I asked,“ If you’ re already in a band, why would you want to play in another band?” The answer was,“ Because it’ s fun!”
I got a chance to hear them play. The first tune was honky-tonk number about whiskey and heartbreak with a lot of crying dobro in it. Next up was an old Merle Travis tune,“ Nine Pound Hammer.” I’ m an old Travis fan— so they had me right there.
They did three more traditional Bluegrass songs:“ Down the Road”,“ Footprints in the Snow,” and“ Gravel Yard.” I was just settling into the notion that these fellers were a pretty good Bluegrass band of the traditional persuasion when they rocked into the Hank Williams song“ Jambalaya” and then they moved into Travis Tritt’ s“ Country Club.” After that they played the old Steve Goodman song made popular by David Allen Coe,“ You Never Even Called Me by My Name.”
I could see they are not to be stuck in one musical pigeon hole. Through the versatility shown in just a few songs there was still the overall texture of Bluegrass. They launched into a very traditional version of the Bluegrass standard“ Darlin’ Cory.” I was favorably impressed and I had only heard 4 / 5ths of the band. I am looking forward to when I can hear Pete Adamson’ s guitar picking and lead vocals.
When a break was called, I shook hands with the boys and went on my way, thinking that the afternoon was well spent. Any amount of time loafing on a front porch in Nashville, listening to folks render up tasty tunes can be counted as pure profit.
I advise keeping an eye out and an ear peeled for the“ Grass Hounds.”
Oh yeah, about that name. They told me that the“ Grass” comes from Bluegrass but I never did get a satisfactory answer about the“ Hounds” part. I’ m gonna say that it is on account of how dog-gone versatile they are. •
Helmsburg GENERAL STORE
New, Spacious Look Inside. New Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey
Pizza & Wings, Groceries, Ice Large Selection Domestic / Craft Beer & Wine LOTTERY, Tobacco Products Camping Supplies, Live Bait & Tackle Hunting & Fishing Licenses Check Station, Firewood
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Nov./ Dec. 2018 • Our Brown County 57