This documentary seems to continue where "High Lonesome" left off in the 1980s. We get some philosophical comments from Peter Rowan, an it is great to see a female like Hazel Dickens get her just rewards and due recognition. It is also fun to see today's bluegrass/newgrass stars Chris Thile, Josh Williams and Michael Cleveland in their early years. The documentary centers around an IBMA convention and the unique atmosphere that is present. There are very few musical genres that can generate such wonderful artist/fan interaction. Moreover, the addition of the Russian bluegrass band Kurkuruza shows how this "American" music genre has effected worldwide music appreciation. Personalities who come across in a pleasing manner include Tim O'Brien, Pete Wernick, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, Hazel Dickens, and Eddie Stubbs.
2 Reviews
Great memories .... if you're a real fan of Bluegrass music.
bigmutt24 April 2012
Yes, if you are a die-hard Bluegrass fan, you must get this DVD. Some great footage of some of the greats. Some great footage of younger players, too.
But realize that the sound quality (and really, the video quality as well) is not what you'd find on most music DVD made in the past ten years. That's why only 7/10: the sound is pretty bad on a lot of it, especially the mixing (or lack of it): sometimes you see that there's five instruments playing but you only really hear one or two.
But in the end you get 29 performances and a good bit of commentary from some of the legends of Bluegrass music, material that preserves some great memories of twenty years ago. I was not there during this awards ceremony but it did bring back memories for me of having experienced concerts & jam sessions with almost all of the featured performers here.
A slice of time in Bluegrass history of the early nineties.
But realize that the sound quality (and really, the video quality as well) is not what you'd find on most music DVD made in the past ten years. That's why only 7/10: the sound is pretty bad on a lot of it, especially the mixing (or lack of it): sometimes you see that there's five instruments playing but you only really hear one or two.
But in the end you get 29 performances and a good bit of commentary from some of the legends of Bluegrass music, material that preserves some great memories of twenty years ago. I was not there during this awards ceremony but it did bring back memories for me of having experienced concerts & jam sessions with almost all of the featured performers here.
A slice of time in Bluegrass history of the early nineties.
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