Posted on Nov 21, 2024 in Festivals

We review Mountaingrass 2024

Mountaingrass 2024

Bright, Victoria

15 to 17 November

By Jim Jacob

By Rob Dickens

A new location. An energising vibe. Bigger crowds. A refreshed line-up.

That was Mountaingrass 2024 – organised by ABOTMA (Australasian Bluegrass and Old-time Music Association) – in the picturesque alpine village of Bright in north-east Victoria. Despite the changed site, the event retained its charm – intimate, friendly and engaging bluegrass and old-time music over three days. The new locale included concerts in three community halls within a stone’s throw of each other.

There were also jam sessions, workshops, a raffle and plenty of opportunities to meet and play with fellow music lovers.  Weather-wise, we had a variety of sun, heavy rain and clearing skies, none of which dampened the spirits of the punters attending.

The full lineup is contained in the poster below. Here are some personal highlights:

High Fidelity from Nashville draws inspiration from bluegrass music of the 1950s and early 1960s (eg The Louvin Brothers and The Stanley Brothers) and provide fresh interpretations through mighty power rhythms and masterful playing. As well as one of their sets, we sat in on their fascinating harmony vocals workshop (not that we will be taking much away personally with our foghorn voices!).

In almost their 30th year, Australia’s most respected bluegrass outfit is The Davidson Brothers. Oscar Neyland joined them on bass and the all-instruments-maestro Paddy Montgomery on guitar. Terrific craftsmanship, boundless energy, earthy humour and an engaging set list pointed to just about our favourite act of the weekend.

First timers at Mountaingrass were The Borough from Brisbane. Shrewd song selections, high and lonesome takes on classic tunes and a fitting rendition of Watchhouse‘s quirky, but compelling “The Hawk Is A Mule” allowed the foursome to showcase their harmonies and tight playing, adorned by pretty funny banter between songs. This was a surprising delight.

The Dempsey Brothers are a five-piece progressive string band headlined by the dulcet voice of Jim Dempsey and replete with terrific players. The engaging set list included some wonderfully diverse songs covered beautifully – material by Chris Stapleton, Don Gibson, The Stanley Brothers and Bob Dylan. The highlight was the band’s take on Vika and Linda‘s overwhelmingly tender “You Touch Me Down In My Soul”.

The duos Cat & Clint and The Cartwheels happen to live pretty close together in Victoria’s Central Highlands. The idea of combining their talents into The Watershed Stringband was an inspired one. Cat Moser (fiddle), Clint O’Gradey (guitar and banjo), Wendy Phypers (guitars and vocals) and Dave Patterson (bass) seem to have played together for a long time, with four-part harmonies layered over noteworthy bluegrass, old-time, vintage country and western swing tunes.

The High Street Drifters, a four-piece that has been together since 2021, captured some classic covers and striking originals, but overlayed with a fresh Australian flavour. Very collaborative on stage with all members taking turns on lead vocals, sharing the spotlight and microphone. Highly entertaining.

A quick shout to the Young Performer Of The Year winner Holly Dunn, a very talented guitarist who did not look out of place while being backed by The Davidson Brothers.

All in all, a charming way to spend a weekend with friends and fellow music lovers!

Next year’s Mountaingrass returns to Bright from 14 to 16 November.

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We review Mountaingrass 2024

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