The Travelin’ McCourys

www.thetravelinmccourys.com

MIM:  As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo) continue their father’s work – a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives.  And with fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. 

The Travelin’ McCourys have a confidence that only comes from having paid their dues with twenty years on the bluegrass road.  Other groups and new fans hear this immediately:  the tight rhythm, the soulful material, and the confidence in taking bluegrass from the safety of the shore into uncharted waters.

At the beginning of this show, fellow usher Chris Moreno remarked that ‘all bluegrass pretty much sounds the same’.  It was not necessarily a complement but I soon realized how perfectly fabulous this was.  Bluegrass DOES all sound the same – which is why I find it so inviting and comforting and connective and familiar.  Fifteen minutes into the concert I had magically discovered that I really liked bluegrass.

This group was great.  The four steady bandmates were obviously well in-tone with each other and loved what they did.  They joked and teased each other on stage in an easy, non-forced way.  They each rotated high-lighting songs and 3 of the four sang.  With only 2 microphones, they had to dance around each other on stage as they rotated solos – but this was all accomplished in an easy choreographed way.  It was a lovely show.

Another highlight was their guest performer – a guitar player regularly with Ricky Skaggs and the Kentucky Thunder band.  He was amazing and a perfect addition to the group.

Towards the second act I was again struck by the fact that ‘all bluegrass pretty much sounds the same.’  Yes, this is true and after 90 minutes the familiarity had worn off.  I even had a ‘didn’t they already play this song?’ moment.  But overall, this was one of my favorite shows and much loved by the sold-out crowd as well.

Michael Miles: “From Senegal to Seeger”

www.milesmusic.org

MIM:  Musician, composer, musical playwright, actor – Michael J. Miles is a rare artist who combines talents from numerous artistic disciplines.  He is a creative force who has produced a remarkable catalog of musical works, including recordings, books, and stage productions.  He is also an educator who works in university settings as well as in the Chicago public schools.  As a musician, Miles has contributed groundbreaking work on the banjo that has put him in a category all his own.  The Chicago Tribune’s Harold Rich said, “Miles has dared to take on some of the most dramatic and profound music ever written, and succeeded.”

The performance was a history lecture – a surprising evening when I was expecting “Dueling Banjos” and folk art.  Miles cleverly wound his way through teaching the history of the banjo that we completely forgot we were learning something and became absorbed in the story. 

The banjo was borrowed from slaves brought over from Senegal and adopted by America as an instrument all our own.  Considered a slave instrument for most of the 18th century, its music later bridged the gap between black and white and became a popular instrument of the working poor.  Miles has a collection of banjos on stage – including an Africa variety, an original Civil War model, and a 40 year old guitar – and he integrated the stories of the instrument in with the chronicles of American history. 

He quoted Mark Twain.  He acted out Pete Seeger’s testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee.  He sampled over 20 songs and played 5 different banjos. 

I was surprised and pleased with this performance.  Frequently I wish my brother could be a shows with me; tonight, I wished my Dad could have joined me.  Although the second half was slower and less purposeful, I sincerely felt I learned something and was thankful for the experience.  Nicely done, Michael Miles.