For some inexplicable reason, bluegrass has never caught on with jazz fans, and the only excuse I can think of his demographic snobbery. This style of music has musicians with as much chops and style as anything jazz could muster, as well as clever harmonies, relentless swing and always a dash of gospel. Bill Monroe (1911-1996) was a singer, mandolinist and songwriter generally considered to be “The Father of Bluegrass”, and this three disc collection is a perfect intro to get your palate warmed up.
Passing through his band were some of the greatest pickers and grinners of all time, including violinist Vassar Clemens, banjo/guitar duos of Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Don Reno and Red Smiley, as well as singes Carter Stanley and Mac Wiseman. Most of the songs here on this 75 song anthology are form the days of the 78s, so the tunes are short, sweet and swinging.
You’re going to get some down home folk material with countrified vocals on pieces like “Blue Yodel #7”and “Blue Yodel #4” while Sunday Morning spirituals are never far away, with material such as “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”, “We Read of A Place That’s Called Heaven”, as well as the other side of grace on “Wicked Path of Sin”. As far as chops go, just get a load of the onslaught of “Orange Blossom Special”, “Blue Grass Breakdown” and “Blue Grass Stomp”. Unique vocal harmonies and solo voices abound on “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and the fun filled “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms”, with Cumberland gapped shades if indigo featured on “Mule Skinner Blues” and “True Life Blues”.
It’s been my long held conviction that if some jazz cat would take on this songbook, jazz could be changed for the better. Take a listen and see if you don’t agree.