Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Dillards, and the Country Gentlemen: Bluegrass Begins to transform

The Dillards



13. The Country Gentlemen: Dark as a Dungeon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s3_1OcFSHQ
The Country Gentlemen began playing together in 1957 and was an essential aspect of bluegrass popularity throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. This selection is quite different from all of the previous examples, but it stills holds the elements of a bluegrass hit. The song is different based on its slow rhythm, somber feel, and lack of driving string instruments. Another key difference is that the songs lyrics are notably sadder than other happy songs that we have seen. Despite these differences, the song still holds true to bluegrass through its alternating melody holders and its harmonizing quartets. Therefore, the song is relevant in its ability to break from traditional bluegrass in some ways, while it still stays true to its roots.


14. The Dillards: There is a Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uewY9e3C1TQ
Much like Scruggs and Flatt’s song being selected for the introduction of the Beverly Hillbillies, this song and group represent how the bluegrass genre became relevant in popular American culture. The Dillards were a recurring act on the Andy Griffith, known as the Darling Boys. They are seen here in 1963 playing with the accompaniment of the main character Charlene. In this song we hear the driving string of blue grass with the unique touch of a female soloist, which is complemented by soft male voices during the harmonies. However, the selection is not chosen particularly for its music uniqueness. Instead, the song is a perfect example of how Americans outside of the Southern states were introduced to bluegrass music through popular television programs. Much like other genres of music, the advent of radio and television played a major role in the rise of the bluegrass music.



15. Nashville Bluegrass Band: Gospel Plow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u0gBEOG3js&feature=related
This song demonstrates how bluegrass often mixed with other genres of music to create an innovative sound. In this piece we hear the interweaving of gospel and bluegrass, which beautifully combines two rich music traditions. The mixture of these genres is another testament to the ability of bluegrass to transcend boundaries and widen its audience by including new communities. The instrumentals and vocals of the song all hold true to the bluegrass tradition. However, the lyrics are clearly of the gospel style as there are many bible references. Along with the lyrics the high-pitched harmonious quartets are in the gospel tradition.