Pickin' On Bluegrass

Sound and Recording
B. Thomas Cooper
Editor

Editors Note:
This article was originally prepared for Helium.com


On a cold and rainy morning in mid September the gathering begins in earnest, as a bevy of blue-hairs descend upon the muddy field. A seemingly endless parade of motor-homes jostle for position, awaiting their turn to brave the ever deepening ruts. Already, a large silver craft is bogged down near the port-a johns, perhaps not the best beginning for a weekend at the Cascade Farms Bluegrass Festival.



There’s an old joke that follows these festivals. How do you know when the stage is level? The banjo players drool evenly from both sides of their mouths. Cruel, you say? In the Bluegrass community, these are words to live by.

Bluegrass, a form of American folk music, originated in the Appalachian region of the United States, although it’s roots can be traced back to Scottish- Irish folk music and remains similar in many aspects. As a rule, Bluegrass music relies on acoustic instrumentation. Primarily, these are the fiddle, the mandolin, the acoustic guitar and the banjo, which is generally played ‘claw hammer’ style. However, Bluegrass songs may also include harmonica, mouth-harp and other instruments.

Bluegrass never really developed as a genre until the 1940’s when Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe and his band introduced the music to a larger audience. As the crowds grew, so did the music, adding new sounds and techniques. Interestingly, Bluegrass music continues to grow in spite of little or no radio exposure. Players learn from other players, and true to the ‘folk’ nature of the music, ideas are passed down from person to person as well.

The vocals are especially curious in Bluegrass music. The harmonies can be downright haunting at times, as can the lyrics. Still, it’s simple music for simple times. Three or four chords are plenty, laying down the foundation for exciting interaction between players. Oh, and back to that unseemly joke about the banjo pickers. Don’t let it fool for a moments, as those guys earned the punch line by being true masters of their art form, no small achievement.

Meanwhile, somewhere back at Cascade Farms the sun is beginning to set and countless bonfires light up the night sky. The echoed strains of Rocky Top can be heard in the distance. Everyone is relaxed now, and the rain has passed. It is beginning to look like this weekend may turn out just fine.