Blueground Undergrass

[Kathryn Sabey]

I had the distinct pleasure of hearing this band play live in Asheville, NC Saturday night. If you EVER get the chance to see them, do it!

I have no idea how to categorize their music. Their "Barnyard Gone Wrong" CD says to file it under Psychedelic, Hick-Hop Bluegrass.....now define THAT!

I have never seen a band have more fun with their fans...and I say fans instead of audience for several reason. One, many listeners were from Georgia and other parts of NC. Talking with them, I found them from as far as 4 hours away! Second, from the opening note to the very last one of their encore, NO ONE stood still! I mean it.....bodies were everywhere!

The band consists of Jeff Mosier, who plays the wildest looking b@njo you have ever seen. It's a Nechville electric and has the most wonderful tone to it. His brother, Johnny Mosier, on electric and acoustic guitar was awesome! I don't have the fiddle players name written down, and I hope Mark will correct me if I'm wrong, but think it's something like Ed Hunter. What virtuosity! Drums by Vic Stafford, an Asheville native, a young man who looks like he should still be in high school, but plays like he's been doing it for years.

I can't say enough about the bass player, Kyle Sparks. His musicianship astounded me. During one part of the last set, all the band members left the stage except for Vic and Kyle. I found myself being drawn to the stage to witness their playing up close. Those boys can groove!

Mark van Allen played a double neck, red, (his favorite color...NOT) Mullen and a Sierra laptop. He made that Mullen and Sierra cry, scream, wail, whimper, sing, whistle, dance, and moan. Not only was his playing superb (I love the way he blocks with his whole body), but he constantly proved what a good time he was having.

Since they carry their own sound man with them, the steel was right out front when it should have been...which was a huge part of the show.

My favorite part of the show had to be when the members left the stage one by one, saying goodnight (before the encore), until Mark, Vic, and Kyle were left. What a treat to hear these 3 play off one another!

Can you tell I was impressed?

One last thing....not only was the musicianship wonderful, but you couldn't find nicer people anywhere. Mark made me feel very welcome, introducing me to his many friends there and the other band members.

Go see them if you get the chance!
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Kathryn Sabey on 24 July 2000 at 06:15 AM.]</p></FONT>

[Mark van Allen]

Kathryn, thanks so for the kind words! So glad you liked the band- now you know what I mean about being stumped when someone asks what kind of music we play! So nice to talk to you and hang out- looking forward to the next time.

------------------
Mark van Allen-"Blueground Undergrass" Pedal, Non-Pedal, Lap, and Dobro