Search - Bluegrass Country Soul on DVD

A definite must have---emotional to those recalling that tim

MrQ | USA | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is like entering a time machine and what a pleasure it is.

The filmmakers have brilliantly captured the essence of what Bluegrass was at this brief point in 1971. It was just after the beginning of the "Bluegrass Festival". On this Labor Day weekend it was bloody hot, dusty, and, as you can tell by segments filmed out in the camping area, people slept in primative tents, vans, cars; sat in pre-war style lawn chairs, drank cheap beer, ate bologna sandwiches, and dressed in clothes unworthy even of a goodwill store today.

What the fans did not lack though, was a passion for Bluegrass that ran 24/7. Long late night jams was standard fare back then (they are rare today), and note that it did not stop with the fans. Some of the artists appearing on stage found their way to the jams after hours.

Anyone familiar with the genre will be surprised at the number of recognizable faces appearing on stage (although most were so young that it may require a second or third viewing to realize). Although they would all become names in their own right in later years, on this day, for most of the artists, it was probably their first gig for September (for many, 15 to 18 more locales would be demanded of them that month--that's how vigorous the business was then); and they simply wanted the heat to end, get paid, and travel all night to the next show.

Some of the memorable appearances are Earl Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, Ralph Stanley, The Country Gentlemen, Chubby Wise, and Don Stover. This is only a subset though---there are several more. The presence of drums and amps on stage during the Osborne Brothers' tracks is noted. It brings joy to this reviewer to know that one of their performances during this era was captured on film. The viewer who enjoys all kinds of music will notice that the genre was not destroyed because of those devices---it was still Bluegrass, and in this reviewer's opinion, the energy of their performances is multiple levels above the other bands.

As if this wasn't enough, the DVD features a commentary track (by Fred Bartenstein), and it too is top notch and worth a listen.

To anyone who cherishes Bluegrass Music and the artists who put it on the map, this DVD is a must-have addition to your library."