IT TAKES TWO, WHEN IT USED TO TAKE ONE: Duos I Love, Part 4

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' songwriting, harmonies and "Keep It Close To The Ground" style are but a few of the reasons why they're among my favorite duos. Their voices blend seamlessly. Gillian's phrasing; Dave's subtlety and mesmerizing guitar.

Years back, they were interviewed by Whispering Bill Anderson, who complimented her on her shirt that she wears below in the "Hickory Wind" performance. Gillian said thanks, you should, it used to be yours! A small sample of how this duo honors the tradition--and there is a tradition that merits honoring--but go their own way. And what a way they have...

"Caleb Meyer" and "Time (The Revelator)" are originals; "Hickory Wind" a Gram Parsons masterpiece.

"Caleb Meyer"



"Time (The Revelator)"



"Hickory Wind"



Gillian Welch

Porter Tubb

Keep it Close to the Ground, Boys, Keep it Close to the Ground...

The words of Grand Ole Opry founder, George D. Hay, to his performers, to ensure there was no artifice, no pretense, in their music...just heart and soul. Well, there are still a few bonafide country stars keeping it real, chief among them, Marty Stuart. On his new show on RFD-TV, which I can only view through clips, he's showcasing some great artists who don't always get the visibility they deserve, like Little Jimmy Dickens and LeRoy Troy, who must be the great grandson of Uncle Dave Macon. Comfortable in any genre--country, Americana, folk, bluegrass, rock--Marty knows himself and his audience. And, in all he does, he honors the greats who inspired him (Johnny Cash, Lester Flatt, Porter Wagoner and on and on). Now, he's become one of the greats himself, well on the road to induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The first clip features Marty, the legendary, Miss Connie Smith and Earl Scruggs; the second, a great number by The Old Crow Medicine Show.

Thanks, Marty, for keepin' it close to the ground...





http://www.martystuart.net/
Porter Tubb