Rural Roots of Bluegrass: Songs, Stories & History [Paperback]

Wayne Erbsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

Erbsen's book takes a deep look at bluegrass to discover its true roots. Included are the words and music to ninety-four songs, vintage photos, historical introductions and profiles of scores of musicians at the very core of bluegrass. The book contains tips on singing and playing, and includes accounts of the author's personal encounters with many of these legendary musicians.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wayne Erbsen is an active teacher, writer, musician, and publisher who has made it his lifelong passion to collect, preserve, and perform historic American music.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Native Ground Music (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883206405
• ISBN-13: 978-1883206406
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grass roots music and bluegrass, December 30, 2004

By 

grasshopper4 (Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Rural Roots of Bluegrass: Songs, Stories & History (Paperback)

This book will appeal to readers who are new to bluegrass as well as readers interested in the history of old-time and bluegrass music genres and musicians. Wayne Erbsen has previously written on bluegrass and old-time, but this book updates and embellishes earlier work. Erbsen begins by providing an engaging historical overview of the various roots music traditions that contributed to contemporary bluegrass styles. He explains how the string band music of North Carolina, Tennessee, and other areas form a foundation for Bill Monroe's later contributions, thereby affirming both Monroe's important role in developing the genre while also acknowledging the sources that Monroe drew from in crafting his own style. I especially like the biographical sketches of major musicians such as Snuffy Jenkins, Bradley Kincaid, Eck Robertson, the Coon Creek Girls, the Blue Sky Boys, and other artists who may not be as well known. Erbsen's introduction to the basic instrumental and vocal techniques used in bluegrass will appeal both to musicians who want to learn to perform in this style as well as to listeners who simply wish to develop their musical ear. The book includes lyrics, melodies, chords, and historical background on nearly 100 old-time, gospel, and bluegrass songs. The music is presented in an accessible and engaging way, and Erbsen's clear writing style sets a great tone for encouraging novices who wish to learn the tunes. The book also includes an excellent and extensive presentation of photographs of musicians and a good list of resources for further reading and listening. Having all of this information in one volume that is a pleasure to read is a valuable resource for anyone interested in American music.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A romp through the history of enduring favorite tunes, January 14, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rural Roots of Bluegrass: Songs, Stories & History (Paperback)

Rural Roots Of Bluegrass: Songs, Stories & History is an eclectic medley of a book that profiles great bluegrass musicians, offers a wealth of music (including a classic song with notes and lyrics on almost every page), and packed from cover to cover with fascinating anecdotes of history, and so much more. Rural Roots Of Bluegrass is an enjoyable romp through the history of enduring favorite tunes and the great people who performed them. Also highly recommended is the Rural Roots Of Bluegrass CD ($14.95) by Wayne Erbsen and Laura Boosinger which features 13 vocals, 3 instrumentals, and has a total playing time of 54 minutes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection Of Old Timey Songs And Information On The Musicians, March 26, 2009

By 

Chris Luallen (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rural Roots of Bluegrass: Songs, Stories & History (Paperback)

When I was a student at Warren Wilson College in the late 80's I took a guitar class with Wayne Erbsen. I soon discovered I had no musical talent but somehow still got an A in the class. I guess Mr Erbsen decided that my showing up to class and trying my best every day was good enough.

I never did become a musician. But I have maintained my life long love for music and especially the rural old timey songs of my Appalachian family roots. So I was thrilled to find this outstanding collection of lyrics and sheet music. Now I can look up the words to "In The Pines" and "Shady Grove" that I could never quite figure out on my own. But best of all is the wealth of information that is provided on early performers such as Wade Mainer and Ernest "Pop" Stoneman. Bill Monroe liked to take all the credit for "inventing" bluegrass. But clearly this music had roots that preceded the Bluegrass Boys and Erbsen does a fine job of telling us more about these lesser known performers and their music. Highly recommended for any fan of bluegrass or old timey music.