Down from the Mountain

Down from the Mountain is a 2000 documentary-style concert film that showcases an all-star lineup of country and bluegrass musicians performing live in Nashville, Tennessee, at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The concert was inspired by the 2000 Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which featured the music of many of the same performers.

The film opens with scenes of the Ryman Auditorium as the musicians begin to arrive and prepare for the concert. The camera follows them backstage as they warm up and chat with each other about their love for traditional American music. Eventually, the house lights dim, and the musicians take the stage to thunderous applause.

The first act to perform is the Fairfield Four, an a cappella gospel group that has been performing since the 1920s. Their harmonies are stirring, and their energy sets the tone for the rest of the evening. They are followed by the Cox Family, a bluegrass band from Louisiana that consists of a father and his four children. The Coxes are a family in every sense of the word, and their tight harmonies and virtuosic musicianship are a testament to the power of kinship and tradition.

Next up is the Nashville Bluegrass Band, a veteran group that has been performing together for over 20 years. Their set is full of old favorites and newer material, and they demonstrate a deep understanding of the history and importance of bluegrass music. They are followed by Emmylou Harris, a veteran singer-songwriter with a voice that is both pure and powerful. She performs a set of traditional and original songs that showcase her versatility and her respect for the music that came before her.

After Harris's stirring performance, it's time for the Stanley Brothers Band, led by Ralph Stanley, a bluegrass legend and one of the last surviving members of the first generation of bluegrass musicians. Stanley is a commanding presence on stage, and his band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the country. They play a mix of old and new songs, and their performance is a highlight of the film.

The final act to perform is Alison Krauss and Union Station, an award-winning band that has been at the forefront of the bluegrass revival since the 1990s. Krauss's voice is angelic, and her band's musicianship is unparalleled. They play a mix of old and new songs, and their performance is the perfect end to a magical evening of music.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to stunning visuals of the Ryman Auditorium, which was once home to the Grand Ole Opry and is considered by many to be the birthplace of country music. The filmmakers make use of multiple cameras to capture the energy and excitement of the concert, and the editing is masterful.

Overall, Down from the Mountain is a must-watch film for anyone who loves traditional American music. It showcases some of the finest musicians in the country, and it captures the spirit of a bygone era when music was made for the love of it rather than for the sake of commercial success.