Capricorn Bluegrass

While not early in my career, certainly a formative element, especially now, two “Desert Island CDs” come to mind. One is Lyle Lovett’s Step Inside This House, which, as a double CD set, really should count as two, but it’s just one.

The other, and I’ve extolled its virtues before, is REK (Robert Earl Keen), his album No. 2 Live Dinner. I’m pretty sure, it’s in the chatter from the stage on that No. 2 Live Dinner REK talks about growing up, listening to bluegrass.

Bluegrass, in itself, is an acquired taste. Truly American music with a history stretching back to tide-water settlements on the eastern seaboard, hardy settler stock, making do with what was available. Love, loss, and in one example, a motorcyle.

Two cuts from that recent album stand out as exceptional, in my mind.

52 Vincent Black Lightening
52 Vincent Black Lightning – Robert Earl Keen

T for Texas (with Lyle Lovett)
T For Texas (with Lyle Lovett) – Robert Earl Keen

The songs, part of its heritage, the Bluegrass tunes offer a narrative, a story. The story sells it. I am unsure of what its antecedent is, though.

Not sure that this kind of music appeals outside of a certain, small population. Still, as music projects go, the Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions is a pleasing selection. I’ve enjoyed it immensely – not a ringing endorsement – consider the source.