Home Brew

Gary Brewer opens Home Brew with a little self-reflection on Elvis, the state of bluegrass in the '50s, and Bill Monroe on grass. Penned by Tom T. Hall, "Elvis on Velvet and Monroe on Grass" may sound like an ode to progressive bluegrass and the counterculture, but instead celebrates the ability of traditional bluegrass to weather rock & roll's insurgency in the mid-'50s. In fact, Brewer & the Kentucky Ramblers serve as living proof that for a number of traditionally minded performers, G runs, a ringing banjo, and twangy mountain vocals are still in style. Indeed, "Poor Ellen Smith" digs so deep into the back hills that one can smell the hickory smoke wafting from some lonesome cabin. This old worldview also assures that in one's hour of need, "God Was There," and that ancient folk songs "Old Dan Tucker" and "Little Liza Jane" are still suitable for Saturday night dances. Indeed, without studio logbooks, musical scholars may one day confuse early bluegrass practitioners with revivalists like Brewer. The giveaway here centers on Brewer's fancy guitar licks on "Lonesome Guitar" and the production's clean, crisp sound, two qualities seldom found on an early Flatt & Scuggs recording. Music lovers who like their bluegrass high and lonesome will want to pick up at least one copy of Home Brew. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.