Ralph Stanley

Bluegrass-Gospel is naturally very similar to country gospel, sharing many of the same songs and the same basic attitude. The main difference, of course, is that it's bluegrass, so the harmonies are pitched high and lonesome, the tempos are a little faster, and the instrumental work is deft and blindingly intricate. Unlike country-gospel, which can range from old timey to country-pop, bluegrass-gospel is pretty traditional, sticking to old-time songs played in the style of traditional... [+] Read More

Bluegrass-Gospel is naturally very similar to country gospel, sharing many of the same songs and the same basic attitude. The main difference, of course, is that it's bluegrass, so the harmonies are pitched high and lonesome, the tempos are a little faster, and the instrumental work is deft and blindingly intricate. Unlike country-gospel, which can range from old timey to country-pop, bluegrass-gospel is pretty traditional, sticking to old-time songs played in the style of traditional bluegrass. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, that applies for much of the style. Appropriately for a music so steeped in heritage, bluegrass-gospel has been performed since the inception of bluegrass. [-] Hide

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones

Contemporary Bluegrass developed during the '80s, when traditional bluegrass had incorporated the innovations of progressive bluegrass. It isn't as jazzy or experimental as progressive bluegrass -- sticking to familiar traditional forms -- but it is slightly less classicist than traditional bluegrass. Essentially, it is an updated and fresh version of bluegrass for modern times.

Contemporary Bluegrass developed during the '80s, when traditional bluegrass had incorporated the innovations of progressive bluegrass. It isn't as jazzy or experimental as progressive bluegrass -- sticking to familiar traditional forms -- but it is slightly less classicist than traditional bluegrass. Essentially, it is an updated and fresh version of bluegrass for modern times. [-] Hide

Alison Krauss

Bluegrass is one of the most rigid music genres, one that steadfastly refuses to change its direction. Therefore, Progressive Bluegrass is viewed with skepticism at best, derision at worst, by some hardcore bluegrass fans. Progressive bluegrass expands the sonic palette of bluegrass either by adding elements of jazz, folk, country, and rock, or by amplifying the instruments. The subgenre developed in the late '60s, but it flourished in the '70s, when bands like the Dillards, Boone Creek,... [+] Read More

Bluegrass is one of the most rigid music genres, one that steadfastly refuses to change its direction. Therefore, Progressive Bluegrass is viewed with skepticism at best, derision at worst, by some hardcore bluegrass fans. Progressive bluegrass expands the sonic palette of bluegrass either by adding elements of jazz, folk, country, and rock, or by amplifying the instruments. The subgenre developed in the late '60s, but it flourished in the '70s, when bands like the Dillards, Boone Creek, Country Gazette, and New Grass Revival began coming to the forefront of bluegrass and folk festivals. Throughout the '80s and '90s, progressive bluegrass continued to evolve, moving closer toward folk and rock in some quarters and closer to jazz in others. [-] Hide

The Johnson Mountain Boys

Bluegrass music grew out of traditional string band music that formed the roots of country music. In the '40s, country music began to splinter into different directions, as honky tonk and country-pop became genres of their own. A certain segment of country musicians continued playing traditional string music. Led by Bill Monroe, these musicians adhered to the songs, structures, and conventions of string bands, but they made the music faster, harder, and more technically demanding. The result... [+] Read More

Bluegrass music grew out of traditional string band music that formed the roots of country music. In the '40s, country music began to splinter into different directions, as honky tonk and country-pop became genres of their own. A certain segment of country musicians continued playing traditional string music. Led by Bill Monroe, these musicians adhered to the songs, structures, and conventions of string bands, but they made the music faster, harder, and more technically demanding. The result was bluegrass; the genre was named after Bill Monroe's backing band, the Blue Grass Boys. After its inception in the mid-'40s, bluegrass didn't change for nearly 20 years. In the late '60s, a number of bluegrass groups began expanding the possibilities of the genre, much to the chagrin of many of the music's most popular artists and dedicated fans. Consequently, the new breed of bluegrass groups were dubbed progressive bluegrass while those that adhered to the music's heritage were tagged Traditional Bluegrass. Over the next three decades, progressive bluegrass changed frequently, while the sound of traditional bluegrass never varied. [-] Hide