In the realm of American roots music, bluegrass is one of the forms with the most contemporary roots. Yet its players and fans carry such a fierce allegiance to it that one of their most frequent debates is whether bluegrass should adhere strictly to tradition or pull it forward. “Bluegrass Beyond” dives into both sides of the argument, exploring the traditions and innovations that have characterized bluegrass music from the beginning. Long features shed light on the modern history of the form through its band leaders, rhythm sections, and the women who have helped move the genre forward for decades. Some of bluegrass’s biggest innovators discuss the future of the genre, even as its sidemen honor its strongest traditions.

Long Features

• What’s bluegrass music? - Bela Fleck, Noam Pikelny, and Sarah Jarosz
• Neil Rosenberg’s modern history of bluegrass music
• Pioneering women of bluegrass - Hazel & Alice to Sierra Hull and beyond
• Considering bluegrass rhythm sections
• A pre-American history of the banjo
• Bluegrass adventure outings

Short Features

• The Osborne Brothers
• Tony Trischka
• Parsonsfield
• We Banjo 3
• Old Crow Medicine Show, Mandolin Orange, new bluegrassers rediscover their roots
• How college bluegrass programs are shaping the genre
• Bluegrass covers of metal songs

Essays by Musicians

• Jerry Douglas
• Alison Brown
• Claire Lynch
• Jens Kruger
• Bryan Sutton
• Chris Pandolfi
• Anna Roberts-Gevalt
• Mary Gauthier

Cover Art

• Tim Lee

Illustrations

• Howard Rains, Alexie Hoffman, Jenny Ritter, and Drew Christie
• The high art of jamband concert posters