Bluegrass Goes to Scotland

[switchblade5984]

Right you are! Bluegrass developed from the Appalachian mountain music, which grew out of songs brought over by the Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in that area.

Many songs now done as bluegrass are hundreds of years old and were originally played in the British Isles, especially Ireland. Some changes have occurred; songs that were originally jigs are now played as reels, but the basic tunes are the same.

Songs are also traveling in the other direction. Songs that are American in origin are now being played alongside traditional music. One of the Chieftains said he was suprised one day upon hearing Dolly Parton's "Jolene" played by a traditional Irish band.

huh origins of music are always interesting! oh what is the difference between a jig and a reel?

[jfellrath]

When I saw the Chieftains a couple years ago they were touring with a bluegrass band and they even did a few numbers together - the consensus from both bands was that they each came from the same place - Celtic folk music. Very cool.