Merlefest: Festival Notes 
A Great American Music Festival And Its Host At The Crossroads 
Featuring many KCA artists! 
by Derek Halsey

…. After a long night of campground music, fellowship, and fun, I wake up and clear the cobwebs, grab a bite to eat, and hit the shuttle busses again to take in a new day’s music. Saturday is the most crowded of festival days, with the music schedule filled to the brim. My first stop is the Creekside Stage where I take in the mandolin workshop. Onstage is Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, the ever-present Peter Rowan, Dan Tyminski of Alison Krauss and Union Station fame, James Nash of the Waybacks, long time bluegrass great Tony Williamson, 16-year old prodigy Sierra Hull, New Grass Revival founder Sam Bush, and about five other pickers - you get the picture. At what rock concert or festival do you find the best rock musicians hosting a workshop where they show the fans how to play better and take questions about playing their respective instruments? It doesn't happen….. 

…As darkness falls on Saturday, the focus is on the upcoming headliners, the wonderful combination of guitar great Tony Rice joined by Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. Leading up to the performance is the yearly set by the Sam Bush Band, which is always fun. As it gets closer to show time, the seats fill up in front of the Watson Stage, the gear is set up, and the long-awaited collaboration begins.
The members of Union Station, Krauss, Douglas, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, and Ron Block, have all been long time fans of Tony Rice, as has anyone who has listened to his music over the years. Rice first stepped into the bigger spotlight when he was a part of the JD Crowe and the New South band from the mid-1970’s that featured a group of up and coming musicians including Rice, Jerry Douglas, and Ricky Skaggs. Rice’s later work with the David Grisman Quintet furthered his reputation as a premier guitarist, and his solo albums, such as the much-heralded “Manzanita,” also highlighted his vocal skills.

As the years progressed, unfortunately, Rice lost his singing voice entirely. Enter Alison Krauss. It was Alison’s idea to put together this combination of Union Station with Rice, and she was glad to sing the vocals to his many classic songs. The cool night air is crisp, the sky is clear, with a bright moon rising above and behind the Watson Stage. The atmosphere fits the music. Union Station is as professional and talented a band as there is in the business. So, when they start into a few of Rice’s songs, it is soon obvious that the quality of the music will live up to the billing. The Rice classics played include “Shadows,” “Early Morning Rain,” “Four Strong Winds,” and “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today.” The lead vocals are traded between Krauss and Tyminski, with Tyminski dueting with Rice on guitar on a wonderful version of “Church Street Blues.” There are times, as I listen, when it is frustrating that it is Krauss that has to sing certain songs. I love her distinctive voice, and she sounds wonderful as she brings these tunes to life. But, Rice’s voice is so connected with songs like “Ginseng Sullivan" that when you hear these new versions, you realize how much you miss his vocal abilities. Still, when Alison sings “Streets Of London,” it is nothing short of moving. Incredible. And then - magic. In the middle of the show, Tony Rice comes out to play his always-anticipated solo number. This time around, Rice chooses the Gershwin classic “Summertime.” As he mesmerizes the audience with his fret work, out comes Jerry Douglas with his squareneck Dobro to add another layer to the music. As the sounds of this duet pours out of the speakers into the North Carolina air, as if on cue, a bright green meteor appears above and to the right of the stage, slowly leaving a long glowing trail behind it. Those up close to the stage do not see the meteor, nor do the performers. But, you can hear about a fourth of the crowd clap and cheer for this spontaneous light show as the shooting star breaks up into many flaming pieces as it disappears behind the trees. “Summertime” was one of the late Merle Watson’s favorite songs. It makes you wonder….

For the entire article, go to http://www.swampland.com/articles/view/swampland/521