One of the things that attracted me to the first generation of bluegrass musicians was the rock ‘n’ roll energy they had. That’s no accident, since bluegrass is clearly a precursor to rock ‘n’ roll. Bill Monroe is in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame after all.

These days, it’s considered politically incorrect to talk of a band “hitting” the stage which, I guess, stinks of aggression to those who would keep dragging bluegrass music to the auditory spay and neuter clinic.

I love this band because they have the energy that the pioneers had, and more to spare. Not only do they maintain a traditional vibe, they add humor and terrific stagecraft to the mix.

This is Austin’s Wood and Wire, with "Nothing Wrong" by W and W banjoist, Trevor Smith. The instrumental segues into a white-hot version of Levon Helm’s “The Girl I Left Behind”.