Prescription Bluegrass Editorial - Deserving of An Award!

      [Ed. Note: This week's editorial is written by Prescription Bluegrass CD Reviewer, W. J. Hallock]

      In the nearly three years since Prescription Bluegrass invited me to start reviewing new bluegrass CD releases, I’ve been immersed in some great bluegrass, so much so that I was afraid I was becoming too jaded to be impressed anymore.

      I’m happy to say that’s just not the case…..  with the release of the SIMPLY BLUEGRASS DVD by Gabriel Communications and it’s airing on RFD-TV as a one time only special installment of Country’s Family Reunion, I can safely say that I can still be emotionally moved by a simple melody sung from the heart by a beautiful voice.

"Dierks Bentley, Sierra Hull, Lee and Elaine Roy and The Gibson Brothers     . . . were filled with enthusiasm and zeal!"     " . . .the magic of the day is all right there, preserved on the SIMPLY BLUEGRASS DVD"

My experience started when I was invited to the filming of the show last November in Nashville at Northstar Studios. I documented that day in a previous piece here on Prescription Bluegrass. The gist of the story being that I was totally in 7th heaven to be surrounded by so many of my musical heroes! It was a long day, full of so many nice moments.  There were so many friendly faces welcoming a stranger into their midst without hesitation, a handshake and a few moments with co-host Bill Anderson, Ronnie Reno introducing me to Mac Wiseman, getting my picture taken with Eric and Leigh Gibson, laughing with Buck White and Larry Black and a pleasant conversation with Carl Jackson. The highlight of the day for me was visiting with Simply Bluegrass co-host and bluegrass/country music icon Ricky Skaggs.       During the filming there were so many stories told of Bill Monroe, Jim McReynolds, Don Reno and a host of others.

      These first person accounts were told with love, humor, and a few tears by these founding members of the Bluegrass genre. It was also plain to see that the younger, newer artists in attendance were in total awe of being pulled into the fold of first generation bluegrass royalty.

      Dierks Bentley, Sierra Hull, Lee and Elaine Roy and The Gibson Brothers were obviously overjoyed to be invited, and their performances were filled with enthusiasm and zeal. Eric Gibson was visibly moved with emotion, and rightfully so, it was a very special day for everyone there. Eric was graciously appreciative when he later wrote of the experience, saying, and I quote: “Being a part of Simply Bluegrass ranks as a career highlight. Sitting there with so many heroes and friends is something Leigh and I will never forget. I looked out at all those faces and saw my record collection.” Amen to his sentiment!

      And then there was the music….. to say it was wonderful just doesn’t capture the aura on the set that day. It was a mix and match effort with just about everyone jumping in to sing harmony or play a backup role when it was someone else’s turn to sing or play. I was totally  moved by the ease with which all those voices blended in pure vocal excellence on some of the finest songs ever written.

      Thankfully, all those special moments were captured forever, and in my mind, and I’m pleased to speak for Prescription Bluegrass also, the magic of the day is all right there, preserved on the SIMPLY BLUEGRASS DVD.

      We feel that this show needs to be nominated for the IBMA’s coveted Bluegrass Event of the Year Award, and Larry Black should certainly be in the running for the IBMA’s Broadcaster of the Year Award. Larry should also be nominated for The Momentum Award in the Industry category, it certainly would be credit where credit is due.

      And…. wouldn’t it be great, if someday soon the decision is made to film Simply Bluegrass II?

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For more information on IBMA Awards and the nomination process, please visit their website.