Preservation Hall Jazz Band & the Del McCoury Band

American Legacies (McCoury Music)

These two paragons of traditional American music making music together might not sound like a good idea, but jazz and bluegrass possess more similarities than many realize. Anyone familiar with the Travelin’ McCourys recent collaboration with the Lee Boys, a sacred steel outfit from Florida, would expect nothing less than enthusiasm and good taste as well. American Legacies melds the styles of both bands, with them playing simultaneously most of the time, although the horns of the top-billed New Orleans institution largely overwhelm the McCoury Band’s acoustic bluegrass. When one style flows naturally into the other, the results are most entertaining, as on gospel standard “I’ll Fly Away.” A second-line take of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” is also determinedly infectious. The rest falls into an interesting concept that never jells into something bigger. (7pm, Vista Equity stage)

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This article appears in September 16 • 2011.

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