Re: The rules according to Bill Monroe
Originally Posted by
humblemex
So what were the rules of bluegrass according to Big Mon? I'm thinking strict instrumentation (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, bass, and sometimes Dobro), tight three- or four-part harmonies, traditional material, cowboy hats, and never a note outside the diatonic scale except a raised fourth now and then. Does that about cover it?
Sorry to say, this "question" smacks of musical snobbery, and a certain amount of arrogance. You are not asking about the roots, but starting off with you perceptions and waving a red flag at "The Bluegrass Police"!
Flatrock hill, Ivan and Willie bring some strong points which have been discussed on this forum ad nauseum. My constant comment about the direction of the music is the same and the powerplayers of the genre understand it too "You have go to understand where you came from to know where you are going"
Humblemex, listen to more Stanley's, early Monroe, Don Reno, and learn for yourself what the roots of bluegrass are. Then, watch the JD Crowe "you tube" biography. You can see some very valuable information there. What it was and what directions (more than one to be sure) bluegrass music is moving are more diverse than ever. Not everyone is brittle but, some can be pretty stiff.
Last edited by Timbofood; May-27-2017 at 6:50am.
Reason: Forgot someone!
Timothy F. Lewis
"If brains was lard, that boy couldn't grease a very big skillet" J.D. Clampett
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