| |
Bluegrass
 |
 |
The invention of
the phonograph and the onset of the radio in the early 1900s brought
this old-time music out of the rural Southern mountains to people all
over the United States.
The Monroe Brothers were one of the most popular duet teams of the
1920s and into the 1930s. Charlie played the guitar, Bill played the
mandolin and they sang duets in harmony. When the brothers split up as
a team in 1938, both went on to form their own bands. Since Bill was a
native of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, he decided to call his band
"Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys," The invention of the phonograph
and the onset of the radio in the early 1900s brought this old-time
music out of the rural Southern mountains to people all over the United
States.
|
 |
|
|
This music
incorporated songs and rhythms from string band, gospel (black and
white), work songs and "shouts" of black labourers, country and blues
music repertoires. Most believe that the classic bluegrass sound jelled
in 1946, shortly after Earl Scruggs, a 21 year old banjo
player from North Carolina, joined the band.
Scruggs played an innovative three-finger
picking style on the banjo that energized enthusiastic
audiences. |
 |
|
From
1948-1969, Flatt & Scruggs were a major force in introducing
bluegrass music to America through national television, at major
universities and coliseums, and at schoolhouse appearances in numerous
towns.
The
increased availability of traditional music recordings, nationwide
indoor and outdoor bluegrass festivals and movie, television and
commercial soundtracks featuring bluegrass music have aided in bringing
this music out of modern day obscurity.
 |
With our harmonicas
you are invited to try before you buy, using our bellows system you can
actually hear the harp in use before you buy it, safe in the knowledge
that you aren't damaging it in any way. Call
in to the store to find out more... |
Bluegrass
music is now performed and enjoyed around the world--the IBMA alone
claims members in all 50 states and 30 countries. In addition to the to
the classic style born in 1946 that is still performed widely,
bluegrass bands today reflect influences from a variety of sources
including traditional and fusion jazz, contemporary country music,
Celtic music, rock & roll ("newgrass" or progressive
bluegrass), old-time music and Southern gospel music--in addition to
lyrics translated to various languages.
Hickies selection of bluegrass instruments includes most popular models
for playing traditional and modern styles. We also stock an extensive
range of learning
material. In addition, Hickies can order other instruments
that are not normally included in stock. Please contact us for further
information or to talk to our on site bluegrass instrument specialist.
Alternatively you can email Dave directly by clicking here.
|
  |
 |
The guitar picture here is Dave's personal baby, it's a stunning
example of a 1962 Fender Stratocaster in 'Sherwood green', lovingly
cared for, for the last sixteen years by Dave, it's aging nicely
(unlike Dave!) and has the whole range of sounds that we have come to
expect from the notoriously versatile Stratocaster. Dave uses light
gauge (.09 .042) Fender strings for a mellow, original sound and Ernie
Ball strings for a more 'brash' sound. There isn't a single scratch
anywhere on this guitar and as Dave's personal favourite, this guitar
is played every day.
|
Introducing: Hickory Smoke... |
|
|
The picture above is the band "Hickory Smoke", from left to right may I introduce: Terry on Mandolin and Guitar, Dave, whom you may recognise from this page (and from Hickies) on Banjo, Guitar & Mandolin, Chris on Vocal & Guitar and finally, Colm on the Fiddle. |
The only other member of the line up not introduced so far is young Terry here on Bass, tucked away at the end, playing a rather attractive vintage Rickenbacker, with a very nice action to it !
|
|
|
Playing traditional Irish, Bluegrass, Folk and Country music, this band have been entertaining audiences for the last 2 years all across the south of England. All of the instruments played by the band are available to buy at Hickies. Several of the members play in other bands playing completely different styles of music but they all came together founded on a love of good old fashioned traditional dancing music. Oh, and by the way - they're rather good !
|
| |
|
|
|
