival, and they're good on stage as well. My quibble is with the breathy baby-doll singing; the Allison Krause school of what to do vocally.

*YAWN*

I'd love to hear this band with a woman who could abandon the hip posturing of postmodernism and sing from her gut. But I guess "progressive" old-timey music is just gonna have that sound, and I'd better get used to it...

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 12:55 AM

I'm with cranky about the girl's voice. She's better on Hop High, though.

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 08:58 PM

As one who lives in the Boston area and thus has had a chance to see them a number of times over the past few years, I think they're quiet amazing. The whole concept of bluegrass cello makes me smile, and Aoife O'Donovan's voice makes me melt. They're definitely not a band for traditionalist purists, nor do they try to be, but I think they're they're fun and energetic and they're definitely introducing the music to a new young audience.

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:50 PM

I like her voice and I cannot stand Alison Krause's. LOVE the cello! What a great addition. Thanks, Guy!

Subject: RE: Have you heard Crooked Still ?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:52 PM

Then Krause should stop singing.