Grey Fox: The Kruger Brothers

I saw the Kruger Brothers a couple of years ago at the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival in Framingham, MA. This is a mid-winter festival, and the music is performed inside, in a long, low hotel conference room. A dreary environment for bluegrass, and I spent more time looking at exhibits and playing the fiddle with other entry-level fiddlers than in the concert hall.

But the Kruger Brothers really lit up the room and the entire festival for me. I remember them with a silver white aura emanating from them (could have been a spotlight) while they played music that sounded to me like a mix of classical, jazz, and folk, in addition to the more standard bluegrass and gospel genres. Simply breathtaking. And they also have a sense of humor.

Even though they do not play the cello, this is the group I am most looking forward to at Grey Fox this year.

It was hard to find a good video of the Kruger Brothers on YouTube, but I picked this one, crying baby and all, for the extended instrumental section. (Kruger Brothers Live @ Rudy's 1/5/2007) There are other YouTube videos showing their bluegrass and gospel styles.

Bluegrass Festival Cello

I woke up early Saturday morning (about 4:30 am, having gone to bed, exhausted, very early the night before). I needed to wash some clothes for the bluegrass festival and, of course, practice.

Because this was an outdoor festival and rain was predicted, I took out my old cello to tune it up, warm it up, and get it ready. But, I hated the sound. The tone was muffled and unclear. I've always loved the tone of this cello, but perhaps in comparison to my new cello, or perhaps because it hasn't been played in a few months, it just sounded awful.

So, I took the new one, for its wonderful resonance and strong tone, even if only I would hear it.

The performance tent was very large, providing shelter for both musicians and audience (and instruments). One side was open giving a nice view of the grounds. It didn't rain. Attendance was low though, perhaps because of the dire weather forecasts.

Our core group of 12-14 fiddlers was augmented by another 6-8 players I had never played with before (though I think I sold a bow to one of them). They were all excellent players, and we played most tunes faster than usual. Our hour went by in a flash. The fiddler next to me told me she heard my cello, and that I sounded great! The fiddler in front of me said she could not hear me at all. Oh well, there was a microphone aimed at me, so maybe someone in the audience heard. The wife of one of the string bass players (we had two--"That's why they call them double basses," quipped one) told me she saw me, so that's a start.

I am going to try to memorize a fiddle tune a week on the cello, as well as work out some accompaniments for some tunes, and/or collect some written accompaniments that I like. I love the Music for Three (Last Resort Music) accompaniment for Coleraine, for instance. Very easy, but twangy, in a good way. That way I can alternate melody with accompaniment.

The next concert is in two weeks.

Today is a gloriously beautiful day. But I have to work, so I will take my work, and later, my cello, out on the deck.

Bluegrass on the [Soggy] Bogs!

The bluegrass festival I have been preparing for is this weekend, ready or not, rain or shine. Thunderstorms are predicted tomorrow, while we're playing. The stage is covered, but the audience is not. I have been to bluegrass festivals in the rain before; but thunderstorms? Maybe not.

On the positive side, I feel ready, not virtuosic, but able to contribute in a positive way. I'm glad I have two cellos, so I don't have to subject my new one to the weather.

There's another weekend arts festival coming up in two weeks. In that one, I am playing with my flute choir and with the fiddlers, as well as running an instrument petting zoo (giving kids and adults the opportunity to try out violins, violas, and cellos) for Johnson String Instrument. I do love encouraging adults to play! Sometimes I can encourage a whole family to "make music" together.

Fiddles, Bluegrass, and Smiles

It was an evening of fiddle and bluegrass music. No cello though. I took my fiddle (because it is easier to stow in the car during the day of errands that preceded the night of music) to the Thank-You-in-Advance cookout and fiddle jam. All the bands performing in the June 9 bluegrass festival were invited. Great food and a good opportunity to meet and play with the other bands. I haven't practiced the fiddle in months, but did remember a few tunes. If only I had more time to practice all this stuff. I just love the idea of people coming together and playing common music. (In the photo, I'm the one on the lower left.)

We left early to attend a bluegrass concert at Johnson String: The Reunion Band. Excellent music and the individual band members were very personable and talented. I smiled through the whole concert. Beamed in some parts. Will write more tomorrow, as it is getting late, and I am tired!