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Bluegrass

When: 1947

Super Genre: Country

Description:

“Hillbilly Country evolved into something completely different in the forties. A lot of focus was put on the strings, which were fiercely fiddled, to create another type of Classic Country, called Bluegrass. Bluegrass took its name from one of the first practicing bands: Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, who in their turn were named after the state Kentucky aka “the Bluegrass Country”. Bluegrass is that typical, atmospheric, hi-pitched, hyperactive country most people know. Violins are very common, alongside mandolin, guitar and banjo. Although Bluegrass sounds like it’s not taking itself seriously, it is actually very reactionary and serious music, rising up against authority. Bluegrass is more zealous than other country genres, spreading forth revolution and highly religious messages, like a musical crusade. A bit like political Folk music one could say, but with a certain supercharged overdrive. Bluegrass swears off electric instruments and is always completely acoustic, like Folk. Improvisation or freewheeling is also a key Bluegrass element.

The genre remained popular and even got some small subgenres, such as the progressive Newgrass in the seventies. The film “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” by the Coen Brothers in 2003 also created a strong reinterest in Bluegrass (and Country in general) during the nillies.” - Musicmap

Sample Song: Uncle Pen by Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys

Favorite Song: M.T.A. - Remastered by The Kingston Trio


Up next…Classic Country/Hillbilly

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