We spent a gratifying number of hours at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival this weekend. On Friday we saw the Jerry Douglas band, and then Allison Krauss and Robert Plant. Everything about the show was perfect, but the best part was T-Bone Burnett laying his spooky, unsettling vibe over everything. Here’s Laura’s take.
On Saturday we saw Nick Lowe, playing solo. He stopped right in the middle of one song and said “I don’t remember the words to that one.” Which is something you can only do if you’re Nick Lowe.
After him we saw Dave Alvin, which was a revelation. The Blasters, like the Jayhawks and all those other great bands, zipped right past me in their heyday, so I have some catching up to do.
On our way back from getting a new copy of the schedule at the information booth, Lilly and I stumbled on this special treat, a band of stoners who could really sing. I hope they show up on an official stage next year.