Styles – Bluegrass Gospel

Synopsis

Bluegrass gospel music is rooted in American mountain music. Bluegrass gospel is classed as a third subgenre of Bluegrass (the other two being “Traditional Bluegrass” and “Progressive Bluegrass”). Many bluegrass artists incorporate gospel music into their repertoire. Distinctive elements of this style include Christian lyrics, soulful three- or four-part harmony singing, and sometimes playing instrumentals. A cappella choruses are popular with bluegrass gospel artists, though the harmony structure differs somewhat from standard barbershop or choir singing.

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Explanatory Article

Bluegrass-Gospel is naturally very similar to country gospel, sharing many of the same songs and the same basic attitude. The main difference, of course, is that it’s bluegrass, so the harmonies are pitched high and lonesome, the tempos are a little faster, and the instrumental work is deft and blindingly intricate. Unlike country-gospel, which can range from old timey to country-pop, bluegrass-gospel is pretty traditional, sticking to old-time songs played in the style of traditional bluegrass. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, that applies for much of the style. Appropriately for a music so steeped in heritage, bluegrass-gospel has been performed since the inception of bluegrass.

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Early Bluegrass Gospel Style Singers

In the last quarter of the twentieth century, several groups emerged that specialized in bluegrass gospel, the best known being Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Most bluegrass groups still include one Gospel song in every set they perform on stage and include a Gospel track on every album.

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Recommended CD Compilations

Coming soon

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Further References

Coming soon

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