SAM BUSH INTERVIEW
(Originally aired on November 5, 2009)
Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and vocalist Sam Bush is one of the founding fathers of "newgrass" — the eclectic mix of bluegrass, rock, jazz and blues that forms the backbone of progressive string band music. Teaming up with Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor and other acoustic virtuosos, Bush proved that musicians can forge new sounds while still paying homage to traditional masters.
As a cofounder of the legendary New Grass Revival, Bush helped pioneer progressive bluegrass and point the way to such contemporary groups as Yonder Mountain String Band, Nickel Creek and The String Cheese Incident. Best known as a spectacular mandolinist, Bush also burns on fiddle (he won the National Fiddle Champion title at age 15) and electric guitar. In addition to powering his own bands, Bush spent five years touring and recording in Emmylou Harris' superb Nash Ramblers.
In our exclusive interview, Bush explores making his solo album, Circles Around Me, and shares his insights on recording, writing, and performing music without borders.