Acoustic Disc 59
Acoustic Disc’s latest offering, Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys’ Live at Mechanics Hall is both a historical document and a measuring stick of progress. Captured at a 1963 concert by a young David Grisman, the recording sounds remarkably clean for a live performance of this era. Granted, there are a handful of moments when the sound overloads and tops out on higher notes, but these minor crackles and pops only add to the old-timey feel of the show. And yes, this is bluegrass from a different time; this is your father’s bluegrass.
1963 found Bill Monroe in an interesting spot. The founder of bluegrass was experiencing a relative career resurgence, thanks in part to his inclusion in the folk music revival that had swept across America. His band was also in fine form, with young Del McCoury manning lead vocals and guitar and Bill Keith holding court on a revolutionary style of banjo picking. Monroe’s act had transformed over the years, and old comedic bits were omitted as the band became the centerpiece of a larger revue with sit-ins a-plenty.
From "Dark Hollow" to "Rawhide" to "Uncle Pen," this concert is loaded with classics, although not one single rendition would be considered definitive. Nevertheless, it’s a joy to hear Monroe’s impassioned yodeling on "Muleskinner Blues," his bluesy mandolin picking in "On and On," and Keith’s unique and speedy banjo soloing on "Devil’s Dream." Of course, no matter what your standards may be, it’s hard to avoid falling for Monroe’s turn on his masterpiece, "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Vocally, he may miss a note or two, but his passion more than makes up for his minor mistakes. This song has been recorded countless times, but very few renditions can hold a candle to those of the master.
Modern bluegrass fans who are ignorant of the past may have a slight difficulty digesting the contents of this release. Only one song lasts longer than three minutes, and some numbers don’t even cross the two-minute mark. Listeners may chuckle at guest vocalist Melissa Monroe’s exaggerated twang, and Joe Stuart’s fiddle often seems to teeter on the edge of proper pitch. Undoubtedly, our ears have been spoiled by the legions of current virtuoso musicians who have embraced and enhanced bluegrass music. However, our lust for bluegrass perfection cannot overlook the man who invented the art form, and this concert documents the origins of his innovative brand of music.
When listening to Hank Williams’ "I Saw the Light," one hears the true essence of bluegrass music, a genre born deep in the valleys of Appalachia. Here are five musicians standing around picking and singing the Gospel in a uniquely countrified, Southern way that comes straight from the soul. The contemporary Yankee transplants who have adopted Monroe’s art form may be able to pick with blazing speed and sing with faux Southern dialects, but they’ll never duplicate his authenticity. Live at Mechanics Hall cuts straight to the core of bluegrass, and what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart.
News
Archive- Dog Days Fest Drops 2024 Artist Lineup: MJ Lenderman, Sheer Mag, Frankie and the Witch Fingers and More
- Neil Young and Crazy Horse Perform Augmented “Cortez The Killer” and Bust Outs During Love Earth Tour Opener
- The Rolling Stones Announce North American Tour Openers: Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, Bettye LaVette and More
- Talking Heads to Reconnect for ‘A Night of Stop Making Sense’ Screenings in NY and LA
- Dayglo Presents Takes Over Bearsville Theater
- Goose Goes Back to Class: Band Members Return to Former High School for Student and Staff Concerts
- Marcus King Band Family Reunion to Return for First Time Since 2019 with The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell and More
- Can’d Aid Announces Flyaway Sweepstakes for Two to Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Most Popular
- Warren Haynes, Bill Kreutzmann, Devon Allman and More Share Tributes to Dickey Betts
- Duane Betts Responds to Outpouring of Support Following Father Dickey Betts’ Passing, Shares Tour Update
- Phish Change Forms for Final Sphere Performance
- Phish Dive Deep for Night Two at Las Vegas’ Sphere
- Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule Pay Tribute to Dickey Betts at SweetWater 420 with Allman Brothers Band Classics
- Brooklyn Bowl to Host Benefit for Bad Brains’ HR, with Members of Bad Brains, Fishbone, Living Colour and More
- Brothers in Frequency: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
- Jaimoe to Participate in One-Off Performance with Friends of the Brothers in Fairfield
No Comments comments associated with this post