Kenny and Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith's lovely voice and Kenny's superb flat picking for both gospel and secular music offer listeners a solid performance each time out. Supported by a strong band of very young musicians, they deliver good value.
Trent Callicut
Zach McLamb
Bradley Walker
Amanda Smith
Kenny Smith
Aaron Williams
Trent Callicut
Trent Callicut
Zach McLamb
Bradley Walker
It's tempting to say Bradley Walker suffers from muscular dystrophy, but suffers just isn't the correct word because Bradley doesn't suffer. Bradley is afflicted with this crippling disease and he triumphs over it. Watching Bradley sing from his wheel chair offers inspiration for everyone, but what quickly becomes most important is that this delightful and engaging young man can flat out sing. In the end, it's Bradley's wonderful baritone voice and the deep emotional contact he makes with his audience that really counts.
Jenni Lynn Gardner
Patton Wages
Dustin Benson
David Babb
Bradley Walker
Jenni Lynn Gardner
Patton Wages
Dustin Benson
David Babb
Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time
Larry Cordle is one of those legenday performers who's so busy as a songwriter he doesn't perform often or widely. His soulful lyrics and energetic performance light up an audience. Cordle's list of writing credits is too extensive to go through here. His band, consisting of regular members and equally able fill-ins supported his singing at the highest level. Cordle's music spans from bluegrass through a variety of country styles, but the band at MACC was pure bluegrass.
Kim Gardner
Jon Weisberger
Richard Bailey
Jenee Keener
Larry Cordle
Kim Gardner
Booie Beach
Jon Weisberger
Don Rigsby
Richard Bailey
Jenee Keener
Grasstowne
Since it was founded a little over eighteen months ago, Grasstowne has established a reputation for elegant bluegrass performance. Their instrumental work is almost without peer and Steve Gulley's voice among the very best in bluegrass. The band has reached the second round of IBMA nominations in thirteen categories and bears close watching in the next few months. Jason Davis looks like a good dark horse in the banjo category, while Alan Bibey has been too long overlooked for his distinctive mandolin style.
Steve Gulley
Jamey Booher
Jason Davis
Phil Leadbetter
Steve Gulley
Alan Bibey
Jamey Booher
Jason Davis
Ronnie Bowman & The Committee
Ronnie Bowman's seemingly ageless face and beatific smile belie his many years spent with top bands like the Lonesome River Band and Lost & Found. In recent years he has excelled as a singer/songwriter, but his bluegrass chops are genuine and his performance at MACC was superb. He performs with grace and style.
Garnet Imes Bowman
Daren Shumaker
Ronnie Bowman
Garnet Imes Bowman
Daren Shumaker
Donica Christiansen
The Harley Allen Band
A quick look at Harley Allen's web site explains why he isn't seen too often on the bluegrass circuit - he's just too busy writing great country songs. That's good for Harley, but too bad for bluegrass fans, as his act is amusing, filled with good music, and a treat for anyone who gets to hear him sing and see him work. The son of fabled bluegrass star Red Allen, Harley more than carries on the tradition.
David Harvey
Debbie Nims Allen
Jan Harvey
Jon Weisberger
Dean Berner
Bradley Walker, Carl Jackson, and Harley Allen
Harley Allen
David Harvey
Debbie Nims Allen
Jan Harvey
Jon Weisberger
Dean Berner
Bradley Walker, Carl Jackson, and Harley Allen
Randy Kohrs & The Lites
Randy Kohrs, whose roots are deep in bluegrass, clearly wishes to expand his appeal to a broad range of audiences. He clearly signalled his intention to this pretty conservative audience by bringing the only drums of the festival on stage. As always, his set was intense, fast paced, and professional. That Kohrs wishes to broaden his audience can hardly be criticized. That some fans won't be open enough to condone changes in band configuration and sound from performers is something they will have to examine in themselves.
Mike Sumner
Elio Giordano
Clay Hess
Chris Wood
Randy Kohrs
Ashley Brown
Mike Sumner
Elio Giordano
Clay Hess
Chris Wood
MACC Auction to Benefit St. Jude
The Steel Drives
In the year or so since the Steel Drivers have come to public consciousness, they have blazed a path of soulful, R&B based bluegrass designed to appeal to a younger generation of bluegrass fans while still hoping to retain a more traditional audience. Their reception at MACC suggests they mostly succeed. Chris Stapleton's voice is complemented by Tammy Rogers startling fiddling and remarkable harmony. Their sound further blurs the distinction between alternative country and bluegrass sounds.
Tammy Rogers
Richard Bailey and Mike Henderson
Tammy Rogers
Richard Bailey and Mike Henderson
The MACC Opry
Each year Darrel Adkins brings in great songwriters like the remarkable Carl Jackson, Shawn Camp, and Jerry Salley (who because of a family illness was unable to participate this year), Larry Cordle to take the stage with first rate bluegrass performers. Together they meld the work of great songwriters to the sound of great musicians to provide a rousing finale for the the event. Here's a selection of pictures from the Opry.
Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle
Jim Van Cleve and Steve Gulley
Ronnie Bowman and Chris Stapleton
Ronnie Bowman and Shawn Camp
Nightime Appearance by MACC Children's Band
Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle
Jim Van Cleve and Steve Gulley
Alan Bibey, Carl Jackson, Shawn Camp
Ronnie Bowman and Chris Stapleton
Ronnie Bowman and Shawn Camp
And so another Musicians Against Childhood Cancer festival comes to an end. I'll be writing an overall revue within the next couple of days as well as posting a larger portfolio of pictures of the kids in the MACC children's band
Ted,
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! What I mean is that it's amazing that you care so much about the music that you would put so much time and energy into your blog. My compliments on the high quality of the photos as well as, of course, your writing style - even if your reviews never have anything bad or negative to say about any of the performances.
I'd have to agree with you on that, mostly 'cause just about every artist at the MACC was incredible.
Just a few quick observations, if I may. First of all, yes, I agree with you a hundred and ten percent about Bradley Walker. As incredibly talented as he is, it's his always positive attitude that's even more impressive. Ever since the first time I saw him perform, which was about three years ago at a Lonesome River Band Festival in Florida, I've been really impressed that there's never ever been even a hint of what I call "woe is me."
Regarding Randy Kohrs, let's just say that if Jim Lauderdale had been able to make it, we would have seen a completely different side of him. I, myself think the guy's great either way - traditional or not. Actually, his version of Sittin' on Top of the World was the most traditional song of the festival. Just not bluegrass traditional.
I'll also agree with you that Ronnie Bowman came across more real and sincere than I've ever seen him before. I think the real Ronnie Bowman is the one we saw in a t-shirt and jeans in the Opry show. I can't help but believe that even he would rather be that Ronnie Bowman - and I don't just mean the clothes.
I think the Steeldrivers deserve even more praise than you gave them. It's easy to win over the "drunks," but they bucked the odds and probably won over most of the traditionalists in the crowd. When you really think about it, their music is a lot closer to traditional bluegrass than it is to anything else - except, of course, for the lead vocals. In any event, they stole the show, were the highlight of an otherwise incredible night and probably could have kept coming back for another half dozen encores.
Last, but certainly not least, thanks again for doing such a great job with your blog. In the immortal words of Ray Deaton, "if I'd ever write me a bluegrass blog, I believe I'd write it just like this."
Ted,
ReplyDeleteI am semi-retired, but still have to work some (still enjoy work too I have to say) and can't always get out and go.
To everyone in my shoes- try to go but if you can't Ted's blog is the next best thing. The performers ought to consider letting you post some brief sound clips indicative of their work.
It is hard for me to imagine anyone reading your blog not becoming smitten with the bluegrass bug.
Take bluegrass to the masses Ted, great work.
Dr. B
Herb - Thanks for your comments. It's not that I don't have bands I either don't like or think aren't much good. Check back for comments I've written about Gold Wing Express. I tend to either ignore bands that aren't good or that don't honor the traditions of this great music. Contact me off the blog to discuss this further.
ReplyDeleteDr. B - This is already enough work without my trying to learn how to use film clips or video. I actually like to sleep and to listen to the music. Interested people can hear clips on the bands' web sites or on iTunes. I encourage them to buy CDs and downloads to become familiar with the music. In the end, though, there's no beating going to a few festivals and getting to know the music. - Ted
Ted,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet you and your wife at the MACC. Thanks for documenting so much of the show with your photography. My daughter and I had a lot of fun with the MC work. Every time I see the fans, the bands, and the workers all pitching in for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital I feel a true sense of gratitude. My oldest son was cured of bone cancer at St. Jude and I know it was due in large measure to contributions others have made. I spend the whole four days in a state of appreciation for all involved.
I also notice that more and more the fans have made the MACC their festival. I love seeing that sense of ownership. It also shows how this music can bring all kinds of people together in peace because of two common caues, th Kids, and Bluegrass.
We had a great line-up and the bands played their hearts out. Darrel Adkins is attacking childhood cancer with a vengence and with good reason. It is an honor to be a part of it. Thanks for all of your help.
John Tewell
Ted...these comments and pictures of the MACC have lifted your blog to an entirely new level. It was just an outstanding compilation of words and pictures, and you promise more to come about MACC! I'm in awe.
ReplyDeleteJohn - Thanks you so much for your comment. The job of emcee is often unsung, demanding, and more important than most people understand. You and Melany kept the festival moving right along and never, ever made it about yourselves. I'll have more to say about your work in my final review of the festival.
ReplyDeleteBob - My old friend...your friendship and presence in our lives mean more to us than you can ever know. See you soon.
Ted
Ted,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet Irene and yourself at the MACC. I think you've really captured the spirit of the festival in your blog. The artists love to hang out as long as they can. The artists and fans both are proud, and have taken ownership of this festival over the years. It gets bigger and better every year and continues to raise more money for the children of St. Jude. I captured some wonderful music again this year in preparation for the next CD. I thank Irene and yourself for covering this event. I hope you had fun. Welcome to the family.
Sincerely,
Bob Kelley
The banjo picker for Randy Kohrs Band is Mike Sumner, not Mila Sumner.
ReplyDeleteMission accomplished, Lesley. You don't make a poor blogger's job easy, but I sure appreciate my eagle eyed editorial staff - Ted
ReplyDelete