Across the Blue Ridge #103 - The Onlies, Traditionalist Interpreters and Explorers

A new generation of highly skilled performers is putting new life into roots music. These artists are bringing traditional repertoire and their own new songs and tunes to audiences hungry for the sound of acoustic instruments, classic harmonies, and strong, bold melodies. Among the best are The Onlies and Vivian Leva.  We feature their May, 2017 Muddy Creek Music Hall show on this ATBR episode.  You'll hear a wonderful combination of old ballads and mining songs, fiddle tunes, country music and new compositions interpreting all of these forms.  The Onlies are three only children who grew up as friends in Seattle, making music together since their earliest days. Vivian Leva, who grew up in Virginia in a deeply musical family, joins them with her compelling singing guitar work, and sensitive songwriter's touch.  We hear the stories of their individual evolutions as musicians.  Also on the show, some context for their music: the first segment is a powerhouse of traditional bluegrass, old time, blues, country and gospel from the mountain south and beyond.

Playlist

1. Out On The Ocean
   Red Allen
   Keep On Going
    
2. Corinna, Corinna
   Tom Ashley
   Greenback Dollar
    
3. Beulah Land
   Bessie Jones & Georgia Sea Island Singers
   Southern Journey Vol. 1
    
4. Poor Wayfaring Stranger
   Almeda Riddle
   Southern Journey Vol. 1
    
5. Six More Miles To The Graveyard
   Hank Williams
   Six More Miles To The Graveyard
    
6. Knoxville Rag
   Etta Baker
   One Dime Blues
    
7. Break 1 - Honeysuckle
   Robert Sykes & The Surry County Boys
   Black Eyed Susan
    
8. Duck River
   Mike Bryant & Friends
   Field recording
    
9. Going Across the Sea
   The Onlies
   Field recording
    
10. Cold Mountains
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
11. Molly In The Window/Cups & Mugs
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
12. Why Don't You Introduce Me As Your Darlin'?
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
13. Interview: Viv Leva
     
14. Going Up To Hamburg
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
15. Break 2 - Chips & Sauce
    The Onlies
    Long Before Light
     
16. Hard Times
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
17. Interview: Leo Shannon
     
18. Last Of My Kind
    The Onlies
    Field recording
     
19. Interview: Riley Calcagno
     
20. Interview: Sami Braman
     
21. Pinnacle Mountain Silver Mine
    The Onlies
    Field recording