Re: Bluegrass Underground
OK, so I just watched this episode, and I've got mixed feelings. First, they sounded more bluegrass-y than I was expecting, yet half the time they didn't sound like traditional bluegrass. They used the elements and instruments of bluegrass, sometimes in interesting ways, but somehow the overall effect wasn't very involving. I kept nodding off, which is not a good sign. The pickers were good, the singing was fine, it just was lacking in some way. I didn't feel much passion, or at least not enough to maintain my interest. I don't think it had anything to do with someone performing barefoot, which I probably wouldn't have even noticed if it hadn't been mentioned here. It did seem a bit weird, though - never seen that in a bluegrass context, or, for that matter, for a guy to do it. Girls do it now and then, and more in the pop and rock world; Joss Stone is known for this, for instance, but on an oriental rug, not on a bare stage in 56° room. Not that it matters, but, eh, whatever.
It's worth noting that right at the start of the show there's a bit of introductory footage with the following four title phrases in succession: "Bluegrass - Roots Rock - Neo-Folk - Americana." This is their way of telling viewers what to expect, regardless of the name of the show. So, you know, tune in, but pay attention, and you won't misunderstand.
But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller
Furthering Mandolin Consciousness
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