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Our family has developed a method for teaching ordinary people to sing and play string instruments. ‘Mountain Music For Everyone’ , as we call it. The group of folks last night have been at it for six months and have all they need for jamming. Listening to them reminded me of the music I encountered throughout the third world (e.g., Asia, Africa, India, Polanisia, etc.). And much like the music you can find sung in small Christian churches, it is music for the people, by the people,... 'people music'.
What struck me so poignantly was the stark difference between this 'people music' and the 'professional band' sound. Perhaps a short correlation's table can best draw the distinction...
YIN (passive)--YANG (active)
common---------flashy
free-----------fortune
anonymous------fame
unassuming-----ego
loose----------tight
unimpressive---awesome
calming--------stimulating
boondocks------uptown
plain----------polished
natural--------artistic
simple---------intricate
common---------unique
Sure, the 'professional band' sound is impressive. That's why it sells. But, about five minutes of that is all I can take. Then I prefer the sound of traffic. I know, I'm an oddball. In contrast, the 'people music' feels simple, relaxing, whole. I'm not drawn to listen to it, but when I hear it, I'm not repelled either. 'People music' is non-contending, content, quietly joyful, sincere, and comfortable in the lower position. For me, it parallels chapter 70: Therefore the sage, while clad in homespun, conceals on his person a priceless piece of jade.
The first time I heard Doc Watson, way back in the early 70's, I was drawn by the humanness of his music. It was so genuine and authentic, humble but yet skilled. Sort of warmed the cockles of yer heart, it did. When my Mother was dying of cancer and I was flying back and forth to New York, Doc's music kept me sane.
You captured that feeling nicely.
I wonder if mountain music could even survive if big money were introduced. Oh, wait, we know the answer to that. Mountain Music + $$$$$ = country music! A whole 'nother animal.
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