As much as I love Bill Monroe, Mike Compton, and a host of other "traditional" bluegrassers, the sole reason for getting into bluegrass--as well as playing music in general--was the New Grass Revival. I first saw NGR around 1983 or 84 as a 15 year old and immediately wanted to start playing banjo and mandolin. To me, there was no collective entity greater than NGR other than the Beatles. I also find myself, after an intense self imposed traditional bluegrass reeducation, returning to a study of newgrass. I've missed playing (or attempting to play) that style of music.
Any case, I've never really checked Google video much (i've focused more on YouTube) but found this absolutely stellar NGR clip I've never seen circa 1983. The tune is Sam Bush's incomparable Sapporo and it's back when Fleck was still playing his top tension with the bowtie neck. Finding this clip has made my day. Other than the Beatles, this is a perfect example of why I taught myself to play music.
NGR-Sapporo
Jim
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