VERY INTERESTING: BLUEGRASS

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

Bluegrass Music

If you love the mountains and also love music than there is a good chance that you love Bluegrass music. If you haven't yet discovered bluegrass music you are in for a treat this week as we share ten things everyone should know about this wonderful type of music. The mountains in and around Asheville are home to many great bands and plenty of them are bluegrass bands. Asheville is a mecca for live music and once we can have crowds again Asheville will be one of the first to have a toe tapping good time. Until then, enjoy these ten fun facts about bluegrass music. 

1.The roots of Bluegrass

Bluegrass music can be traced back to the 1940s, beginning in the United States of America in the Appalachian region. Although this style of music began in the United States, it still owes its roots to the United Kingdom, mostly English, Scottish, and Irish dance tunes. It also got some of its inspiration from the traditional African-American jazz and blues. The style of music was later on developed by the guys who played with Monroe in his band. 

2.What makes it unique

Bluegrass usually fingers acoustic stringed instruments and puts more emphasis on the off-beat timing. With blues music, the notes usually fall behind the beat. However, unlike blues music, the notes in bluegrass music are anticipated. 

3. It isn't boring

A lot of folks have a misconception that bluegrass is "old people's music" and that it is boring. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are loads of contemporaty bands like Munford Sons who are bringing bluegrass to a wider and younger audience. Here is another great band named Nickel Creek who have an interesting take on bluegrass music. Asheville is a great place to discover what is new in Bluegrass scene. 

4. Isn't it just country music

 This is an easy mistake to make, but Bluegrass has a very consistent sound centered around string instrument. The sound is characterized by quick plucking of the strings in tones that are high-pitched. Country music on the other hand has a variety of instruments, many electric and more emphasis on the drums. 

5. Why is it called Bluegrass?

The term “bluegrass” comes from the name of one of the original bands, sorta. Bluegrass music was popularized by the Monroe brothers; Charlie & Bill. When Bill broke off to form his own band, he named it “Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys.” He named it that because he was a native of Kentucky, also known as the Bluegrass State. 

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking