Kentucky

More than a few musicologists have noted the parallels between hip-hop and the blues – both involve first-rate storytelling, both can be sexually candid, and both have been known to use dark humor. But there is one major difference between hip-hop and the blues: while hip-hop is extremely youth-driven, the blues world is a lot more receptive to people who are 30 and over. Blues fans realize that someone might have more to say at 35 than he/she did at 20; consequently, blues artists are encouraged to grow and develop, which is a good thing for someone like Bernard Allison. The singer/guitarist showed promise all along, but Kentucky Fried Blues finds a thirtysomething Allison continuing to grow as an artist. This CD isn't called Kentucky Fried Blues because Allison is from Kentucky – Allison gets most of his electric blues inspiration from Chicago and Texas.

The other Monroe brother! Bill Monroe split from his older brother, Charlie Monroe, and went on to invent bluegrass music. This is the story of what happened to Charlie Monroe after that rift. Striking out on his own, Charlie Monroe developed his own ample talents rooted in his affable personality. His group, the Kentucky Pardners, like Bill's Blue Grass Boys, could operate at high speeds without discomfort. Though Charlie Monroe might not have conquered as much new musical territory as Bill, his music had a vivid personal sound. And he scored some hits, notably 'Bringing In The Georgia Mail'.