Getting psyched for my impending Kentucky trip. I will be attending the 2-day Jamey Aebersold Improvisation seminar at the University of Louisville. This will be my first road trip South (well, if you don't count the trip to Florida that I took with my high school band. Riding in a charter bus for 22 hours doesn't really count as a road trip for me.)
In preparation for my trip, I've looked into some well-known musicians from the state of Kentucky. It's no surprise that many country, Christian, and gospel singers hail from Kentucky: Steven Curtis Chapman, Achy Breaky Hearted Billy Ray Cyrus, Loretta Lynn (the coal miner's daughter), Naomi Judd, Wynonna Judd, and Ricky Scaggs. Kentucky is home to a rich history of folk and country music, and it's just a hop and a skip away from another major music hub: Nashville, TN. From Rosine, KY comes "The Father of Bluegrass Music" Bill Monroe. According to his website, he invented, labelled, and propelled bluegrass style into modern America. Through the inception of his band, the Blue Grass Boys, he defined the bluegrass tradition with close harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and driving tempos.
In Monroe's own words: "To me, bluegrass is really THE country music. It was meant for country people." With that quote, it's easy to wander off into the murky depths of country and folk music history, in an attempt to come up with an intellectual definition of "country" music. [Here we go, down the rabbit hole.] What is country music? As opposed to pop music? Or blues? How is modern country music different from modern pop music (leaving out hip-hop for the moment)? Same instruments, some of them even electrified. Same themes in lyrics, same chord progressions. All that's different is style and a bit of twang. Throw in a lap steel guitar, a twangy voice and a violin solo and any tune can become a country tune. Or is it really that easy? Probably not.
The difference comes from the history, I think. The tradition that has been passed down from one musician to the next. In some parts of the country, folk musicians took a turn onto the path of blues and then ragtime and then, eventually, Tin Pan Alley. Jazz musicians rely on traditions too, but are usually trying to break out them; constantly moving towards new sounds. In other parts of the country, like in the South, the music and musicians retained that unique identity. Of course it evolved, but it stayed closer to its roots. Therefore, Bluegrass is country music with lots of caffeine.
That's the way I see it, anyway.
A bluegrass band is traditionally a small string orchestra, with guitars, banjos, perhaps a mandolin, a violin or two, and a bass to keep it all grounded. Like jazz, it is a uniquely American art-form. Also, like jazz, there is an element of improvisation: band members will trade blazing solos over choruses of folk tunes. Rounding the corner, to make the full circle, jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton was born in Louisville, though he considered Birmingham, Alabama is home. And, how could I leave out Boots Randolph, saxophonist extraordinaire (Yakety Sax). He was born in Paducah, and was part of the "Nashville sound" for most of his career.
Now I know what music to pack for the drive.
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