Sometimes, it’s an uphill battle trying to explain the appeal of bluegrass to the uninitiated. I remember reading an interview with Carlos Santana, and he was being asked about his history with other musical icons of the 60’s and 70’s. The interviewer brought up Jerry Garcia.
He said, “There is something in me — my body will not let in bluegrass music…there are certain kinds of music that my body doesn’t allow. One is bluegrass, and Jerry’s playing had a lot of that. There is certain music that I just don’t want to know about”
Wow! Talk about an uphill battle! Carlos, open yourself up a little, dude!
I’m going to go out on a limb and says most folks’ bodies will allow bluegrass in. Whether or not you listen much to bluegrass on purpose, a lot of popular music was absolutely influenced by bluegrass: The Grateful Dead, Doug Sahm, Flying Burrito Brothers, Lovin’ Spoonful, Everly Brothers, and more recently, acts like The Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons.
Like other forms of acoustic music, such as blues and jazz, part of bluegrass music’s appeal lies in the close connection of the players to simple instruments – not a lot of tricks involved. Just feel the bluegrass (or blues or jazz) vibe and play well, true, and from the heart. Nothing else is getting in the way.
And bluegrass, being a true folk music is enjoyable at a broad spectrum of skill levels. People can enjoy playing bluegrass with their friends for a lifetime without any designs on stardom, or even playing in front of any audience.
I have played bluegrass for audiences that had never heard that type of music played live before, and they always comment on the power and beauty that comes from just voices, and acoustic instruments. But we’ve all known that for a long time, haven’t we?
I think I need bluegrass – but not only bluegrass. I listen to a wide variety of music, but there’s something repeatedly refreshing about hearing some really pure bluegrass music. I think I do need a hearty dose of this on a regular basis. Hmmm….am I “hooked on bluegrass”? Could be!
