Thursday, February 3, 2011

Set your DVR: Orange Blossom Special - The Story of a Bluegrass Anthem

The Banjo versus TV project is over, but I still get automated reminders of TV programs that are of interest to banjo players. Here's one that my DVR will be recording tomorrow.

Orange Blossom Special: The Story of a Bluegrass Anthem

Orange Blossom Special is a provocative and moving salute to one of the most enduring fiddle tunes of all time. This is an exploration of an extraordinary song that helped define Bluegrass before it had a name. Covered by musicians around the world. Orange Blossom Special is a song that challenges the virtuosity of all who play it and provides inspirational room to be different each time it is interpreted. Named after a seasonal train that ran down the East Coast to Florida, Orange Blossom Special was written in 1938 by Ervin T. Rouse and made famous by Chubby Wise and Johnny Cash. The song's evocation of the train's sound and speed has been interpreted in every musical form on festival stages around the world. Featuring the music of Vassar Clements, Johnny Cash, Bela Fleck, Charlie Daniels, The Del McCoury Band, String Cheese Incident and others.

The program airs tomorrow (Friday, Feb 4) on Ovation.

Cross-posted at J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog

No comments: