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My review of October 23′s Spinney Brothers concert is posted at http://www.countrystandardtime.com/blog/FervorCouleeBluegrass/entry.asp?xid=828\ A very good evening of bluegrass by my measure. Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald

 

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I’m quite excited about the live music opportunities I’m going to have this coming weekend.

As some of you may know, I am involved with Central Alberta’s Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society. For many of the past eleven years, I’ve been charged with booking the acts that are to perform for us, and we’ve had some big names in- James King, Lynn Morris, Continental Divide, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Laurie Lewis, Dale Ann Bradley, David Davis- and some lesser lights- The Earl Brothers, Four Chords of Wood, David Peterson- and almost all performed wonderfully for us at our 49 concerts.

But I am almost as excited about this weekend’s mini-fest at the Westerner Grounds as part of the Canadian Supreme Horse Show as I was for any of the big-named acts we have had come through. This is something we’ve wanted to do for some time- a day of Alberta bluegrass- and we’re glad that it came together this year at the behest of the CSHS. That it falls on the weekend set aside in Alberta as “Arts Days” was a beautiful coincidence.

The Tragically Hick has played for us before and they always perform a high-calibre set of music that blends bluegrass with country touches. I’ve seen Wild Rose Xpress on a couple occasions, but we never had the opportunity before to bring them to Red Deer. Performing as a quartet this coming weekend, I am looking forward to being impressed.

Local band Coal Trail features local players and Waskasoo Bluegrass members who have played together previously and have been woodshedding this past month to ensure a tight, enjoyable set.

Admittance to the horse show is only $12 and we’re hoping that we’ll attract a couple hundred people to the Parkland Pavilion at Red Deer’s Westerner Grounds. It is hard to promote bluegrass- real hard, just ask us- but we’re hopeful that many of our members and friends will come out for something a little different- an early fall mini-fest featuring regional bands of a high calibre.

Visit www.waskasoobluegrass.com for additional information.

That’s Saturday afternoon, which will certainly be a wonderful way to start the day before settling into a house concert performance featuring the near-legendary Katy Moffatt and Andrew Hardin. I previously posted about this show at http://fervorcoulee.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/katy-moffat-andrew-hardin-live-in-red-deer/

This past week I’ve been listening to all my Katy Moffatt CDs and I’ve been in heaven. What a voice, what style. I started last week listening to Walkin’ on the Moon, the 1989 Philo album co-produced by Moffatt and Hardin. Featuring just the pair playing songs, I’m hoping the magic they captured more than twenty years ago holds this weekend; I trust it will.

Moffatt’s albums have a great range of sounds and features. 1990’s Child Bride is more elaborate and certainly more rockin’ but very similar in mood to Walkin’ on the Moon. 1994’s Hearts Gone Wild and 1996’s Midnight Radio are gobsmackingly brilliant examples of mature, occasionally lusty and dark, and entirely soulful country-hybrid music with razor-sharp slices of life, real and imagined. Midnight Radio would most likely be on any list of Top 100 Americana/Roots albums I ever assembled. As would be The Greatest Show on Earth, an album I didn’t listen to this week as my only copy is a cassette that I can’t locate in the many boxes competing for space in my garage and closets.

An album I’ve owned for a few years but can’t recall previously listening to is Angel Town. Again, masterful stuff with a killer rendition of “Miss Otis Regrets.” I’ve saved 2005’s Up Close & Personal until this week and look forward to again hearing these minimally adorned takes recorded in 2002 as I drive to and from work tomorrow. Later this week I’ll get to the duets albums with brother Hugh and Kate Brislin.

She has a list of brilliant songs that could fill a three-hour show with ease, not that I’m expecting that on Saturday night. “Walkin’ on the Moon,” “This Heart Stops for Railway Crossings,” “Sojourner Truth (Ain’t I A Woman)”, “Child Bride,” “Midnight Radio,” “Hank and Audrey,”…realizing that she didn’t write all of them, it is still an impressive folio on which to draw.

As I’ve reflected on my listening relationship with Katy Moffatt over the past couple weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that alongside Steve Earle and Joe Ely, Moffat was among the first ‘Texas’ singer-songwriters I heard and admired. Years before I knew who Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt were, long before I discovered Nanci Griffith on a second-generation, dubbed cassette in La Loche, Saskatchewan, and almost a decade before I knew that I had already been introduced to Tom Russell through her albums, I was listening to Katy Moffatt. Before Guy Clark, darn it. Imagine.

Her beautiful blending of sounds and influences- her obvious love of expansive sounds, pop music, and country traditions- won me over early and hard.

To have the opportunity to again hear her music live, and in the intimate setting of a house concert, is going to be incredible. Yes, I’ve got a bit of a red-headed gal crush goin’ on; it will take all I’ve got to maintain a bit of professional distance. To have Andrew Hardin accompanying her- and I’m sure performing his own music- is just a bonus that is almost too much to expect.

In the province to play a www.calgaryfolkclub.com show, I’m not sure how Laura and Andy met up with Katy to arrange the house concert, but I’m giddy just thinking about it. I can’t wait.

As mentioned last week, invites and tickets are available through Andy and Laura at rajco[at]telusplanet.net. If roots is your thing and you’re in the Red Deer region, you are bound to enjoy the show.

That’s what I’ll be doing on Saturday!

As always, thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald

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The Canadian Supreme Horse Show presents an afternoon of bluegrass October 1. Featuring local performers Coal Trail as well as Calgary’s Wild Rose Xpress and The Tragically Hick- without a doubt, the best name in Canadian bluegrass- full day access to the various happenings of the horse show including admission to the bluegrass show is $12. The Prairie Pavilion on Red Deer’s Westerner Grounds is the venue.

The Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society has been charged with organizing this event and are looking forward to presenting not only two of Alberta’s most experienced and sought-after bluegrass bands, but also Coal Trail featuring people familiar to area listeners: Scott Barnabe, Doug Schatz, Louise Stuppard, and Jason Bernard.

Come on out October 1 and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Canadian Supreme Horse Show and at 2:00, the sounds of Alberta bluegrass!

Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald

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Since its inception in the autumn of 2000, the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society has presented 48 concerts featuring around 60 different groups and performers, and I’m both proud and honoured to say that I had attended and helped organize every single one of those shows. That streak is now over as my trip to Chicago- which I couldn’t turn down- coincided with The Special Consensus’s appearance in Red Deer last month. Still, a pretty good record and I get to start it all over again on May 1 when we bring The Lost & Found to Red Deer’s Elks Lodge.

Performing since 1973, The Lost & Found have made rare Alberta appearances and this will be the first time they’ve visited our fair city. Pasted below is the release we’ll be sending out to members this month as a reminder; if you’re in the area, make a point of visiting with us. It should be a wonderful bluegrass show, and a marvelous way to mark our 49th concert.

The Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society is excited to present The Lost & Found May 1. The Lost & Found have been a performing unit for almost 40 years, always led by a true southern gentleman, Allen Mills. One of the most highly-talented and respected bands touring, The Lost & Found are well-known for their terrific instrumental and vocal skills. This concert presentation will mark the first time the Virginia-based The Lost & Found have appeared in Red Deer.

The band’s current formation is as strong as ever with Allen Mills remaining on bass, Scottie Sparks on guitar, Ronald Smith on banjo and newest member Scott Napier (formerly with Larry Sparks and Dale Ann Bradley) on mandolin, replacing the legendary Dempsey Young who passed away December 10, 2006. The band’s most recent recordings, It’s About Time and 2009’s Love, Lost and Found stand with the classic albums the band has recorded. With no shortage of material or inspiration, a concert with The Lost & Found is sure to be an enjoyable experience.

The Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society presents The Lost & Found in concert at the Elks Lodge (6315 Horn Street, Red Deer) on May 1 at 7:00 with doors opening at 6:30. All who love acoustic music performed to the highest level are invited to experience this outstanding quartet. With this concert from the long-running Lost & Found, the Waskasoo Bluegrass concludes their 11^th season of presenting the finest bluegrass talent.

Concert tickets are only $25. Children under 16 admitted free to the concert when accompanied by an adult, and tickets are available at all the usual Waskasoo Bluegrass outlets: Red Deer Book Exchange, Parkland Mall service desk, 53^rd Street Music and the Key Hole; in Innisfail, Jackson’s Pharmasave; in Lacombe, Popow’s Auto Body; and in Olds from Ed at (403) 556-2616. For additional ticket information, please call Gale at (403) 347- 1363.

Additionally, Lost & Found information may be accessed at http://www.lostandfoundbluegrass.com/ and in the Spring edition of That High Lonesome Sound, the newsletter of the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society: http://www.waskasoobluegrass.com/nl/waskasoo_spr11.pdf

This is the fifth concert of the eleventh bluegrass concert season presented by the WBMS. We’ll do it again beginning next fall.

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The latest edition of the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society newsletter has been posted at WaskasooBluegrass.com; click on the handy link to access: http://www.waskasoobluegrass.com/nl/waskasoo_spr11.pdf

This issue, we have a few pictures from a recent jam and news on two upcoming concerts- The Special Consensus March 26 and The Lost & Found May 1. As well, we have a review of the new Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers gospel album recently out on Rebel Records and news of our annual jamming weekend coming this August.

Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald

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Today’s Red Deer Advocate has a nice interview with Chris Jones advancing the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society’s concert presentation of January 29. http://tinyurl.com/4aekfa7 An interesting read that reveals- not for the first time, but quite clearly- the possibilities technology and creativity allow for bluegrass professionals.

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Bluegrass returns to Red Deer with the appearance of John Reischman & the Jaybirds Sunday, November 14 at the Elks Hall. Retails at www.waskasoobluegrass.com There is also a complimentary article published in the Red Deer Advocate http://tinyurl.com/2anmqek The concert is presented by the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society.

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Apologies for the lack of posts this month. Lots of excuses. The new issue of That High Lonesome Sound, the newsletter of the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society is posted at http://www.waskasoobluegrass.com/nl/waskasoo_aut10.pdf, for those of you who have interest in such things. Support the Society if you can- we’re good people who work pretty hard to bring bluegrass to Central Alberta.

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A nice story in the Red Deer Advocate today advancing our (Waskasoo Bluegrass) Will White performance this weekend; thanks Lana. Read the piece here http://tinyurl.com/2daucge and we’ll see you at the show!

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Regular visitors may recall in March I shared some listening suggestions for those just beginning to explore the dusty backroads of the bluegrass world. Now that the Summer edition of That High Lonesome Sound is available, I’ll post the continuation and conclusion of the piece; the full newsletter is available at http://www.waskasoobluegrass.com/nl/waskasoo_sum10.pdf

I don’t expect anyone to necessarily agree with my opinion, nor do I claim that my list is definitive. We each have to find our way on the bluegrass track- I’m just hoping some readers will benefit from my advice and find some music they may not have otherwise discovered.

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In our last issue, I provided suggestions for bluegrass fans who are just beginning to explore the music, CDs that were from the ‘classic’ era of bluegrass (more or less) that I believe provide an introduction to my favourite music. This time I provide additional suggestions– remember, this listing is not definitive and I certainly welcome the ideas of others; if you have opinions on bluegrass albums that are readily available, we’d love to publish your thoughts.

             Continuing our bluegrass journey with:

Yesterday meets today:

David Grisman- Home is Where the Heart Is (Rounder, 2008- originally released in 1988) David Grisman went back in time to have the second- and third-generation pay tribute to the music that forged their careers. Probably the first place I heard Del McCoury, 23 of the 24 songs are darn near perfect; I refuse to give any credit to the second worst song in the bluegrass canon, “I’m My Own Grandpa.”

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder- Bluegrass Rules! (Rounder, 1997) Still my favourite Skaggs album since he came back to bluegrass from country music stardom. The album doesn’t let up even when it slows down; from the mando kick-off of “Get Up John” through to the closing notes of “Rawhide” we have a survey of bluegrass history served up by one of the most talented bluegrass groups ever assembled. Likely easiest to find at the Skaggs Family Records website.

Del McCoury Band- Del & the Boys (McCoury, 2007- originally released on Ceili, 2001) Any place is a good place to start with Del McCoury. I chose this recording because it served as a bit of a break-through for Del and his sons, giving them a signature song in Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”, and served as a pinnacle for the group. It’s Just the Night (McCoury, 2003) is as strong, and has more blues and folk influences while The Cold Hard Facts (Rounder, 1996) is a pure, stone classic.

Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band- The Mountain (2009, New West- originally issued E-Squared, 1999) Steve Earle isn’t a bluegrass singer, but he does know bluegrass. In what could have been a vanity project, Earle composed more than a dozen solid bluegrass songs to sing and pick with the finest bluegrass band working at the time. That the partnership was short-lived and dissolved in acrimony doesn’t take anything away from the recording with songs like “Carrie Brown,” “The Mountain,” and “Yours Forever Blue” entering the bluegrass repertoire. The place to start if you are a Steve Earle fan just encountering bluegrass.

David Davis & The Warrior River Boys- Two Dimes and a Nickel (Rebel Records, 2009) Really, any one of his three most recent albums is an excellent introduction to David Davis’ particular brand of bluegrass music. Seldom does one think of the literary aspects of bluegrass, but when encountering Davis one isn’t offered any other course. He doesn’t seem to have the populist appeal that others may, but he possesses an artistic vision as defined and assured as anyone. The album’s strongest track is Tommy Freeman’s “The Brambles, Briars and Me.” The song is positively spooky in its matter-of-factness, and the Warrior River Boys- especially Owen Saunders’ fiddle contributions- make it haunting. A classic album.

Modern Bluegrass:

Alison Krauss & Union Station- Every Time You Say Goodbye (Rounder, 1992) The ‘coming of age’ album for both Alison and Union Station. Every song is a winner, from the sacred (“Shield of Faith,” sung by Ron Block) and the traditional (“Cluck Old Hen”) to the unexpected (“Lose Again” from the Karla Bonoff folio) and the familiar (“Another Night.”) A classic recording that spoke to future greatness. Can’t find this one? No problem. Give Two Highways (Rounder, 1988) or So Long, So Wrong (Rounder, 1997) a try. The 2002 album Live would also be a fine introduction to one of bluegrass music’s most successful, multi-dimensional, and loyal outfits.

Rhonda Vincent- One Step Ahead (Rounder, 2003) All of her albums have something to offer, and Vincent has been consistent over time. I favour this one because it didn’t feel as over-polished as some of her later work would, it has some fiery bluegrass picking throughout, and it came at a time when there were few bands as exciting as The Rage. That “Ridin’ the Red Line” mentions Alberta didn’t hurt.

Steep Canyon Rangers- Deep in the Shade (Rebel Records, 2009) Contemporary bluegrass doesn’t get much better than this. From a youthful band of veterans, Deep in the Shade is the group’s fifth release, but the band hasn’t significantly altered their approach or sound. And while on some bands this may appear stagnant or limited, with the Rangers the impression is of consistency and capability. As they did on Lovin’ Pretty Women, the Steep Canyon Rangers demonstrate that a band can be musically innovative while reaching into the past. Steep Canyon Rangers straddle the blurred edges of traditional and progressive bluegrass.

Dale Ann Bradley- Don’t Turn Your Back (Compass Records, 2009) A mountain soprano of rare talent, Dale Ann Bradley has been wearing a path from the hills of Eastern Kentucky to Music City for two decades. With Don’t Turn Your Back she has not only created an album featuring rare musicianship and vocal harmonies, she has continued her ascendancy to the highest reaches of the bluegrass vocal world. Don’t Turn Your Back is a masterful recording, one that falls solidly within the most stringent of bluegrass definitions, yet is country enough that all roots fans should embrace its rich, melodic tones. With albums like Don’t Turn Your Back and singers like Dale Ann Bradley, the bluegrass community continues to shake off back wood images. If you can’t find this one, any Dale Ann album is worthy of consideration.

Ernie Thacker- The Hangman (Pinecastle, 2009) If you listen to the satellite radio, you likely know the name and voice, Ernie Thacker. If he has escaped your notice, change that right away. Thacker has natural bluegrass country voice that is memorable and distinctive. Listen to the way he bends his voice when singing the single word ‘throttle’ in “This Drinkin’ Will Kill Me.” Thacker was severely injured in a car accident several years ago, but has found a way to continue to make wonderful bluegrass music. His is a rare talent. Order CDs, including the excellent and hard-to-find The Chill of Lonesome (Doobie Shea, 2002), directly from his family at http://www.erniethackerroute23.com/

Adam Steffey- One More for the Road (Sugar Hill, 2009) A satellite radio favourite, Steffey’s (formerly Mountain Heart, Union Station, Dan Tyminski Band) second solo project is powerful from start to finish. While his lead voice isn’t the strongest, when listening to the first vocal track on the album I remarked to myself- because who else is listening inside my head- “I’ve missed that.” Throughout the album, Steffey is accompanied by the finest players, including Union Station mates Barry Bales, Ron Block, and Dan Tyminski. Heck, there’s even a Union Station circa 1997 reunion on “Warm Kentucky Sunshine,” with Alison taking the lead; evidence of her generosity and the ties that bind the bluegrass community, that one is a keeper. The featured mandolin breaks are demonstration that Steffey isn’t ready to rest on his laurels. My musical vocabulary isn’t strong enough to give justice to “Let Me Fall,” “Durang’s Hornpipe,” or “Half Past Four,” but the boys know what they’re doing.

James Reams & The Barnstormers- Troubled Times (Mountain Redbird, 2005) and James Reams, Walter Hensley & the Barons of Bluegrass- Wild Card (Mountain Redbird, 2006) Finally, to wrap up this selection of bluegrass starting points, two exceptional albums from James Reams. The first features hard-scrabble bluegrass with Kentucky roots, songs of salvation, hollers, trains, storms, home places, and mountains that disappear. The second is punctuated by the banjo of bluegrass pioneer Walter Hensley and is perhaps an even more clearly articulated of what bluegrass can be in the right hands. Visit http://www.jamesreams.com/ to find these recordings- because the packaging of both is exceptional- or iTunes and eMusic for downloads.

There they are, the places I recommend you use as starting places as you being to delve into the wonderful world of bluegrass. Words of caution– avoid the ‘bargain bin’ collections found in some stores. Often what you find will be shoddily compiled sets that are less than satisfying. Enjoy your bluegrass journey!