Jerry Douglas Glides Through Third Show at Hall of Fame
Last night I had one of those Nashville moments, when I found myself watching some of my favorite musicians at an easygoing show at the Country Music Hall of Fame. No big deal - just Jerry Douglas, Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice ... I swear, I'll never get used to seeing that caliber of talent all in one place. Douglas is currently the museum's artist-in-residence, and this was his third show in a series of four. I'm always impressed with his own musical output, but when you have Alison Krauss singing along with the Louvin Brothers' "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby," then everything goes up a notch.
I also got a kick out of watching Earl Scruggs pick his banjo while he closely listened to all the other musicians, and he'd break out in a big grin when Douglas knocked out a really cool Dobro lick on "Home Sweet Home." At various times fast and slow, with long notes and short and always seemingly effortless, Luke Bulla's fiddle solo during "We Hide and Seek" is one of the finest I've ever heard. Douglas and his friend, Buddy Greene, also paid tribute to Jerry Reed on "Amos Moses," and then Tony Rice came back out to play another of Reed's songs, "The Likes of Me." So much of Douglas' original music is progressive (and can hurt your head if you try to absorb it all), so it was equally inspiring to hear these musicians honor the musicians who have gone before. And you can't go too far wrong with a lineup like this.
(Photo Credit: Donn Jones)
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RedMaZ says:
Without a doubt, the cream of the Americana Music crop. I would like to offer this technical correction. The instrument Jerry Douglas plays is a resophonic or resonator guitar. The term “Dobro” is a brand name (now owned by Gibson). That would be like calling every guitarist a “Fender Player”.
countryfan11 says:
I think it’s funny that I can pick out all these blogs I KNOW you’ll be commenting on, then find with the exception of maybe one, YOU are the ONLY one responding to them. Why is that I wonder? Where is all this die-hard interest?
RedMaZ says:
The die-hard interest is with the Americana/Roots fans. This isn’t Pop Music, it’s Roots Music. I see you’re following me around so look out, you might learn something! Ever heard of Jerry Douglas? Alison Krauss? Earl Scruggs? Louvin Brothers? Check them out sometime. Let me know what you think.
countryfan11 says:
I like Alison Krauss, heard of Scruggs, not positive on the other 2. I know Paisley is Pop Country but I think he also jams sometimes with some of these people. What do you consider Vince Gill to be, or Ricky Skaggs?
RedMaZ says:
Even though Gill and Skaggs were at one time considered Pop, their kindred spirits have brought them to Americana Music. Vince is all over Americana music whether it be with the Notorious Charry Bombs to a duet with Julie Lee to dozens of other projects. Skaggs obviously has taken over the reins of his mentor, the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe.
countryfan11 says:
Isn’t Dolly another artist that does both Pop & Bluegrass? I’m not sure about Emmylou Harris but I never cared much for her, too folksy for me. I liked Stuart-Tritt pairing, not sure where they fit in either since Tritt got a lot of airplay on regular pop/country radio.
RedMaZ says:
Yes Dolly crosses many genres. Never was a fan of her Pop music. Never cared much for her Bluegrass style either. Always sounds forced to me. Emmylou is a true Americana icon and Country Music Hall of Famer. True she does Folk style music, but she can cover everything from hard core country. Her great duets with the late Gram Parsons, and she can Rock out too when need be. Marty Stuart is now an Americana mainstay too, and a keeper of the tradition. There are many artists that were once considered Pop(country) who are now Americana artists. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Kathy Mattea, and on and on. But you have to remember even “Pop” music was different then.
countryfan11 says:
I like some of Cash, Haggard, Willie, Mattea, Kris, not ALL of it, but then I don’t necessarily like EVERY song one individual artist does either. I love Dolly; her story & persona, I think she’s talented, smarter than she lets on, has business savvy, and I think she’s pretty amusing at times. I’ve liked a few of Yoakum’s songs too.
Dr. Steve Johnson says:
Damn, I knew there was a reason I needed to live closer to Nashville. Flux’s new CD is refreshing and enjoyable music. Flux, Alison, Earl, and Tony holding court is a musical event I would have dearly love to see. Shows of that caliber make me glad to be alive!