Bluegrass vs. other genres - what makes it bluegrass?

Hi friends! In this video, I talk about what distinguishes bluegrass music from folk-influenced rock/pop, as well as what distinguishes it from old-time music.

Here's the link to the Rippin' Bluegrass Soloing class for fiddlers: http://katbula.com/bluegrass-soloing

And here's the listening list I promised:
   • Видео   - Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys - Little Maggie

   • Видео   - Bill Monroe & the Bluegrass Boys - Uncle Pen

   • Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard — The One I ...   - Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard - The One I Love Is Gone

   • Del McCoury Band - Nashville Cats   - Del McCoury Band - Nashville Cats

   • Видео   - Dolly Parton - Travelin' Prayer (This video is hilarious! Great performance. And yes, to the haters: I know this is a Billy Joel song. But Dolly's version is straight-up bluegrass.)


Progressive - Here's what it sounds like when rock and pop influences are conscientiously introduced into bluegrass by pickers who are deeply rooted in the bluegrass tradition. Hear how it's radically different from the classic stuff, but the instrumental playing is still very much based on how the more traditional bands play? Compare this to jam bands that may casually be called “bluegrass” but might really be incorporating folk influences into rock and pop music, rather than the other way around. (It's worth noting that the musicians below don't necessarily market these recordings as “bluegrass,” either.)

   • Alison Krauss & Union Station — "Oh, Atlan...   - Alison Krauss & Union Station - Oh Atlanta

   • The New Grass Revival (Live) - Can't Stop Now   - New Grass Revival - Can't Stop Now