Rural Route Music by Bluegrass Johnson BITTER SWEET, Ky. — This week I would ask you to indulge me for a few moments. I want to share a musical gem located in my home state of Kentucky; a program known as Red Barn Radio. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of bluegrass music and the great mountain music that has been a major part of the Commonwealth’s rich heritage. That musical genre is exactly what you’ll hear on each broadcast of the RBR. For the last 13 years this broadcast has featured artists from Kentucky and the surrounding areas and, thanks to modern technology, has brought this amazing music to the entire planet. Ed Commons is the executive producer and director of the show who is constantly bringing great and often hidden talent to the RBR stage. “Our mission is to preserve and promote the music of Kentucky and the region,” he told me. In doing that, Ed has gathered “homegrown” musicians to showcase their talents and to give the world a gift like no other. “Over the years we have accumulated a roster of hundreds and hundreds of musicians who have been on the show, most of them from Kentucky and the region right around the state,” he said. “What surprises me most is the quality of the talent that we have right here.” Many of the people that come to RBR have other jobs and do other things besides sing and play. But they all have one thing in common; they share a passion for the music they perform. Ed said he thinks because these folks aren’t constantly on the road performing, they come with an added excitement not always seen from some of the big time stars. In addition to the great music you’ll get to hear, listeners will also get acquainted with the artists from interview segments. The show’s host, Donald Mason leads listeners through each one hour show that is recorded at one of the state’s most unique venues, the Performance Hall at Arts Place in downtown Lexington. The shows, recorded each Wednesday is broadcast by several radio stations around the area and can be found on the RBR website so you folks that aren’t in the neighborhood can still enjoy this truly distinctive program. Ed said he has even heard from people in New Zealand who have discovered the show by way of the web. The best way to understand what this music is like is to experience it for yourself. My meager words can’t fully convey the impact it will have on you. Each time I tune in, I’m reminded of what my mother once told me. She said there was magic in the mountains where most of the music has its origin. I give Red Barn Radio a big 100 A+ for giving homegrown artists a chance to share their talent and giving the rest of the world a glimpse into this magical mountain musical. To learn more about RBR, get a listing of the stations that feature the show or to listen to past shows, log on to their website at http://redbarnradio.com
Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication. |
