Country Gazette, Bela Fleck and New Grass Revival: New Instruments, Amplification, and New Influences Spark the Advent of Progressive Bluegrass

16. New Grass Revival: White Freightener
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AYl8VBfzH4&feature=related
New Grass Revival was the key component of the shift in bluegrass music that really took off in the 1980’s. At this time, there was a noticeable break from traditional bluegrass and the emergence of a progressive bluegrass. This progressive bluegrass was defined by its inclusion of other genres of music including jazz, folk, country, and rock. However, the key aspect of most New Grass music was that the instruments were amplified and there were new instruments introduced into the repertoire. For other music traditions this distinction may not have produced such an uproar and noticeable disdain. However, bluegrass is founded on the driving acoustic sound of string instruments, which made this amplification blasphemous. Throughout this struggle between traditional and progressive bluegrass, the newer form was begin to expand bluegrass audiences and gain increased notoriety. As referenced due to their revolutionary role in the formation of progressive bluegrass, the movement is often known as New Grass. The amplification of instruments in this song clearly distinguishes such selections from smoother less rock-based songs on this list.


17. Bela Fleck with New Grass Revival: Deviation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Tr2PliEXw&feature=related
This selection combines the groundbreaking progressive bluegrass of the New Grass Revival with the world-renowned banjo skills of Bela Fleck. To some traditionalists this song may not necessarily constitute a bluegrass selection. However, based on its mix of the traditional bluegrass string instruments and its sharing of the lead melody, it definitely qualifies. When listening to this song it is easy to hear that Bela Fleck’s banjo skills transcend all others previously heard on this list. Fleck grew up a huge fan of Earl Scruggs and he tried to capture his banjo picking skills. Today, Bela Fleck is known as the preeminent banjo player in the world. This song is also unique based on the fact that it is solely instrumental and changes rhythms at many different points. Also it encapsulates the New Grass transformation as Bela Fleck is often known as a predominantly jazz and rock focused banjo player.


18. Country Gazette: Don’t Let Nobody Tie You down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxvENEFGNPY
Country Gazette is known as one of the most popular bands of the 1970’s and an innovator in paving the way for the New Grass movement. They are known for mixing bluegrass with rock-country. However, they are part of this list due to their popularity in Europe and ability to expand the genre across the ocean. This specific selection takes the quick-fingered picking of the banjo, mandolin, and guitar and mixes it with short harmonic trios. Although it is seen as progressive, it connects to the traditional style due to its short time length, simple harmonies, and fairly simple string riffs.