Members
Select a New Grass Revival band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
New Grass Revival was a pioneering American band that played a crucial role in the evolution of bluegrass music, earning their place in history as innovators of the "newgrass" genre. Formed in 1972 by former members of the Bluegrass Alliance, the group consisted of Sam Bush (vocals, fiddle, guitar, mandolin), Courtney Johnson (banjo, vocals), Curtis Burch (dobro, guitar, vocals), and later John Cowan (bass, vocals). Their music blended traditional bluegrass with elements of rock, jazz, and blues, creating a progressive sound that was both experimental and rooted in folk traditions.
How to Sound Like New Grass Revival
New Grass Revival's sound is characterized by its dynamic fusion of traditional acoustic textures with electrified, genre-defying elements. Their music features a mix of intricate banjo lines played by Béla Fleck, known for his use of the Gibson Style 75 banjo, and the rich, resonant tones of Sam Bush's mandolin, often amplified by a Polytone Mini-Brute II for a fuller sound. This combination of acoustic and electric timbres allowed them to create a sound that was both melodically complex and rhythmically vibrant. The band's use of technology, like the Roland GR-33 Guitar Synthesizer by Fleck, added an innovative layer to their performances, expanding the traditional bluegrass sound into new, uncharted territories. Their music thrives on this blend of earthy acoustics and modern, electric flair, offering a tight, yet exploratory experience that remains influential to this day.
Discography
Too Late To Turn Back Now (Live At The 4th Annual Telluride Bluegrass And Country Festival, Telluride, CO / June 25-26, 1977)
1977
Amazing Grace Coffee House 1978 (Live)
1978
Barren County
1979
Commonwealth
1981
On The Boulevard
1984
Live
1984
Deviation
1984
When The Storm Is Over / Fly Through The Country
1992
Live And Pickling Fast
2013
Get the New Grass Revival Sound
Want to sound like New Grass Revival? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
