Cuz's Corner for May 2007

Note that this first appeared in the Charlotte Folk Society Newsletter
Cuz is a friend of mine and a fellow music lover. Cuz is also a volunteer Dj at WGWG.

Cuz’s Corner – May 2007

As I write this May edition of Cuz’s Corner, I have to admit that my senses are still overwhelmed by all the music I heard at Merlefest last weekend. As usual the musical choices were beyond eclectic, ranging from 4 days of old time traditions & demonstrations in the traditional tent to a very respectful set of music on the main stage by Elvis Costello. I guess my absolute highlight among many would have to be the long awaited reunion on stage of Pat Flynn, John Cowan, Bela Fleck & Sam Bush, better known and loved as the New Grass Revival. Their rendition of Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues” brought the massive Saturday night crowd to its feet and tears to my eyes. (I was not alone!) Another impressive aspect of this year’s festival was how many fantastic young bands and performers there were at this year’s festival. I guess the main thing that I took home from this year’s Merlefest was the fact that acoustic music may be perhaps the best shape it’s ever been since the big folk scare of the 60’s. Some of the young groups I really enjoyed included; the fresh old time sounds of Uncle Earl; the Joe Thompson mentored Carolina Chocolate Drops; the fresh bluegrass sounds of the Infamous Stringdusters: the stunningly odd interpretations of traditional music by Crooked Still; 15 year old mandolin whiz, Sierra Hull: the blistering bluegrass of Cherryholmes; the unbelievable fiddle techniques of the Wayback’s 23 year old Warren Hood. These kids have learned well the techniques of the present day masters & I have no doubts that they will also take the music through this century and beyond. Although their interpretations are new and fresh, none of these young performers lose sight of the traditions – the state of the music is in fine hands!
My friends will find this hard to believe, but I don’t think I’ve listened to any music since Merlefest and anyone who has ever been will understand the reason why. However, there are a couple of cds I did listen to before heading up to Wilksboro I would like to share with you. Although it may be odd reviewing a rock record in a CFS newsletter, I highly recommend the new effort by Son Volt, which is perched at number one on the AMA charts at the moment. Jay Farrar has written a batch of songs, which I feel are as much in the Woody Guthrie tradition as any that I’ve heard in a while. If you are yearning for rock & roll with powerful lyrics & a consciousness, you may want to check this one out. (www.sonvolt.net) Imagine two old friends pulling out their guitars & singing the songs everybody in the room knows by the fireplace on a winter’s night. Well, that is exactly the feeling you get listening to the new one from John Prine & Mac Wiseman called “Standard Songs for Average People”. (www.johnprine.net) You’ll find such timeless songs here such as “Blue Eyed Elaine”, “Saginaw Michigan”, “Death of Floyd Collins”, and “Pistol Packin’ Mama”. Mac Wiseman is in great voice on this one as is John Prine and I think if you are a fan of duet singing, this one may be in your collection for years to come! Well, that’s about it for this month, but next month I’m expecting new ones from Adrienne Young, Richard Shindell and more. I will also give you folks the where & when of a Charlotte appearance of old time phenomenon Uncle Earl in June. Also, be sure to come out and experience the Gospel Jubilators at the next CFS gathering on the 11th of the month – they blew people away at Merlefest and are my gig of the month! In the meantime, go out & catch some live music at a venue near you and have a great spring. CUZ

Rowan and Rice, The Duhks and Merlefest

Peter Rowan and Tony Rice are, of course, both legends. They have recorded and performed together before but recently they teamed up for a wonderful CD call Quartet. They are joined by bassist Bryn Davies and mandolin player Sharon Gilchrist. If you love acoustic music, rooted in but by no means limited to, bluegrass this is a must for your collection. The CD contains a new version of Midnight Moonlight that is just masterful. Guardian Angels is another must hear and the song Perfection is, well, perfect!

I got to see Peter and Tony live at this year's Merlefest and it was one of my highlights of the weekend. I also got a chance to hear the Duhks twice at Merelfest. I consider myself a member of the Flock, as Duhk fans are called, so I was more than a little worried when I realized they had a new lead singer. The two sets I caught put my worries to rest and I can say the Duhks are still the Duhks and I'm still one of the Flock.