Ozark born and raised bluegrass band, The Dillards were amazing innovators of bluegrass, folk and mountain styled music. Hugely talented and refreshing in their approach, especially when it came to performing live brothers Doug and Rodney Dillard, Dean Webb and Mitchell Jayne set the benchmark as they attracted a wide range of music fans to their work.
Theirs’ wasn’t for the bluegrass purist but those of a wide appreciation of idioms as they switched, effortlessly through old-timey, bluegrass and on occasions placed a spin on a folk song (Dylan etc.) plus their own songs that married all aspects. Unique, hugely entertaining the Dillards not only provided a distinctive sound, but shared the joy they themselves enjoyed performing with everyone. As in the words of gospel bluegrass tune “Somebody Touched Me” they performed, once heard, whether live or heard on record the listener will feel like the music of The Dillards has not only touched them but set to remain with them forever.
Others of a similar, if not higher standard (if that were possible), as in Rodney’s superb lead vocals on Grandpa Jones’ “Rainin’ Here This Mornin’ Webb – Jayne’s poetic piece “Old Home Place”; loaded with mandolin, banjo and rhythmic bass it possesses great charm, and with Dobro in the mix, darting tune “Cold Trailin’ it too hits the mark!
Others of note include “Polly Vaughn”, bustling train song “Reuben’s Train” and to round off Back Porch Bluegrass a rousing version of “Duelin’ Banjos”; only this time it is performed on banjo and mandolin (Doug Dillard, Dean Webb).
Following Back Porch Bluegrass !!!LIVE!!!ALMOST!!! as the title suggest catches the band, perform live, and like with the former it is a mix of traditional tunes and those from their own library. Central point is “Old Blue”, 'Joan Baez did this song we do a lot different, and we most certainly don’t give them (Blue tic hounds) the Beverly Hills treatment, no fancy shampoos, cuts or rhinestone collars notes Mitch Jane. It also comes complete with the privy story, of how in the summer it is too close and on a cold winter night with snow on the ground too far away. Another song with humour peppered throughout is harmony vocal aided “The Whole World Round” plus there is a really fine version of Bob Dylan’s “Walkin’ Down The Line” (a huge favourite with bluegrass bands and the like) and old murder ballad “Pretty Polly”. You would just to have to actually see them live to realise the impact their music and presence made on an audience.
Disc two of the twin-set is donated to the bands album Pickin’ And Fiddlin’ with fiddler Byron Berline, and is made up entirely of traditional tunes. Ranging from “Fisher’s Hornpipe” through to such delights “Soppin’ The Gravy” a more exciting bunch one could not wish for!
Maurice Hope