Hope everyone has enjoyed the long Easter break, I was lucky enough to catch some amazing music at Bristol’s Stagfest. It’s time for another collection of 5 great roots tracks, this week gleaned from the US, Ireland and, for the first time, Wales. It’s the usual blend of traditional styles from different locations, so I hope that you enjoy it. Let’s go.
Fernhill – Grey Cock
It is great to include long-running Welsh band, Fernhill, and their take on the traditional Grey Cock, from their 2003 album Hynt. The band have always combined many different styles into their repertoire, for example on this song, which includes both Welsh and English lyrics. They take in folk, jazz and hip hop on their many different songs, and a wide band membership has allowed their music to grow and develop over the years. This track is the band at their best.
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Tony Rice Unit featuring Alison Krauss – St James Hospital
Sliding back over to some United States traditions, we take in the great Tony Rice, taking on St James Hospital from back in 1988. Tony is one of the most popular and influential guitarists in American music, whose career has spanned over 30 years. He played with David Grisman in the 1970s, and has played in many different styles. He has been very sick over the past couple of years, so I wish all the best to Tony, and celebrate him here with this great song.
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We Banjo 3 – Live
We Banjo 3 are a multi-talented banjo band from Ireland, who, as their name suggest, play banjo music. But they don’t stick to any one style, blending the tenor and five-string versions of the instrument. Their album of last year, Roots Of The Banjo tree has garnered a lot of support for the guys, and they have been touring around the world, playing at festivals and events all year long. This is a video they recorded for BBC Northern Ireland in February 2013.
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Lands End – Out On The Western Plain
Another great Irish band that I found recently is Lands End, a six-piece who play bluegrass and Irish music, with hints of jazz, world and other styles. They play with verve and great timing, and have perfected the knack of playing together, but allowing ther personalities to still shine through. They have a release on Bandcamp, so make sure you check it out and give them your support. This track really does show them off at their best.
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Brother Claude Ely – There Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Wanted to finish off with this one, the amazing Claude Ely doing his signature Ain’t No Grave. I love the juxtaposition between the religious overtones of the song, and the exuberant delivery and accompaniment. Another song which has been versioned many times, perhaps most famously by Johnny Cash. Thanks for tuning in, once again support the artists and the music if you do enjoy listening, and I’ll be back for more next week.
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gideonthomas 