We say it’s bluegrass weekend.  Maybe it’ll change later this weekend.  We won’t know ’til Saturday morning and the coffee’s brewing.  But for right now, it’s bluegrass.  We want original thoughts and stories from you.  Hop on the Cousins Train cuz it’s a rollin’ now

Let me warm us up with this.  Echos Des Prairies Levis Bouliane, et ses Blue Grass Ramblers.  On London, MB 128.  These guys knew how to ramble.  Anyone know anything about these guys?  Plug in, grab a beverage and listen to Reel Du Sucre D’erable.  What does it tell us?  Sounds to me like Irish roots + Mexican roots = on the border bluegrass heaven. 

 

Ford Nix.  Self titled on Detroit’s Walker label.  Some great rockin’ bluegrass.  Has a two-headed banjo, which he plays like the devil himself.  I’ve got some other records from Ford Nix.  I could google this guy, but anyone out there have any original info on him?  Please comment below and tell us a story.  Or tell us what you think. 

listen to Mama Don’t Allow No Music Around Here:

We’ve heard from the Mexican border, we’ve heard from good ol’ De-troit, Michigan.  But the Frenchies?  Some raggety Paris hippies who scrapped up cash in June of 1973 to fly to the States, bought a junk car, and hit every major bluegrass festival possible?  Can they hold it down? 

Taking in consideration that Herve de Sainte Foy is listed on the musican’s credits as “In Spirit”, listen to La Bluegrass Connection’s Va Va Va, off their Bluegrass Francais LP on Puritan:

The Violent Femmes found Bluegrass and Jesus, perhaps at the same time, at least temporarily, and recorded Jesus Walking On The Water for their Hallowed Ground record on Slash.  Jesus, as you know, is a common theme in bluegrass music, as is evident on the next selection, which you may have seen posted here before.  But wait, first listen to the group who was also known for a smash hit about, umm…you know.

Jesus is a Soul Man.  That’s what Sandusky Ohio’s Pathway Quartet says and I ain’t arguing with ‘em.  Sam and Dave said they were Soul Men; I say they were and so was Jesus.  And so are all of us. 

listen:

But what about that authentic homegrown Kentucky bluegrass? 

I rediscoverd this record just now while writing this post.  I don’t want to rush to post a track, cause every one I listen to I want to post.  It’s the Osborne Brothers and Red Allen, Country Pickin’ and Hillside Singin’.  I’m going to enjoy this for a while and then decide.  Jess is gone, which explains the size of this bluegrass entry.  It’s Friday, I’ve got the Tigers on the big screen, the record player going full blast, the beer flowing - that sort of thing.  So hold on while I enjoy this record.