The great bluegrass singer and banjoist Ralph Stanley would have been 96 today. Like many, I first became aware of him thanks to the Coen Brothers film O Brother Where Art Thou? Ralph's electrifying a cappella performance of 'O Death' was one of the musical highlights of that brilliant movie – but here he is earlier in his career, with his brother Carter, performing something much cheerier: 'Mountain Dew'.
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It's rare to find a Brit who actually enjoys Americana, and I'm always happy when you promote it. . Very few Americans where I am at, so no one seems to care for it very much. The constant answer is usually seems to be, 'Why would I listen to that', usually because they are hung up on the concept of it being different and don't understand that it can still be good. After 15 years here, I still listen to bluegrass, eat fried chicken and cornbread, and try to keep as much of home around me as I can
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Anonymous. I can't understand the British resistance to Americana either, tho it does seem to be breaking down a bit lately, at least among musicians – witness Robert Plant and John Paul Jones's recent ventures.
DeleteSorry, this was me from earlier comments.
ReplyDeleteThat's some pickin' !
ReplyDelete"I'll hush up my mug
If you fill up my jug . . ."
Hah!