Archive for September 2011
I demonstrated, once again, that I am a better predicter predictor (obviously not a speller)of results than I am likely to vote the way of the IBMA masses.
I got 6 of the 20 awards I hazarded predictions on accurate. I only would have voted with the winners in two four (learn to count) cases, but one of those was the evening’s biggest award, Entertainer of the Year. (Also, Dale Ann as Female Vox, “Trains” as Song, and Escott for liner notes.)
9:50- Chris Jones admited that he didn’t do very well either.
Highlight- Dale Ann reclaiming her Female Vocalist award
Surprise- “Trains I Missed” getting Song of the Year
Gimme of the night- Rob Ickes getting Dobro Player of the Year…and I still didn’t predict it. And Michael C. as Fiddler
The album I haven’t heard that I need to hear- both the Doyle, JD, and Paul disc and the Gibson Brothers album. And yes, I predicted it would win without hearing it. I’m that good!
Right.
And thanks to all of you- over 400 hits tonight. Yikes! For me, that is a heck of a lot; best day ever here at Fervor Coulee.
Tomorrow, I blog about Blue Bloods.
9:28- Sam Bush did a fine job as host, I do believe. A final shout-out to William Smith Monroe.
9:29- I missed who was performing the instrumental- I heard George Shuffler’s name so I’m just going to sit back and listen a bit.
Real nice. Smooth. Okay, a dropped not there but they picked it up and took it home.
That was fine; not sure of the tune- my bluegrass depth is showing.
9:31- Del McCoury Band and Friends- Roland and Sam- now. I could listen to Del all day. A bit of rough there around the edges. There we go- now he’s in full voice. “The last letter she wrote was on a blue piece of paper…” Haven’t heard that in awhile. Going the medley route it looks like- swinging into “Loneliness and Desperation.”
A good show all around. Some fiddling going on as we hit 9:35. I can identify about 12 instrumental tunes- this isn’t one of them, but I know it. No guesses, just enjoying the sounds. “Roanoke,” perhaps? I’ll be glad to be corrected.
9:38- That’s all, folks.
I hope I have provided a service you appreciate tonight. I enjoyed listening and sharing.
Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald
9:22- missed who is speaking- guessing Dan T. but not sure of the other voice.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
The Boxcars
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
The Grascals
Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers
Well, The Boxcars should have this one but the Gibsons have gained strenght as the night has gone on. The 2011 IBMA Entertainers of the Year is I got one! I actually would have voted with the masses- Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Well, colour me more than a little surprised.
Steve just thanked the other nominees for losing.
I believe they got it right!
9:14- nice acceptance speech from The Gibsons- remembered the songwriters.
9:16- Dailey & Vincent performing “Close By.” I quite like their music although, like LRB, it doesn’t really stick to me. Perhaps like many, I first heard Jamie Dailey as part of the strongest DLQ lineup I’ll likely ever see or hear. I just wish he didn’t appear to try so hard whenever I hear him in an interview; I find it off-putting. But man, those fellers can sing.
9:18- Another break. Triple fiddles? Pretty sure I’ve never heard that live before.
9:04- I am not the biggest fan of LRB. When they came to Red Deer they performed very well and I enjoyed listening to them, and when I saw them at Stony Plain five or six years earlier they did the same. But their songs just don’t stick with me the way others’ do; without consulting notes, the only song I really recall from their Red Deer show is “I Bought Her a Dog,” and that’s not even one of ‘their’ songs. Still, folks love them, so I’m well in the minority. “The RCA Phonograph Record Time Machine” is a good one I have to admit. Nice guitar touches.
9:07- Dale Ann Bradley and Tim O’Brien- two of my favourite voices together- to present the next awards. A shout out to the radio hosts, bloggers and journalist- I’ll say, Thank you, for that, Tim.
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Balsam Range; The Boxcars; Sierra Hull & Highway 111; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
With two of the listed bands having won awards tonight already, I’d say BR and Boxcars are the favourites- The Boxcars, not a surprise given how the evening has went.
I wonder what the impact of these awards have on a band like The Boxcars’ overnight and next week sales.
9:11- Zip file and project of the year nominees:
The All-Star Jam: Live At Graves Mountain; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Crowe Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Mark Newton, Lou Reid & Carolina, Carl Jackson, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings (artists); Mark Newton & Carl Jackson (producers); Rural Rhythm Records (label)
Almost Home, Larry Sparks (artist), Larry Sparks (producer), Rounder Records (label)
The Boxcars, The Boxcars (artists), The Boxcars (producers), Mountain Home (label)
Help My Brother, The Gibson Brothers (artists), Compass Records (label), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers)
Rare Bird Alert, Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers (artists), Tony Trischka (producer), Rounder Records (label)
Trains I Missed, Balsam Range (artists), Balsam Range (producers), Mountain Home (label)
This one could go several different ways- I am still hoping for the Larry Sparks album, but am not a fool. I’m sure it won’t win. I think I predicted Help My Brother, so…The Gibson Brothers- Help My Brother
8:48- The Gibson Brothers sounded very good, as have most of the performers tonight. “Help My Brother;” I haven’t bought that album yet, but I’ll need to do so.
Another break. Chris talks to KSB.
8:52- I think we’re down to five awards. My percentage has taken a beating, especially on the how I would have voted side of things.
8:53- Back to the stage of the Ryman. Steve Martin and Sam Bush together to present the Gossip Recorded Performance of the Year.
GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“God’s Front Porch,” Lou Reid & Carolina (artists), Dennis Duff (songwriter), Lou Reid (producer), Rural Rhythm Christian (label)
“He Can Be Found,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Ella Barrett & Faye Cunningham (songwriters), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers), Compass Records (label)
“In God’s Hands,” The Boxcars (artists), John Benjamin Rochester (songwriter), The Boxcars (producers), Mountain Home (label)
“Prayer Bells of Heaven;” J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists); J.F. Lowe & H.W. Ward (songwriters); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)
“Sailing On,” Russell Moore & Dale Ann Bradley (artists), Rick Lang (songwriter), Jesse Brock & John Miller (producers), Rural Rhythm Christian (label)
“Prayer Bells…” perhaps? Let’s see…The award goes to…“Prayer Bells in Heaven.”
One of my favourite bluegrass gospel songs. Yup, I need to get this one.
A bedtime joke from Doyle at JD’s expense.
8:58- More nice words about Monroe around songs.
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Help My Brother,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Leigh Gibson (songwriter)
“I Am Strong;” The Grascals featuring Dolly Parton (artists); Jamie Johnson, Susanne Mumpower-Johnson, Jenee Fleenor (songwriters)
“I’ll Take Love,” Dale Ann Bradley with Alison Krauss & Steve Gulley (artists), Louisa Branscomb & Dale Ann Bradley (songwriters)
“Trains I Missed;” Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard, Nicole Witt (songwriters)
“Walkin’ West to Memphis,” The Gibson Brothers (artists), Chris Henry (songwriter)
And the 2011 IBMA Song of the Year is…“Trains I Missed;” Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard, Nicole Witt (songwriters)
Wow! Welcome to the IBMA awards!
By the way, I just bought Look to the Light- I meant to save it to my wish list and hit download- I didn’t even notice right away. I hope it is good!
8:23- Bush reads the awards presented earlier today- see my post earlier if you like http://fervorcoulee.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/ibma-awards-2011-the-early-results/
8:24- Who would be better to induct Del McCoury into the Hall of Fame than his sons Ron and Rob.
Ron just mentioned Del’s patience which I find interesting because it is this quality that I have also noticed in Del the few times I’ve spent time in his company. (No, we’re not pals.) But I did spend an extended period of time backstage with Del at the Calgary Folk Music Festival one year where he talked about bluegrass, the business side of things especially, in an open and honest way. He really made me understand the value of re-recordings, not just artistically- as the performance of songs later in life can add to the original- but also financially for the artists. Getting those song rights, owning your music, is what counts- and not just for the current generation. I recall the way he stated that he was operating McCoury Music not only for himself, but for his family, his grandkids.
I also recall his manner with Jean, a lady who has been kind to me each time we’ve met. I felt like she remembered me from one meeting to the next although I can’t see how she could have.
As I listen to the men talk about their dad, I am pleased that Del is being inducted.
The first bluegrass festival I attended was headlined by the Del McCoury Band (minus Bub who was sick with, I think, the chicken pox); imagine a better introduction to the world of bluegrass fests. Not likely.
Ola Belle Reed was mentioned by the guys, in connection to “High on a Mountain.”
A real nice moment for the McCoury clan, I’m certain.
8:35- Del makes his way to the stage. What I would give for a video simulcast. I love his speaking voice. Del calls Jean to the stage, along with other family members.
8:38- It says a lot about Del that he has spent minutes gathering his family and introducing each person. A thank-you to Bill Monroe as Del recalls his first time working with Mr. Monroe in NYC.
8:40 Getting back on track with his Monroe story. Thanks to Ricky and Sharon Skaggs. Del won’t be making a commercial for York County, PA. The state of bluegrass: “It’s better than it has ever been!” “I listen to Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin…you can’t beat that stuff.”
Now, let’s get Hazel Dickens in the Hall of Fame.
8:43- Del isn’t done, having forgotten Jason and Alan. And thanks to the labels- Rounder, Rebel, Arhoolie, Skaggs, Grasstown, Revonah…
8:45- The Gibson Brothers hit the stage.
8:07- I’m guessing a standing ovation for The Grascals and the girls who joined them for “I Am Strong.” A moment for them to remember and not even I’m a bit enough jerk to criticise that performance.
8:08- Carl Jackson and Louisa Branscomb to present
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
Dailey & Vincent
The Gibson Brothers
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
The Gibson Brothers finally come through for me. I think I called that one, or did I go with Blue Highway?
8:11- The first mention of ‘it is just an honour to be nominated.’
8:12- A teleprompter slam. But rehearse, I’m guessing.
Some life from Carl J. Some spontaneity.
Bass:
Barry Bales, Mike Bub, Missy Raines, Mark Schatz, Marshall Wilborn
And the 2011 IBMA Bass Player of the Year is…Marshall Wilborn. That one I did predict.
I have the highest regard for Marshall. He has been to Red Deer a couple times, once with Lynn Morris and again with Flamekeeper. A gent he be.
8:15- you can feel the love for The Boxcars as they head into “December 13.” A very good band, without doubt. Don’t take my previous comments out of context, please; I’ve enjoyed listening to their album since I bought it. I just think a band- any band- has to ‘earn’ their awards. They are all vets, so I guess they’ve earned the accolades. Just not as The Boxcars, perhaps.
I have a feeling the results of tonight will prove me wrong. Again.
8:18 Another break. Kyle- “Song of the Year” isn’t a major award? Okay, I’ll stop.
8:19- Live to tape with Chris Jones: Michael Cleveland and Charlie Lawson- I really respect M.C.’s devotion to traditional bluegrass and really wish I had been more ready to talk bluegrass with him when he was in Red Deer with Dale Ann the first time. Obviously a wealth of information.
7:50- Chris interviews Dale Ann. As always, she spoke with eloquence of the blessings she has been provided…and earned. Grace, I’d suggest.
7:51- Kyle goes up a notch by recognizing the same qualities in DAB that I do. Not that we’re keeping score.
7:53- back to the Ryman stage. Sam Bush takes the mic. Mentions the distinguished achivement awards to: Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling, and Roland White
7:54- James Alan Shelton is about to induct George Shuffler into the Hall of Fame. I’ve spoken on the phone with James a couple times and value the time we spent backstage one year at an Alberta festival. He is one heck of a guitar player.
A very nice induction speech about ‘the third Stanley brother’ and a nice description of Shuffler’s walking bass and cross-picking styles and influence. And a very nice idea, show producers, to play audio of George’s playing as evidence of his contributions to the music.
8:00- Well done, James. George couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.
A beautiful tribute.
I saw George on stage I think only once- at Wintergrass in ’01 I believe and I think he was playing with either Dry Branch or Lynn Morris. The details are mentally sketchy obviously, but I know I recall thinking that I was seeing something special, was receiving a treat to hear him play the bass.
8:03 A nice hand for the man.
The Grascals are on stage now performing “I Am Strong.” A bit (okay, a lot) sugary for me, but the band is obviously devoted to the song. And it is nominated for Song of the Year.
7:38- Steve Martin’s current contributions to the music can’t be overstated. Alison Brown and Tony Trischka to present the next awards. A bit forced and gushing.
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Blue Highway
The Boxcars
Sam Bush Band
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
The Infamous Stringdusters
And the award goes to…The Boxcars. The first shock of the night, although not surprising. How can a band with just over a year on the resume beat out Blue Highway?!!! Geez. Reminds me of the year Cherryholmes won Entertainer of the Year. Nothing against the Boxcars, all who seem like nice guys. When will Blue Highway get their due. I know the answer, Jon; when the voters vote for them! I predicted a night of Gibson wins; looks like I should have went with the Boxcars.
7:42- The next mention of the Bill Monroe Centennial introducing the Mandolin Player of the Year award.
Mandolin:
Wayne Benson, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, Ronnie McCoury, Adam Steffey
I’m going to revert back to my Steffey prediction…The award goes to…Adam Steffey. I think he was my prediction. I’ll have to check.
Another heartfelt and still humourous acceptance speech.
7:45- Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out are on stage. “Pretty Little Girl From Galax.” Among the many places I had never heard of before I turned to the bluegrass world. I need to visit the south- one visit to Nashville isn’t near enough. Why does IBMA have to be at the start of the school year? A good sounding song; I think IIIrd Tyme Out has a new album coming out soon. I may buy that one.
7:48- Another break
Donald Teplyske
