BITTERSWEET, Ky. — For those of you who aren’t quite sure bluegrass music is your cup of tea, I have something for you to consider. A group known as The SteelDrivers is as progressive a bluegrass band as I’ve heard since the New Grass Revival (NGR) came around in the 1970s.

 

Now, for those of you who don’t have a clue what I just said, let me put it this way: This group has a blues/rock/folk sound, but done in bluegrass style – at least that’s my description. I think it holds something for fans of the traditional bluegrass sound and those who have yet to discover the pleasure of a banjo, mandolin and fiddle blend.

Their debut album came in 2008 with a new lead singer named Chris Stapleton; yes, that Chris Stapleton. He set the stage for this group to gain traction not only on the bluegrass charts but also on the country charts, coming up with Grammy nominations and attention the genre deserves.

For me, that bluesy, gravelly voice Stapleton brought to this group set the stage for a whole new sound in bluegrass. I grew up knowing and playing only the traditional stuff, but I do remember how the folk crowd really came around to like bands such as Flatt and Scruggs in the ’60’s, and NGR a decade later.

In that same vein, I think this group has brought along a new crowd all their own since their beginnings more than a decade ago.

Stapleton left in 2010, and often when such a strong voice leaves a band, finding a replacement becomes difficult at best – often impossible. But his replacement, Gary Nichols, was just the ticket to keep this group heading in the right direction.

For me, as much as I like Stapleton, I think The SteelDrivers didn’t miss a beat after his departure. In fact, last year the group took home the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings.

This is one of the best bluegrass albums of recent memory and, again, offers something the traditionalist in me loves as well as the progressiveness I long for.

I will say this: I enjoy bluegrass the best when I’m experiencing it live. These folks are all over the place for the remainder of the year, but you better get your tickets fast because they are selling out some of their shows, and rightfully so.

I really think if you aren’t quite sure if  bluegrass is for you, take time to listen to The SteelDrivers, and I believe you’ll be hooked. They are certainly my cup of tea.

 

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.