NEAPOLITAN

Five questions with The HillBenders, the bluegrass band redefining The Who's 'Tommy'

Shelby Reynolds
shelby.reynolds@naplesnews.com; 239-263-4829
The HillBenders will give their bluegrass take on the classic rock-opera "Tommy" by the Who at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Artis—Naples.

Forty-five years after The Who released its critically acclaimed album "Tommy," the tracks are now getting a bluegrass opry twist.

Missouri-based band The HillBenders have produced a full-length tribute of the album in 23 songs. What The Who did with a full rock band and orchestra, The HillBenders do with banjo, dobro, mandolin, bass and guitar, performing the album in full with a 75-minute show.

At 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, the five-piece band will give its rendition of "Tommy" to audiences at Artis—Naples. Tickets are available at artisnaples.org for $49 apiece.

Originally composed by guitarist Pete Townshend as a rock opera that told the story about a deaf and blind boy named "Tommy," The Who's album has sold 20 million copies and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant value." In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Tommy" No. 96 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Inspired by the rock and roll music they grew up with, members of The HillBenders hope to create bluegrass songs that unify audiences and dispel the "hillbilly stigma." It's not "your grandpa's bluegrass," they say.

HillBenders guitarist and musical director Jim Rea gave his perspective on how they're using "Tommy" as a way to redefine music genres.

Q: How are you working to make bluegrass music more accessible to the everyday listener?

A: By using the performance as much as the music to express ourselves. Playing songs outside of the genre also helps, playing a pop tune in a grass style turns heads. People hear a nontraditional cover in a bluegrass style and they know its familiar, but sometimes can't pinpoint it until the hook comes around. It's fun to watch and be a part of. People smile or bop their head and boom, they are bluegrass fans. With "Tommy," we meet so many old rock ’n’ rollers that now, over the years, appreciate acoustic instrumentation, so it's a cool pairing.

Q: What is that “hillbilly stigma” people often associate with bluegrass music?

A:  Hay bales, overalls, straw hats and square dancing. Which, in reality, is the roots of the genre. But bluegrass, as most genres, has become a fusion of many styles and influences. You can hear some of the world's premiere musicianship in "bluegrass" music because the discipline it takes to "raise the bar" is demanding. There is also the banjo scene from the film "Deliverance" that didn't help the image of bluegrass, and finally the "O Brother, Where Ought Thou?" movie boom that both helped bluegrass' visibility in the mainstream but also solidified the hillbilly vibe of the genre. But take note, The HillBenders are not your grandpa's bluegrass.

Q: Talk about the impact of “Tommy” on the history of rock music. Why is it considered such a classic?

The HillBenders will give their bluegrass take on the classic rock-opera "Tommy" by the Who at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at Artis—Naples.

A: It was first of its kind and, frankly, Pete Townshend's passion, youth and angst was a unique rue at that moment in time. He is a great songwriter, period — his career is a testament to that. People got the "Tommy" record at pivotal moments in their lives, and it became a soundtrack for them. And it was the whole record you played, not just a single. We see lots of older couples come up telling us about their "Tommy" history, and it's very cool to be a part of their journey with this music.

Q: What kind of perspective, as bluegrass musicians, do you think The HillBenders bring to “Tommy”? Describe your intentions with this tribute.

A: We always intended to not make it hokey and to respect the original recordings. Folks always scratch their heads when they hear of this idea, understandably. Most think 'How can they cover the massive void left without a drum kit and Keith Moon?" And it was a tricky process, but acoustic instruments are very percussive, and we make the most of every sound we can, including our voices.

Q: What can audiences expect from your performance?

A: We strive to bring the energy of The Who to the stage, we play the record from start to finish with short monologues that tell the story along the way. We hope people will clap their hands and sing along and reflect on their own their relationship with this music over the years, while being their with us in a beautiful venue and perhaps with a loved one or a friend.

If you go

The HillBenders

When: 6 and 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7

Where: Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, North Naples

Tickets: $49

Purchase: artisnaples.org/events/hillbenders; 239-597-1111