At twangville, we love our rootsy music but thus far we haven’t given one of the most distinct strains of country its due. And that will change today. I’ve had my own personal bluegrass renaissance and at the hands of the skilled pickers of the  Seldom Scene. The band has made a habit of bringing together classic rootsy tunes and amazing musicianship. Let me tell you, seeing it live is another thing entirely. There’s no question that the band can pick, but their infectious joy on stage can make even the most traditional minded fan melt.
Case in point: the band’s rendition of the Gram Parsons’ classic “Hickory Wind” seems like a bit of a stretch for a cover, let alone a bluegrass one The bands country take highlighted by a beautifully melodic banjo break by founding member and 5-string banjo picker Ben Eldrige is beautiful. Its the type of reinterpretation that makes bluegrass such a joyful endeavor. The players just love playing and you could see it in the band. At 76, Ben may need to see these days, but his banjo playing is the backbone of one of the pre-eminent bluegrass bands of the day. And the new record “Long Time” feels like that, amazingly proficient and varied for a bluegrass band.
Former Johnson Mountain Boy Dudley Connell has certainly cut his teeth in the bluegrass world and his lead and harmony vocals lends the band a unique sound that blends well in nearly any setting. When I got a chance to catch up with him, Dudley shared how he originally switched to vocals. “ started focusing on guitar after my guitar and singing partner, Ron Welch, decided to pursue other interests.  It was at this point that I became more interested in singing and found it was easier to accompany myself on the guitar than the banjo. I still pick up the banjo from time to time but it would be a stretch to say that I can actually play the thing.” Interesting to see the dedication of bluegrass instrumentalist. Even in bands that are established, they are not living large, yet the love of the music is so deep. Dudley found that he fell into singing to play the instrument.
Which brings me to my biggest love of the genre. You just get to sit back and watch the BAND play. Seldom Scene with Connell, Eldridge, Lou Reid, Fred Travers, and Ronnie Simpkins is a true band. Three different lead singers, trading solos, multiple tight harmonies. One listen to the new record and you’ll get a sense of it. Often bluegrass doesn’t translate well to tape, but this one “Lone Time” does.
And they play classic tunes too. Their new record has a surprisingly great version of Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” I never thought it could be, but the band makes the tune sound like it’s a bluegrass standard!
At the show, Michelle Canning and the Rough Edges got it started right. Michelle, former New England Banjo Champ, seemed comfortable both picking and singing with ease. The rough edges certainly knew how to pick as well.
All photography by Jeff McMahon
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.