NewGrange teams some of the biggest names in progressive bluegrass, including violinist Darol Anger, 5-string banjoist Alison Brown, mandolinist Mike Marshall, and bassist Todd Phillips. But while most of the material-a mixture of traditional tunes and originals-is approached from a progressive perspective, it remains true to its bluegrass origins. Cases in point include the traditional song “Handsome Molly” and “Sally Ann,” a rollicking fiddle tune. The sole number to explore a more adventurous avenue is “Round Trip,” a gently grooving vehicle for exceptional improvisations on mandolin, piano, and violin.
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