Bluegrass?

fretless5 · #1 04-07-2001, 10:01 PM

I have been playing BG for 25+ years (jazz, blues, rock), and have been working on my DB for about a year. I am not putting in the time I need for arco, concentrating on pizz. Now I have the chance to audition for a new Blugrass group here in town and have really no clue as to what I need to look at as far as that style.

Can anyone (PLEASE) steer me towards a good book or website to get me going? I like the music but am not a huge fan. I think the only cd I have that would even be close has Edgar Meyer playing on it- and I am not anywhere near his depth and talent (DUH!!!!!).
Thanks.

mchildree · #2 05-09-2001, 08:56 AM

Fretless5, I'm pretty much in the same situation. I can tell you that you can find some killer deals on Ebay. I've picked up several Bluegrass "greatest hits" and box sets, including Bill Monroe for next to nothing. It's a quick way to amass a good tune base for learning the standards.

fretless5 · #3 05-09-2001, 09:27 PM

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check them out.

mchildree · #4 05-10-2001, 10:03 AM

Yeah that is pretty funny. If they think bluegrass is bad for that stuff, they should hear some of the Irish folk/sea songs I've been working on with a trio. I think bluegrass was derivative of lots of that music anyway. Somebody constantly being hung, robbed, otherwise killed and ALWAYS drunk...

wildbill4499 · #5 05-31-2001, 09:57 AM

Jason is right. The only real way to get into the BG mood is to go to a festival or local jams.

Some one is always looking for a DB to back them up and it is a ball to play and get in to the music.

As far as records or cd's go I would also recommend any of the older Flatt and Scruggs stuff.

By the way did any of you know that Earl Scruggs orgiginally played a DB.

Bluegrass is played from the heart though, and to me it would seem very difficult to play it with out a true appreciaton of it, and it' origins.

P. S. lol better learn to play lots in A,B, Bb and D