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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Dan Tyminski: A Bluegrass Musician, Not An Evangelist

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Dan Tyminski photo by Jimmy Abegg, courtesy of Rounder Records.

Aug. 20, 2009 — Dan Tyminski first came to to prominence as a vocalist and guitar player with Alison Krauss + Union Station, and he enhanced his position by singing lead on "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow," the signature track from the multi-million selling O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. Now, his side venture, the Dan Tyminski Band, has the most nominations for the 20th annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
Despite his position in the genre, Dan has no intention of trying to mobilize the masses to convert to bluegrass.
"I believe there's something in bluegrass music for everyone, but I don't think I'm on any sort of campaign to further bluegrass," he told The Hartford Courant. "I'm simply playing the music that I love and hoping that others enjoy it with me."
With its emphasis on stellar instrumental work and tight harmonies, bluegrass is particularly a favorite of other musicians, which makes Dan's accomplishments all the more impressive. He's won eight IBMA awards on his own and five others as a member of Union Station. "Constant Sorrow" also became the first of only two performances (Johnny Cash's "Hurt" was the other) in the history of the Country Music Association Awards to win Single of the Year without reaching the Top 10 on the national country charts.
Still, Dan doesn't put any effort into winning over voters — or fans, for that matter. He does what he does — and does it well. If people get on board, that's great. If they don't, he still hopes they're getting their emotional needs filled by some other kind of music.
"As long as people are out there seeking music and filling their soul with the healing power of music, I don't care if its me or whomever," he said. "I know in the case of O Brother, there were a lot of people that really weren't into this type of music that now have added this style to their iPods and their record collection. I think that's great, but there's also, I'm sure, an uncountable number of people for whom it's not necessarily their thing. I would just encourage them to seek out different types of music."
The Tyminski Band includes Union Station bass player Barry Bales, plus mandolin player Adam Steffey, formerly of Union Station; banjo player and fiddler Ron Stewart; and fiddler and Dobro ace Justin Moses. The group has nine nominations in total for the IBMAs, whi ch will be hosted by Kathy Mattea and Hot Rize Oct. 1 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
In the meantime, you can catch Dan singing "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" with Alison and crew for the president on GAC's Country At The White House. The special, which also features Brad Paisley and Charley Pride, re-airs Aug. 23 and Aug. 24.

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