Weekend Music

"Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe was born today in 1911.  The genre his name is permanently attached to is derived from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, which in turn is derived from the nickname of his home state, Kentucky.  Over a 69- year- long career, the list of musicians who played for Monroe's band and contributed to its "high lonesome" sound reads like a who's who of bluegrass, country, and folk music. "Jerusalem Ridge" is an instrumental Monroe wrote later in his career, as were most of his instrumentals.  The title refers to a ridge near Rosine, KY, where Monroe was born, not to be confused with the historic Jerusalem, and is not possessive.  Monroe plays the mandolin, with Kenny Baker on fiddle in this 1994 recording. Listening to this song, the unmistakable roots of Monroe's music in Scots/ Irish folk traditions is beautifully displayed.  Hope you enjoy.