With some of our recent columns being mostly focused on Bluegrass from the outreaches of the genre, we now have some records that are straight from the heart of what most people know and love about Bluegrass. Even the more genre-stretching material, like Tray Wellington’s, is rooted in the legacy of fine instrumental work and innovative song choice. Barnyard Tea, bring us “Dutch-grass” which maintains the traditional elements while also having a very European slant to their music, with bits of folk, Klezmer fiddle and other styles poured into the pot. But it’s all Bluegrass and it’s all good.
Tony Trischka’s ‘Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs’ does exactly what it says on the tin. Celebrates the 100th birthday and the work of banjo player Earl Scruggs. We featured the video of Brown’s Ferry Blues in February and it’s a Banjo, Mandolin and Fiddle workout for which the word “rollicking was invented. Sierra Ferrell on the jazzy ‘San Antonio Rose,’ and a stately take on ‘Amazing Grace.’ Molly Tuttle contributes to ‘Dooley’, but this is Trischka’s show, and the Banjo playing is respectful of Scruggs style while being all his own. The version of ‘Lady Madonna’ turns that song not the Blue sit always could have been. Classic Bluegrass played with passion and a swagger.
Lonesome River Band have a new album ‘The Winning Hand. Though the last remaining original member departed over 20 years ago, the group which has a 41-year history, “hasn’t so much reinvented itself as refined a profoundly influential signature sound that has a seemingly endless appeal to successive generations of fans and musicians alike.” This is Bluegrass with emotive songs and superlative playing. It’s hard to pick out individual songs as the album demands that you play it from start to end, and then hit repeat.
Tray Wellington is another “banjo phenom”, and on his new album ‘Detour to the Moon’ he offers cutting-edge, banjo-led original instrumentals like ‘Moon in Motion 1’ and vocal songs like ‘Lift Up Every Stone’ featuring DaShawn Hickman on a scorching pedal steel and his wife Wendy adding a gospel touch to the singing. Duke Ellington’s ‘Caravan’ is given a Nu-Grass workover, and clearly inspired the smooth jazz stylings of ‘Spiral Staircase.’ A very listenable album overall, if you want a bit of Bluegrass but without the frenetic pace that often accompanies the genre. Jazz-Grass anyone?
Barnyard Tea play a “danceable, gritty bluegrass.” Their epic new album ‘Train’ is a first step in original music for the Amsterdam-based band. The album is a homage to American train songs and steam trains in general. ‘Mr Maple’ is the first standout song, and others like ‘Good Luck With That’ veer away from the Bluegrass pattern, in the case of this song towards Pogue’s style folk. With 20 songs to hear the album does turn into a marathon, but the time passes quickly thanks to their unique take on the Bluegrass style. Not being immersed in the culture gives them a new refreshing viewpoint that makes songs like ‘Skeleton Crew’, a sea shanty about building New York skyscrapers unique in any genre.
The Del McCoury Band return with ‘Songs Of Love And Life’. McCoury knows what he’s looking for in a song. “I like a challenge. I’ve always liked a challenge; I like to learn different things. Doing the same things is mundane to me.” While this is Bluegrass of the most traditional it never sounds like it is resting on its legacy. ‘She’s Heavenly’ has the harmonies, the mandolin solo, and the swing that speaks to lovers of classic Bluegrass. ‘Sad Solemn Sorrow’ is a slow waltz time tune that show another side of the tradition. ‘Evangeline’ drifts towards Nu-Grass with its syncopated vocal line, and chugging rhythm. They save the best until late with ‘Working For the WPA,’ a depression-era story with a tune that nods towards modern country as well as embracing the tradition. Del McCoury is 85, his voice is still astonishingly well preserved, and his band are one of the best in Bluegrass. Possibly the best traditional-style album so far in 2024.
