New Grass Revival
The New Grass Revival evolved around the fiddle talents of Sam Bush, who also plays guitar, mandolin and sings. Another longstanding member is bas player, John Cowan, who, somewhat surprisingly, contributed soaring R&B-styled vocals to an acoustic band. The four-piece group had some success with the Leon Russell song, Prince Of Peace. They toured with Russell and cut a live album and video together at Perkins’ Palace in Pasadena. In 1984 the band moved to Sugar Hill Records and their albums, whilst essentially bluegrass, also include jazz, reggae and soul. Amongst the later members of the Revival is the highly respected banjo player, Bela Fleck. In 1991 Emmylou Harrisformed an acoustic band, the Nash Ramblers, to accompany her, the leader of the group being Sam Bush. The New Grass Revival are the most significant acoustic country band in the USA, but Bush's involvement with Harris may limit their future activities.