Something Auld, Something Newgrass, Something Borrowed, Something Bluegrass
The banjo innovator has rarely recorded as a leader, but his impressive work has backed everyone from Bill Monroe and Frank Wakefield to Jim Kweskin, Jonathan Edwards, and Judy Collins. This 1976 reissue marks a pinnacle in new acoustic music, thanks to a diverse repertoire, a contagious excitement, expert associates, and of course, Keith's revolutionary melodic banjo technique. David Grisman, Tony Rice, Vassar Clements, Ken Kosek, and Jim Rooney propel the music as Keith rolls from bluegrass staples to Duke Ellington to the Rolling Stones to folk and jazz traditionals to bebop. He even celebrates two of Nashville's greatest (and most underappreciated) sidemen with readings of Hank Garland's "Sugarfoot Rag" and Tommy Jackson's "Crazy Creek." Both are perfect examples of why he developed his unique banjo style in the first place--to successfully interpret intricate and fast-paced fiddle tunes. Incidentally, by introducing Grisman to Rice, this session gave birth to the first incarnation of theDavid Grisman Quintet.--Marc Greilsamer