The 11th Annual Fall Hillside Bluegrass Festival runs from Wednesday, September 19
through Saturday, September 22. Valerie will be joined by an all-star lineup- including Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen, and Ramona Church and Carolina Road.Liberty Pike includes Becky Buller
(who has also written original songs for the group) , brothers John and Eddie Miller contributing some tight sibling harmonies, Randall Conn on banjo, and Preston Rumbaugh on bass.
Fiddlin’ Around
noticed some unique qualities in Valerie’s music, so we asked if she would be willing to answer a few questions:
FA- The success of the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack has
made it clear to many folks that there is more interest in American roots music than previously believed. How do you think the goals of your group relate to this new and previously unrecognized audience?
VS- I think the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou" has been a great event for American roots music and has drawn attention to the style of bluegrass. As an artist, I just value the
opportunity to relate my music to a larger audience and try to give them the best music that my band has to offer.
FA- Have you made any changes in your set list to accommodate fans outside of
the traditional bluegrass audience?
VS- Yes, I try to give them some familiar tunes in bluegrass style and sprinkle in a few of my original songs. It seems to be working and the band is having
a lot of fun arranging the different tunes.
FA– Are you worried at all that the traditional bluegrass audience will change their outlook on Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike?
VS- No,
I just try to be honest about what I do and offer the best music that I possibly can give my audience.
Worrying is not a good reason to change a music format....unless it is not meeting the needs of your
listening audience.
FA- The last time I heard your group , I noticed a few things about your song selection. You did several "classic" bluegrass songs. Do you believe strongly
that this type of song should always be present in the show?
VS- Yes, I like to celebrate "classic" bluegrass as well as celebrate "new" bluegrass music. Good songs are
always good songs!
FA- You also did one song that I would call a "swing" tune. Does Liberty Pike enjoy branching out into an occasional swing, jazz, or straight country song?
VS- Yes, we like a lot of different types of music and it adds color and texture to the show.
FA- Any other areas of interest I just haven't heard yet? How about pure old-time music?
VS- I grew up playing old-time fiddle with a string band. Our show will sometimes devote an old-time segment with Becky Buller playing the clawhammer banjo, Eddie stroking the mandolin and I fiddling
and singing an old-time style song (for an example, "Bury Me Beneath the Willow").
FA- What do you look for in an original song?
VS- Something original
(LOL)...seriously, I do look for a unique outlook on familiar subjects. I love a song that has a distinct melody with a great hook. I also will need certain songs for the design of my stage show.
FA–
Finally, do you have any favorite songwriters that you haven't had a chance to work with yet?
VS- There are a lot of great songwriters in the United States and any chance to work with any
of them would be an honor! I love to listen to songs and I really enjoy being a part of a songwriting session!
FA– Thanks, Val!
