The SteelDrivers' Bluesy Bluegrass Gets Under My Skin
I wasn't shocked to hear that the SteelDrivers' self titled debut was the most downloaded Americana/Bluegrass album of the year on iTunes. For me it's easy to see why. The songs are original and engaging and their musicianship is top shelf. But I think what really grabbed me is their vocal bluesy-ness.
You need only listen as far as the opening verse of the first track, "Blue Side of the Mountain," to hear singer Chris Stapleton's voice ooze the blues. It's not the high-lonesome style of singing common to bluegrass, though; it's down in the dirt and powerful. "Midnight Train to Memphis" is another stand out example that was almost alarming on the first listen. But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the slightly more reserved "If It Hadn't Been for Love" with its haunting chorus harmony. I love the sadness that comes through when the lyric trails off at the end.
I certainly don't claim to know what drives people to download one album versus another, but maybe Stapleton's vocals have as big of an effect on others as they have on me. All I can say for sure is that the SteelDrivers' blues get under my skin -- in a "wow, that's heavy" kind of way -- and I hope they keep it up.
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RedMaZ says:
Mike Henderson should be considered for Artist of the Decade. When I have more time, I’ll tell you why. Or…do yourself a favor, and check out all his work.
Luvncountry says:
Hmmmm. only one comment in a blog about Americana/Roots music and over 100 in Pop Country. What does THAT say about interest? I guess the majority prefer Pop Country over the other. I would probably give it a listen if I didn’t have such an antiquated computer and knew of a station in my area that played Americana/Roots music. I’ve heard of a few names.
Not Mike’s though.
RedMaZ says:
That proves what I’ve always said. By definition the majority prefer Pop music for good or bad over Roots music . That’s nothing new. I’d take one educated music listener over a hundred uneducated listeners anyday. Look at the Chesnutt blog. So many untrue statements, it’s staggering. Musically, Roots music is bigger than Pop Music will ever be.
Luvncountry says:
Ok, thanks for the reply. I’m not entirely sure what Roots music is, but I’ll take your word on it. I know you usually
link Roots music with Americana, but I’m not sure if those two are the same TYPE music too, but I know they both gotta differ from Pop for sure.
GracieMuldoon says:
We had the Steeldrivers as our December 08 Artist of the Month at WorldWideBluegrass.com! They are a very exciting newcomer to the Bluegrass genre.. Folks will LOVE THEM!
KudzuBelle says:
I am a huge bluegrass fan for sure, as well as classic old country and several other genres of music. The combination of experience in this group is overwhelming, and the end product superlative. Chris Stapleton has made it up there to my elite group of favorite songwriters, along with Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Lyle Lovett. The culination of his vocal contributions along with the utmost in instrumental talent becomes something like amazingly crafted storytelling set to music in a book that you hope will never end. I predict they will be a HUGE force in country music.