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Thread: Gangstagrass?

  1. #1
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Gangstagrass?

    Saw that word in a Rolling Stone headline. No resemblance to Bluegrass other than instrumentation (some banjo rolls and fiddle licks). Using a Woody Guthrie tune to launch into social commentary a la rap style.

    I think Woody would approve the sentiment; not sure what Bill would have thought of the “grass” appropriation, LOL

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  3. #2
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    I first heard of this term in relation to the title song of the TV show "Justified" - Long Hard Times to Come; the name of the band is Gangstagrass. I liked the song when I was watching the show, and I don't generally lean toward rap. It's a very interesting mix of musical styles, though. I think you're right about Woody Guthrie, Mark.

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  5. #3

    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    I think the overwhelming majority of artists are into all sorts of goofy stuff their fans would hate.

    Incidentally, Mark, if you haven’t watched Justified, it’s pretty great.
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  7. #4

    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    Although Melody was not the original vocalist on the album she does a great job.
    https://youtu.be/9vwFciHiWlk
    " Practice every time you get a chance." - Bill Monroe

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  9. #5
    Mandolin Player trodgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    I believe music is a gift for all people. Some artists see beyond the boundaries of what we call genres and work/produce/play/create together. Some artists remain attached to certain forms and traditions. It's all good to my ears. I'm just thrilled to see artists working in styles that are perceived to be culturally separate creating together. Some folks are disturbed by the fusion. I just hear music.
    “Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher ‘standard of living’ is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free.” -- Aldo Leopold

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  11. #6
    Registered User Paul Cowham's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    I haven't checked out the link, but when I saw ganstagrass in the title, I assumed it was some kind of urban outlaw country/bluegrass thing

  12. #7
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    In the comment box to Amandolin's link above, someone wrote "If this isn't American I don't know what is" or something similar. It struck me as very true.

    The vocals on this video, btw, are very striking. She's got a great voice for the music.

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  14. #8
    The Amateur Mandolinist Mark Gunter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    Quote Originally Posted by AMandolin View Post
    Although Melody was not the original vocalist on the album she does a great job.
    https://youtu.be/9vwFciHiWlk
    Enjoyed that, thanks.
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  15. #9

    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    If I live a good life, maybe I will never hear anything like that ever again. They're free to do it of course. I have no problem with that, but it's not for me.

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  17. #10
    NY Naturalist BradKlein's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gangstagrass?

    When I first heard of the band in NYC, I didn't really take them seriously, and assumed it was just a light hearted musical mashup. But the first time I saw them perform, it was obvious that these were dedicated artists working hard at what they were about. It was a pleasure watching them develop and enjoy some success.
    BradKlein
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