The Groovegrass Boyz (featuring Bootsy Collins, Doc Watson, and Mac Wiseman)
Groovegrass 101
Reprise
The line-up on this recording, originally released in 1993, is actually very heavy on talent. In addition to the core group, most of the Del McCoury band, as well as dobroist Jerry Douglas, appear. In spite of the inclusion of all these traditionalists, it is still one of the weirdest damn CD’s I’ve heard in years.
Due in large part to the production and mixing, this recording sorta comes across like one of those parties where there is one black guy amongst a room full of country boys who all try really hard to defer to the minority figure. Bootsy’s influence is truly overpowering. and makes this come across like parody, or some “Hooked on Bluegrass Fusion” type of thing. It’s even got a whole song built around a Minnie Pearl “Howdy” sample. “Space Bass” and drums simply do not mix very well with Bluegrass.
The musicianship is fine, and it is actually kinda fun at times. At other times, it really got on my hillbilly nerves. This might be a good one to use to run all the late-lingering guests off from your party. At one point in my life, I would’ve probably bought it for that very reason. I’m sure some of this will one day appear on a Dr. Demento compilation. What a very weird concept. http://www.groovegrass.com
Reprise Records, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, 21th Floor, New York, NY 10019
