RE: Updates
"The problem with bluegrass is that there's too much unprofessional bluegrass. No, no. That would be old-time music. snort Erin
RE: Updates
Well, I have to come out of the woodwork to side firmly with Todd on this one. While I don't want to beat this food analogy to death, I think it's a good 'un, I just disagree with most of the predictions. I really think that most people are smart enough to recognize poor quality without assuming it's a characteristic of the genre (punk notwithstanding -heh). The diner with the rubbery overcooked chicken is not going to assume that all Malyasians like their chicken overcooked. They're going to assume that particular restaurant blows. Most people who stumble upon a bad band will not think "Hmmm...out of tune vocals, unsteady rhythms, poor playing skillls ... these must be the hallmarks of "alt.country." If that were the case, rock n' roll would've died out long ago. I hate people as much as the next guy, but c'mon, give 'em a *little* credit. And how about the dunderheads that like the crappy stuff, investigate more and realize that they like what we deem "the good stuff" even better? I don't think music of any genre has to be a zero sum game. Just the opposite. The more bands there are out playing in more clubs and getting more people out to see them and are garnering more attention for a genre and perpetuating the blah blah blah...well, from a working musician's standpoint, that can only be a good thing. Right? Uh...right? Hope this doesn't get me kicked out of the He-Man Hipster-Haters Club. Erin
RE: Updates
And while I'm at it, I hate that hippie psuedo-bluegrass pap that Jerry Garcia inadvertently spawned. However, when my staight-up bluegrass band opened for the god-awful Gordon Stone ("banjo" player famed for collaborating with Ph*sh), I felt no moral qualms whatsoever about taking hundreds of misguided hippie dollars and lining my purist pockets with 'em. So bring on the crap, I say! It has it's hidden benefits. Erin
Re: bassist sought
Hi, Kip - I fit the bill and was considering answering your first plea, however I live in Pittsburgh, PA. How far is that from your area? If it's within a two-hour radius, it might be something to consider, especially if you're having trouble finding someone and may want a temporary player to help you get your recording done. Am attaching my resume. Let me know if you have trouble opening it. It's an MS Word doc. Erin Snyder At 08:16 AM 4/2/99 -0800, you wrote: hi i know, i know, im beating this into the ground, and i apologize...but im still looking for a bassist for an alt.country band. we need somone who is: - a FENDER-style bass player. no six string alembics, please. - experienced w/ americana (honky-tonk, rockabilly, etc.). - able to handle strong back up vocals. - willing to rehearse 1X per week for a while to get going. - a MINIMALIST. we love ya geddy, but not for this music. call or email. and thanx! kip martin 703.645.4421 days 540.349.2798 eves. Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com master resume.doc
OHMYGOD!
OH, GOD! OH, GOD! I'm so sorry!! That long attachment and everythingOh, woe is me. Guess I'm getting booted to the "ignore" file. Really, a million apologies everyone. Gosh, and my first post in months yet. Ohhh...Ohhh... *moan* Erin
Re: The Eradication Game (Re: Grammyszzzzzzzzz....)
Well, then, if we can't agree on the Dead, how about the evil which they hath wrought? Namely, Rusted Root and Phish? And who amongst you can argue for Motley Crue's right to live? (BTW, I think Jerry Curry should be disqualified from this game). And I don't care about Cry, Cry, Cry, Dar Williams should have hot bamboo shoots shoved under her fingernails before being eradicated. Chock full o' bile today, Erin
Re: songs of love and hate (was Re: Hank question)
Speaking of Hank S. - "Married by the Bible, Divorced by the Law" would be good for both shows. Heh, heh. Erin At 12:40 PM 2/2/99 -0500, you wrote: Some of the Hank Snow songs Don mentioned got me to thinking. Valentine's Day is coming up, and I'm doing my annual love songs and breakup songs shows in the next couple of weeks. Anyone have favorites from either camp? Depending on our library, I'm open to requests. Carl Z.
Re: Dry Branch Fire Squad / need twangin songwriters
At 12:35 AM 1/30/99 -0500, Nancy wrote: Hey ya'll, been quiet and lurking past week, but had to let you know about this cool band I saw tonight Dry Branch Fire Squad. I have not been this entertained in days... Any of you familiar with them? Comedy, ham bonin, bluegrass, fine pickin, singin! Since Weisberger's asleep at this ungodly hour ... yes, Nancy, you've stumbled upon a well-known, highly-regarded bluegrass institution who, despite their fine recordings, probably wouldn't be a household name if not for their relentless touring. Which actually does relent during the school year, since Ron Thomasson (the frontman/mando player) is a high school principal (Do I have this right, Jon?) But for the past 20 or so years they've hit the boards every weekend and all during the summer. Suzanne Thomas (the dark-haired singer/guitar/banjo player) has carved out a very repectable solo career for herself, mentioned frequently on this list. Though the entire band has incredible chops, they are often noted more for Thomasson's ingenius and hilarious between-song banter. He is so entertaining, one tends to forget how truly great and soulful their tunes can be. Yep, they've got it all. Of course, if you've seen them enough times, you realize that Ron's schtick is eco-friendly, i.e., he tends to recycle a lot of material. Bluegrass usually makes me nervous, I think we should explore this further, Nancy. Erin
Columbus/Pittsburgh content
Hello and welcome to my first post in months (that is, since I swore off posting while drunk). I delurk to strongly urge anyone in the Columbus area to go see the Steam Donkeys tonight at the Thirsty Ear. I think they're great. In fact, if you don't love them, I will personally refund your money and bake you the pie of your choice. And I don't even have any weasally connections to the band, I'm just a big fan. Offer does not apply to the stinky opening band, who shall remain nameless. And no, I don't know the address or phone number of the club (geez, do I have to do everything? I don't even live there...) But cereally, folks, they're very twangin' in a countrypolitan kinda way and just added a pedal steel player, which can only be good. (Mmmm...pedal steel...even when it's bad, it's good). And my dear fellow Pittsburghers, they'll be at the Decade tomorrow night. Alas, no pies for you fuckers. Unless of course, you come to the Deliberate Strangers gig on Feb. 3rd, in which case...Pies for everybody!! That is all. Erin