World of Bluegrass blog
'Atheists Don't Have No Songs' concludes 'Bluegrass for Beginners'
Posted by David Menconi on September 22, 2013
Bluegrass has a long tradition of a cappella singing, especially spirituals, and also onstage humor (usually between songs). Atheists Dont Have No Songs combines all of that in a dead-on affectionate homage to bluegrass gospel, as put together by World of Bluegrass headliner with the host of the IBMA awards show, Brevards Steep Canyon Rangers. Here is a version from Late Show With David Letterman, with Martins solo vocal at the end bringing down the house as always. And that concludes our Bluegrass for Beginners series -- hope you liked it!
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'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' in 'Bluegrass for Beginners'
Posted by David Menconi on September 21, 2013
As performed by father of bluegrass Bill Monroe, the African-American spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is number 11 in our pre-IBMA "Bluegrass for Beginners" countdown.
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'Man of Constant Sorrow' in 'Bluegrass for Beginners'
Posted by David Menconi on September 20, 2013
The great Ralph Stanley’s version of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is the 10th installment in our pre-IBMA “Bluegrass for Beginners” countdown.
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‘I Wonder Where You Are Tonight’ is day 9 of ‘Bluegrass for Beginners’
Posted by David Menconi on September 19, 2013
“I Wonder Where You Are Tonight,” as performed by the pedigree-rich Jim and Jesse McReynolds, is our ninth of 12 songs in pre-IBMA “Bluegrass for Beginners” survey.
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'Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,' No. 8 in 'Bluegrass for Beginners'
Posted by David Menconi on September 18, 2013
Flatt & Scruggs’ “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” a recast version of an old Monroe Brothers tune, is the eighth of 12 selections in our “Bluegrass for Beginners” countdown.
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The Carter Family wonders how the old folks are, 7th in our countdown
Posted on September 17, 2013
“I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home” is number seven in our pre-IBMA “Bluegrass for Beginners” countdown.
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Banjos feud and duel on 'Bluegrass for Beginners'
Posted by David Menconi on September 16, 2013
"Feudin' Banjos," memorably plagiarized as the "Deliverance" movie song "Dueling Banjos," is our sixth installment of "Bluegrass for Beginners."

