quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
Bluegrass has been in a near-constant tension of tradition and novelty, for many many years. The commercial rejection of "new grass" and the near-worship of Mr. Monroe and Mssrs Flatt & Scruggs create a monotonous repetition of tunes that over time, leave us wanting more.

I listen to Billy Strings, who truly studies the past, who truly values the past, but who goes far beyond. I wish him well.

New Grass Revival, Bela Fleck, and many others who remain creative and not conditioned to play only the standards can be heard on SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction. I enjoy listening to those.

Some bands, who recast rock anthems, make me realize how wonderful those songs are. The acoustic versions are stellar.

And, I still feel a sense of joy when Duelin' Banjos comes on, or Uncle Pen, or one of the many "I killed my girlfriend and now I'm gonna die" songs. There is nothing like a traditional song.