The Band occupied a place in American music which no one else was visiting at the time. With all the musical trail-blazing that was going on, The Band was more interested in what was right underfoot - Appalachian gospel, Cajun fiddle stomps, Bluegrass, Professor Longhair, country blues, the Baptist hymn book, and the '50's rock and roll that still showed its roots (the music we danced to in the school gym under the mirrorball). There's a bit of archeology in every song by The Band, showing its quiet respect for the roots - for the sources of the music. While everyone else rebelled, they turned to their elders and gave thanks.
