It may be a bit more than a month before I (FINALLY) graduate from University, but last month I received my graduation present. It's a banjo! Sadly, because it's my final month of school and I'm on a never ending hunt for a real job, I've had absolutely no time to pick it up and play. It doesn't even have a name yet! Though, sticking with the theme I started with my guitar, Hubbell, there are a few options I'm toying with: Sonny, Hobbs, Jeremiah, or Bubber are my favorites. (IMDB it, y'all.) Since I'm in no position to play my own banjo music, I've taken to listening to bluegrass even more frequently than usual to help me get through this final quarter.
These are a few of my favorite songs/bands. A couple of them, I'm sure, have been mentioned before, but they're worth mentioning, again.
Chessboxer
Chessboxer is Matt Menefee (banjo) and Ross Holmes (fiddle), formerly of the oh-so-awesome Cadillac Sky. I guess, if you made me, I'd file this under something along the lines of "Classical." But, only because it's purely instrumental. I hatehatehate genres, though. I prefer to describe them as "like Bela Fleck, but easier to follow." They have a sound that warms me up and makes me smile... like when I stick my arm out of my car window and into the sun. My only regret with Chessboxer is how little they tour. (If your GoogleAlerts brings you here, Boys: Get your asses on the road.
Chessboxer at The Belcourt opening for The Vespers (another awesome band to check out).
Crooked Still
I no longer remember how Crooked Still found their way into my ears for the first time. I'll tell you, though, that I can no longer go a single day without listening to them. The quintet (consisting of banjo, bass, cello, and fiddle) has been around for more than a decade and have covered two of my most favorite songs in the world, "Ain't No Grave" and Bob Dylan's "Oxford Town." Their vocalist, Aoife O'Donovan, has an absolutely beautiful voice. She's collaborated with all kinds of folks, most recently the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer and Stuart Duncan for songs on their album, The Goat Rodeo Sessions. (You should buy that, too. It's intense.) They play the kind of music that makes you (even men, I'm sure of it!) want to wear a skirt, just so you can swish it around while you kick your feet to the music.
Crooked Still. Can't go wrong with a little Dylan.
The Infamous Stringdusters
Sometimes I hear the Stringdusters and I forget that it's 2012. There is, of course, the ancient and Appalachian sound that comes from their instrumentation. But their voices are also unique for their time. They don't quite throwback to coal mines, but to the kind of country music I like best -- The stuff from the '70s and '80s. (That came mostly second-hand from my mom.) Things I don't recommend doing while listing to The Stringdusters: Driving (you'll speed) and cooking (hard to play air banjo and stir at the same time).
Stringduster's new song "Hitchhiker." Mind=Blown. Also, there's plaid.
Earl Scruggs
I could list a million other awesome banjo pickin' bands, but I know I need to stop. However, I thought I'd leave you with one more. An oldie, but a bestie, Earl Scruggs made the banjo what it is at it's very best. He was more than just another musician, he was a banjo pioneer and a bluegrass legend. He passed away last month after a long and accomplished life. Not enough attention is paid to musicians who actually live the kind of lives that last past a few decades, and it's a shame. Scruggs, together with his musical partner, Lester Flatt, won a Grammy in 1969 for "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."
Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Next time on Audiodaughter (assuming I remember): Songs to play at my funeral. If you have any favorite banjo licks or songs about death, feel free to share!
