 Return to Lonely Goat Features ArchivesFirst published in Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume III - #3 A New
Experience Attending Leftover Salmon shows at Ziggy's was an event young Jumanji never missed. Almost six years ago I was at a winter show when Vince (Salmon) invited Larry Keel and Danny Knicely to join in pickin' onstage. This Larry Keel guy was a new breed, nothing you had seen or heard (ever). I definitely enjoyed watching his lightning fast hands lysergically rage on his poor strings, at other times he sounded soothing, as in a sunny Marley tune. I was going to find out more about this guy! After introductions and learning of the band Larry was involved with then (MaGraw Gap), I found myself traveling much more to absorb the acoustic sound of these amazing talents. Johnny Flowers on stand-up bass, Will Lee on banjo, Danny Knicely on mandolin. Soon Larry & his wife Jenny invited me into the hills closer to the true environment of Appalachian Music and the trance-filled nights in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Today, LKE is an acoustic ensemble headed by Larry on flattop guitar, his wife Jenny on electric and upright bass, and Jason Krekle on mandolin. This trio is blessed frequently with appearances by Curtis Burch (founding member of the New Grass Revival, Grammy Award winning dobroist, and acoustic guitar pioneer) as well as Billy Constable of Hypnotic Clambake fame. The new CD has thirteen definitive jewels combining stunning new originals like "Tombstones" and one of my favorites "Mule to Ride". A Will Lee original starts things out with ruthless banjo pickin' that sets you up for a smashing "All Fall Down"(John Hart). "Culpepper Woodchuck"(John Flowers) is a wild VA boy woodchuckin' tale. Some of you might want a little chaser for the strong "Corn Liquor"(David Via) that makes me want to raise holy hell. Jenny Keel shows what she is capable of all over the CD, but give "I'm Gettin' Ready to Go"(Riley Puckets) and "Polly Vaughn"(English traditional by Rodney Dillard) a close listen. "Mule to Ride" is just plain fun. If it doesn't make your feet move and your face smile, go see a doctor. Cailen Campbell brings a warm fiddle to Larry's newest compositions, "Tombstones" and "Lonely". Both are incredible creations. I'm telling you to check this one out, if you were not a fan of the Experience already, you will be soon.
On a Monday evening a couple of weeks ago, Chris gave Larry a call in Natural Bridge, VA and Curtis Burch a call in Bowling Green, KY. Both were happy to answer a couple of questions for Lonely Goat... C.R. - Larry, tell me about family members or musicians that filled the space of 'teacher' or 'role model' as you were developing your skills. L. Keel - I've always been surrounded by a family full of talented musicians beginning with my Grandfather, Father, brother Gary and uncle Donnie Joe (who played with the Rockie Mountain Boys, a full time touring band for Ralph Stanley in the 70s). Each one has influenced my music in several unique ways. As far as Artists, Miles Davis to John Hartford, Oscar Peterson, Stephen Grapelli, Jerry Garcia, and New Grass Revival to name a few. I keep a close link to the roots of traditional styles from blues to jazz to old time without compromising my crazy, more open-minded, trippy edge.
C.R. - Jenny, I've watched you achieve great levels in your playing, not to mention that pretty bluegrass voice of yours. how has the transition from school teacher to LKE member make you feel? J. Keel - I've always considered myself an avid music appreciator, whether listening to jazz, classical, etc. While growing up in Atlanta, I really educated myself in jazz and blues clubs seeking out 'in your face music' where you could get close up and get freaked out. It wasn't until moving to Virginia that I really discovered bluegrass on a real scale. Sundays full of porch pickin', watching the Ruley Brothers, exploring straight-up, very intimate times. After six years of festivals and hosting musicians in my home, I met Larry who was full of encouragement for me. Enough that he spent long hours driving around the mountains borrowing basses for me so we could pick together. The musicians that formed MaGraw Gap were so nurturing. They brought me in to be a part of this disciplined yet hospitable style of playing. I was greatly inspired and continue to do what I can to play my best.
C.R. - Tell me about your involvement with Dr. Dobro, Mr. Curtis Burch, and how you feel having his energies surround you onstage. L. Keel - First off, any band using any kind of bluegrass instrumentation owes a lot to the members of New Grass Revival. They were the first to break away from traditional bluegrass and invent 'New Grass.' It is more than a pleasure when Curtis joins us. He is a great inspiration for us all. I must add that his wife Ruth is as warm and friendly as they come and a talented musician as well.
A few questions with Curtis Burch of NGR fame: C.R. - When did you first see Larry perform and what did you think about him? C. Burch - We both, along with Acoustic Syndicate, happened to be booked at a show in Hickory, NC. I was in th audience enjoying and immediately picked up on Larry's powerful and strong playing. It was this and a real clean, tight sound that caught my attention. We talked after the show, exchanged numbers and CDs and Larry called shortly down the road.
C.R. - Talk to me about recording the next CD this February with Larry. C. Burch - I really had a great time with those guys in the studio, but I haven't heard the 'final cut.' I laid my tracks down in a few days and enjoyed everyone's company. Everything wen pretty well I thought.
C.R. - For all of your achievements in one heck of a career, the Bluegrass Genie grants you three wishes. What will they be? C. Burch - 1) Good health & longevity for family and friends. 2) PERFECT live sound every time I (or any musician) performs would be nice. 3) That every guy could have as wonderful a wife as mine. Aww shucks Curtis! |
Larry
continued with MaGraw Gap until 1996 when he embarked on a project of his own with The
Larry Keel Experience. LKE released Miles and Miles in 1997, the nothing less
than phenomenal The Sound in 1998. On January 11 of this year, The Larry Keel
Experience was released by Little King Records in Bostic, NC. All three CDs are
available at 