Rating: 
Summary: A "10" documentary of vintage footage and music !!!
Review: Breathtaking and the true emotion of Bluegrass music. More than a history. A genuine experience of the roots and people who shared this unique sound with the rest of the humanity. Rachel & Jerome deserve a standing ovation for their work. I have lived it and remember it from the beginning. This film captures the American soul when it was at its apex.
Rating:
Summary: A "10" documentary of vintage footage and music !!!
Review: Breathtaking and the true emotion of Bluegrass music. More than a history. A genuine experience of the roots and people who shared this unique sound with the rest of the humanity. Rachel & Jerome deserve a standing ovation for their work. I have lived it and remember it from the beginning. This film captures the American soul when it was at its apex.
Rating: 
Summary: Thoroughly Enjoyable
Review: Chock full of great bluegrass music and old footage from the early days of the many artists, I found this disc to be very enjoyable. If you like bluegrass or are interested in learning more about it this disc is for you - It has the feel of a Ken Burns documentary (He was a consultant) and goes into great detail of the life and times of the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe. The First third focuses in on the early days of bluegrass and Bill Monroe's youth. The middle shows alot of the various lineups of Bill Monroe and his bluegrass boys - and footage of the various "boys" when they went solo. The final third has some real magic in it when the crew visits the many bluegrass festivals. Here the real magical performances are one of the Osborne Bros. from the late 60's doing Ruby (Incredible - unfortunatly this is not the whole performance) and the amazing group The Seldom Scene doing one of the best renditions of Know You Rider that I have ever heard - these two are worth the price of admission alone. Being a guitarist/banjo picker I was finding myself playing along and even picking up some new licks and rolls - especially when Flatt & Scruggs are highlighted - whew! - Scruggs was a banjo god. Very entertaining - a little slow in some parts and a few musicians that should have been mentioned were missing (namely David Grisman, Vassar Clements (he can be seen in one segment w/ Bill Monroe but that's it), Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, and maybe a little more on some of the novelty acts like Bluegrass 45 - this is the only reason I give it 4 and not 5 stars - but don't let that stop you - this DVD is GREAT ! This is a barebones DVD and could really have benefitted from a better sound, but I guess since many of the early recording were in mono - it was not an option - but it could have still used and benefitted from a dolby digital track, another track of the complete recordings would have made this pure gold - but I'm not complaining.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!
Review: High Lonesome is a video that should be on the shelf of every dedicated, loyal fan of Bluegrass Music and those that are becoming loyal, dedicated fans. For those who grew up with the music, even back to the days when it was still called country, this is a great film to kick in the nostalgia, and rev up the memories. For those who are becoming fans of this great American music, this video is BLUEGRASS 101. Here is the introduction to the basic roots of bluegrass as we know it. A fantastic look and rare clips fo those who made the music what is is and comments, explanations and perhaps some advice from the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. Here is the how, where, who and very importantly the why of the beginings of bluegrass music. This is all here in the words and music from the legends, both active and passed on. Legends like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Reno & Smiley, Flatt & Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Osborne Bros.and any others. Wonderful clips such as an all too brief clip of Don Reno when he worked with Bill Monroe. I remember many of these artist. I am fortunate to have met many of these great artist, to have been acquainted with some and priviledged to call some friend. There is a difference. You will come to understand the dedication and determination that made the legends and their refusal to compromise in very difficult times. It is a revealing film to those who have many misconceptions of bluegrass music, the musicians and the fans. It is revealing of the honesty, integrity and sincerety of every thing connected to it. I play many of these artists, songs and traditions on my Sunday night show, WFPK, Louisville, KY.
Rating:
Summary: Listen and Learn - A Blend of Music and History
Review: I bought this DVD as a stocking-stuffer for my husband this Christmas. It turned out to be the highlight of gifts. Not only is the Bluegrass music original and authenic, the historical account is enlightening. We knew Bluegrass came to this country through Irish immigrants, but we had never noticed the connection to the Beatniks and Flower Children era. The history just fell into place as the DVD took us through the various influences on Bluegrass music.
Rating:
Summary: Listen and Learn - A Blend of Music and History
Review: I bought this DVD as a stocking-stuffer for my husband this Christmas. It turned out to be the highlight of gifts. Not only is the Bluegrass music original and authenic, the historical account is enlightening. We knew Bluegrass came to this country through Irish immigrants, but we had never noticed the connection to the Beatniks and Flower Children era. The history just fell into place as the DVD took us through the various influences on Bluegrass music.
Rating:
Summary: Highly rated by someone who was "there" at the beginning
Review: I bought this DVD for my grandfather for his birthday. He has listened to this music all his life and for so many years it was hard to find. He called me immediately after receiving it and viewing it (10pm his time) to tell me how much he appreciated it. He said it brought back good, old memories of all the people who were in the DVD and of growing up with the music. He told me that this was the best thing I could have given him for his birthday (aside from a visit from his great-grandkids). I'd say from his reaction that if you like this music this is definitely a DVD you must see.
Rating:
Summary: Highly rated by someone who was "there" at the beginning
Review: I bought this DVD for my grandfather for his birthday. He has listened to this music all his life and for so many years it was hard to find. He called me immediately after receiving it and viewing it (10pm his time) to tell me how much he appreciated it. He said it brought back good, old memories of all the people who were in the DVD and of growing up with the music. He told me that this was the best thing I could have given him for his birthday (aside from a visit from his great-grandkids). I'd say from his reaction that if you like this music this is definitely a DVD you must see.
Rating:
Summary: Bluegrass Lover
Review: I have been a bluegrass fan for about one year. I love the music - it just makes me feel good! I was impressed by the great footage on this DVD. The interviews are great and I love the photography. If you know a bluegrass fan, this would make a great gift!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Pleased
Review: I purchased the DVD based on reviews here. I love Bluegrass music, but this movie was terrible. It could have been made as a high scholl project. Consists mostly of interviews with 3 or 4 musicians, very little complete music. A good portion of the movie is Bill Monroe walking through an old house looking at nails in the wall, doors falling off the hinges and other such nonsense. I can't understand why it received such good reviews.
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