Cello in bluegrass?

[ralph johansson]

Music doesn't care what you call it.

Are you commenting on my post just before yours? The OP asked about the potential uses of a cello in a string band; I simply don't consider an overdubbed string section (6 pieces) playing from a written score to be an example of that. Maybe some people are too hung up on what had, or would have had, Monroe's approval. I have no use for idolatry, nor labels.

(Unless I missed it I've seen no comment on the much more convincing
use of a string quartet on Dailey& Vincent's "On the other Side". )

[Mike Snyder]

Post # 38 of this thread, by 56 Gibson Hoss, gave the definitive answer to the OPs question. The Rockin' Acoustic Circus, of Tulsa Ok. plays driving, straight ahead bluegrass, and has a cello as an integral part of the band. Check them out, they have recordings and videos. It's the real deal. They played Winfield, and that little gal lugged that cello out into the campground and jammed with the best of them.

[Dave Gumbart]

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival (winner of IBMA Bluegrass event of the year this year!) had the following folks perform at an in-room IBMA showcase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcWPkP800V0

[Mandoviol]

Really nice use of cello on Cherryholmes' "Broken." That and octave fiddle make it extra spooky. With regards to Natalie Haas, I saw her with Alastair Fraser, Bruce Molsky, and Martin Hayes doing some pretty nifty stuff.

Apparently, cello has historically been widely used in Scottish music, so I don't think it would be all that out of place in a bluegrass setting (what with Appalachian roots and all).

Also, for a good example of an accordian in a bluegrass song, see (or hear, rather) "Crown of Jewels" and "Stubb" on Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby's duo album and Bruce Molsky's rendition of "Shove the Pig's Foot a Little Further into the Fire" on Transatlantic Sessions Vol. 3. It works quite well.

[AlanN]

Another LP that had the cello was the Osborne Brothers' Bluegrass Concerto. Maybe played by Buddy Spicher. That LP was cool, had several Bob Osborne original mandolin tunes, plus a full string section.

Wonder what Bill thought of it...

[Tom Mullen]

Thanks Mike for re-affirming my original post. Here is more of the RAC with the cello playing Whiskey Before Breakfast. Then she tears apart Jerusalem Ridge.
This youtube is from an IBMA jam this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcWPk...eature=related