Friday, March 28, 2008

Brief Overview of Country Styles

2nd post ever!

I guess the logical progression would be a journey into what we know and love. I am a lover of a lot of different country and I like to group it into three categories:

Pop Country – Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith. The list can go on, and on, and on and on. (Not Journey however!)
Texas Country – This is its own breed, it is VERY popular and you have probably heard at least some of it. Most of the bands are just far enough under the radar not to be pop and put on country music stations around the country (In TX they do have radio stations that play it). Sample bands include the most popular and trend setting TX country like CCR (Cross Canadian Ragweed), Pat Green (before becoming popular), Kevin Fowler, Trent Willmon, etc. I might even put Willy Nelson in this category if he weren’t so damn big and the same goes for you Mr. George Strait. Some people started out as TX country and just got so big. But a lot of them have styles that aren’t the Dirt Grass style punk country like CCR and company; it’s a very nice mix.
Seattle – This, if we didn’t live here, would not be an even viable category. None of these bands have major CDs out. (You can even find TX country CDs in WA) but you cannot find Seattle Country CDs in WA unless you’re actually at the show. My list pretty small, but it’s always growing. These bands are mostly Rockabilly with a nice mix of everything else. Bands include but not limited to: Knut Bell and The Blue Collars, West Valley Highway, Brian Green Band, $5 fine, Jerry and the Phil Billys , etc.
*there is also another category that besides Johnny Cash and a sprinkle of others I am generally not into it is classic or old country.*


I will be touching on all different categories, and will include show information which for most concert seasons consists of a nice mix of all three.

Please bear with me as I grind through the general concepts to ensure we are all on the same level. That way when we get to the actual fun stuff you can relate to what I’m saying without getting lost in translation, call my B.S., and enjoy yourself in general.

I will start with a weekend show at the Little Red Hen (http://www.littleredhen.com/) This, in Seattle, is like “home base” where most bands play or have played (with the exception of West Valley Highway). This weekend they have “Buckaroo Blues” (http://buckarooblues.com/about.htm) they are a mainstay at The Hen, and have been for some time.



It is wierd to start my blog off talking about a band that I have not heard before. I have generally not been able to attend The Hen on weekends due to me and the wifey having so many plans all the time. This should change because I will be attending their Saturday show with Cappello, Wifey, and maybe some others depending on plans, after my friend’s birthday party at Kel’s (some overpriced Irish bar). It is also Connie’s Birthday. She is one of the best bartenders and she has definitely kept my friends and me happy all throughout college and beyond. Hopefully, I will see you there!

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