Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music

Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is an entrancing, all-embracing 2019 documentary film presented by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) that collates a mesmerizing, all-encompassing history of bluegrass music. Known for its authentic and compelling content, PBS outdid itself with Big Family by placing bluegrass music under an enlightening microscope that peels layers of its rich history, global influence, and the musical genius behind it. This two-hour documentary is a fascinating exploration that not only brings bluegrass music to the forefront but also takes its audience on a riveting journey through the essence of American music history.

The narrative in Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music begins with the genre's origin story. It throws light on the creation timeline and how bluegrass music sprung from the roots of Appalachian traditional music, manifesting as a unique expression of the American spirit. An essential storyline of this television special serves to commend the critical contributions of Bill Monroe - known as the 'Father of Bluegrass.' It underlines how Monroe's distinct style, characterized by strong instrumentals and high-pitch vocals, sculpted the foundation of bluegrass music.

In addition to highlighting Monroe’s impact, Big Family presents an array of intimate, revealing interviews with performers who have shaped bluegrass music's trajectory over the years. The likes of Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn, and Rhiannon Giddens, among others, share their personal experiences, observations, and insights on the cultural influence and development of the genre. This extensive showcase of testimonials and performances provides both novice listeners and longtime enthusiasts with a deep understanding of the reverence and dedication these artists share for bluegrass music.

The documentary also delves into the technical aspect of the genre, exploring the characteristic features of bluegrass music. From the fast-paced, emotionally intense playing style of its performers to the signature 'high lonesome sound' derived from a unique blend of the banjo, guitar, fiddle, dobro, bass, and mandolin. Big Family meticulously illustrates how the genre came to be known for its distinctive melody and harmony that exudes raw emotional depth.

One of the documentary's notable achievements is its exploration of bluegrass music's evolution and how it has managed to sustain its glory through the corridors of time. Big Family investigates how bluegrass music transcends rural Appalachian settings and resonated with urban audiences, even influencing other popular music genres like folk, country, jazz, and rock.

More than a historical catalog, Big Family stresses bluegrass music's social and local implication. By probing the relationship between bluegrass music and its audience, the film demonstrates how this art form catered to the post-World War II American society's aspirations and anxieties. Moreover, it emphasizes how bluegrass has acted as a cultural glue, fostering a sense of community and belonging among its audiences and providing a medium for expressing shared experiences and values.

In the current age of digitization, Big Family also examines the challenges and opportunities facing bluegrass music in the digital era. From online live-streaming to digital recording technologies, Big Family dissects how these new communication channels are transforming the way bluegrass music reaches listeners.

The documentary uses a blend of historical footage, archived photographs, contemporary performances, and intimate home videos that crafts a collage of the bluegrass universe. The high-quality cinematography and thoughtful editing, not to mention a rousing bluegrass soundtrack, make the visual journey as enriching as the information it shares, giving the audience a front-row seat to the passion and power of bluegrass music.

Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is more than a bluegrass documentary; it is an immersive, educational, and entertaining journey into a genre that contributed immensely to American music history and culture. Its compelling storytelling, which combines cohesive research and personal narratives, offers a deeper comprehension of the genre. For anyone interested in understanding bluegrass or American music's roots, this PBS documentary is an eye-opening, heart-stirring exploration impossible to resist.