Lots of Bluegrass and a Little Thing Called Respect

Last week I attended a Bluegrass Homecoming video taping. It's another great Gaither TV production.

There were two beautiful production sets. See below for pictures. And yes, I know I'm not a professional photographer.


Here is one of the production sets.


I was somewhat confused when the first two performers were George Jones and Marty Stuart. George delivered his usual, straight ahead traditional country gospel sound. Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives were swampy, Mississippi Delta country gospel. His version of, "Unseen Hand," was the best of the afternoon. Although it wasn't bluegrass, both artists did a great job.

I got to hear Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Now THAT'S traditional bluegrass gospel.


Ralph Stanley


The new bluegrass kids on the block, Dailey-Vincent Band, did a wonderful job. Jamie Dailey spent ten years with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Darrin Vincent was a member of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for several years. Dailey-Vincet stayed and backed former Statler Brothers Tenor, Jimmy Fortune. You've got to hear them sing, "I Believe" and "More Than a Name on the Wall." Now, THAT was some mighty fine harmony.


Jamie Dailey - Caught by the "not so candid" camera.


As always, the Isaacs did a fantastic job. Whether it's on stage at NQC, CMA Awards or the White House, just wind them up and get out of the way!


Ben Isaacs mingling in the crowd.


The Booth Brothers did their usual stellar job. They sang with tracks as well as with the live house band. You always get top notch singing from these guys.

As I worked the room I met several more artists including, Grasscals (Multi-IBMA award winners), Larry Sparks (IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year 06), Cherryholmes (Multi-IBMA award winners), Collingsworth Family and many others.

As always the taping included many Homecoming regulars such as, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Reggie and Ladyee Love Smith, Wesley Prichard, Kevin Williams, Gordon Mote and the Gaither Vocal Band.

Country music and Grand Ole Opry star, Vince Gill was also in attendance. I didn't get to stay long enough to hear his set, but I didn't need to hear him to know he was awesome.

One other thing I'd like to mention about Vince. Southern gospel artists, take notice. I was there for 5 hours worth of video taping. Vince sat on a stool, in the audience, for that entire time. He paid attention to the country, bluegrass and gospel artists as they sang their gospel songs. He didn't get up, walk around or have his posse bring him stuff. Are you ready for this? He didn't even touch his cell phone. He sat, listened and enjoyed. That's called respect. Respect for the host, the other artists and the music itself. There's a lesson to be learned here.

Before signing off I'd like to mention that I caught Gold City Sunday evening. If you haven't heard these guys recently, you need. They've got it going on. I'm proud of ya fellas.

Les

Posted by Les Butler at 12:06 PM - Send Comments - Email This Post