I’ve got some good ideas for future newsletters, but I thought I would take a break today for a musical interlude.
I listen to a lot of different styles of music and have quite a bit of formal musical training. It’s only been in the last few years that I had any appreciation for bluegrass and similar styles. However, probably because I’m an educator, I take special delight in seeing young people trying to create something new, regardless of genre.
For a few years now, I’ve been following the Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, a band from Norway, of all places. It’s been delightful watching their expertise develop and their fan base expand. They are SO good, I could listen to them all day. It’s been satisfying to see my initial impressions about them turn out to be accurate, especially since it has seemed like it’s taken a while for them to “get there”. You’ve got to admire anyone, especially “nobodies” who are willing to put so much time, passion, and hard work into perfecting their music. “Wayfaring Stranger” was the first song that got my attention. I like all their songs, but especially, “All My Tears,” “Lord, Don’t Forsake Me,” and “Smoky Mountain Railway.” I think they’ve hit the big time now: “Dream”.
Just recently, I came across a new group (on Facebook, I think) called “Kindred Valley”. I don’t know about you, but I just love that name. I think they used to call themselves “Back Row Baptists.” I’d say “Kindred Valley” is perfect for a bunch of West Virginia kids who have come together to play and sing. They are from Huntington and already have several songs and videos on YouTube. Look for them. The song I heard first was “Whistle”. Here are the lyrics, posted by a fan:
Here is their Facebook page. Look for their many other videos and bios on the internet, including this new song.
They are just getting started and have not yet reached the level of Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, but I am going to follow them and enjoy their journey. I sure hope they stick together and don’t get waylaid by “life”.
They’ll be a credit to West Virginia, I’m sure.
For anyone who uses Tidal here's Kindred Valley
https://tidal.com/artist/31191346