This morning on WAMU radio over in Washington a sneak preview of an upcoming CD from my favorite Bluegrass band, the Gibson Brothers, was presented by Katy Daley. I heard six songs, half of the album I think, but that was enough to get me thinking about what a great project this CD has become. Specifically, though I’m sure I’ll ramble off in other directions, these songs caused me to consider Bluegrass music as art.
Hold on now! I know you folks don’t want to read a bunch of high brow crap about artsy-fartsy theories and scholarly opinions. And if you know me you’ll know I’m incapable of that stuff anyway. No, I’m simpler than that and I’m of the “I know art when I see it or hear it” school. To me art - whether it’s a photograph or a painting or a film or a piece of music – will have three qualities. First, good art must make me pause and consider what’s going on in the picture or music. Secondly, there must be some emotional reaction to the art under consideration. And finally, when I walk away from the particular artistic offering I must continue to think about it for some time afterwards, often at unexpected moments. Well this new album from the Gibson Brothers scored very high marks in all three of those categories.
I’m only going to focus on three songs of the six I heard to illustrate what I’m talking about in regards to art. The first song is the title cut, “They Called It Music”. This is a lively, old-time sounding tune about defining how “labeling” enters into the business of music. To me this song is a bridge of sorts between old style Bluegrass and the more contemporary versions we hear today. The band uses a contemporary lyrical structure with several of the conventions of traditional styling and blends them into a perfect definition that supports their title premise. I paused to think after hearing this song, and even while the song was playing. I was emotionally uplifted by the sheer musicality of the piece. And as time moves along, I’ll find myself thinking about this song when I hear other Bluegrass songs or even other genres of music. It’s art.
The second song I’ll mention is “I Will Always Cross Your Mind” which was written by Adirondack singer-songwriter Roy Hurd. Roy is an old friend of the Gibson Brothers and co-wrote with Eric Gibson one of their most popular performance tunes “Callie’s Reel”. This new tune is different in that it is a sweetly lyrical ballad of love and loss. The instrumental work is so fine, particularly Clayton Campbell’s soulful fiddle playing. Again this song blends traditions as it combines an Americana/Folk sound with the unmistakable Bluegrass voice so unique to the Gibsons. After hearing this song I was sent to memories and reveries of the mountains and woods. Though the song is written about the love of a man for a woman it can apply in so many emotional ways to all the kinds of loss we experience as time moves along. And again, this is a song that will stay with you even after a single listening. Art.
Finally, I want to mention “Songbird Song”. This one was written by Eric when the band was touring in Europe last year. His remarks, played by Katy, about the insomnia that led to the inspiration which created the piece were quite touching. And this song is absolutely beautiful. It’s a song about loneliness and it conveys that feeling so deeply. The great Hank Williams tune “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is a classic, of course. But listen to this song and you’ll hear something that could rival that classic in years to come. The high harmonies in a wordless keening are amazing and emphasize the simple elegance of the lyrics. The underlying instrumental work is, again, understated and supportive yet “stand alone” beautiful. Mike Barber’s bass is perfect on this song. And one more time, it is art.
Other songs previewed this morning on Katy’s show were: “Home on the River” “Dying for Someone to Love” and “Buy a Ring, Find a Preacher”. All of these are superb and add great work to the Gibson’s collection of artistic achievement.
In poetry we often talk about attaining an individual “voice”. A poet will work for years learning how to reach the level where his or her “voice” is recognizable and original. I think the same process happens in music. Even in popular music, entertainers strive for a difference in their sound to set them apart from all the derivative stuff that has gone before. In Bluegrass we can almost instantly recognize the sounds of Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Doctor Stanley, Mac Wiseman, Del McCoury and on and on. And in the past few years the Gibson Brothers have reached that level of recognizable quality. A Gibson Brothers song can be recognized in just a few notes. This album, this representation of a true artistic evolution, will reinforce an already stellar reputation. “They Called It Music” is coming soon. Music can enrich your life and this album will add to that enrichment.
Now go listen to some good music and have a fine day.
No comments:
Post a Comment