Michael Clark
From:
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Posted 1 Jul 2005 6:25 am |
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After 35 Years
Sam Bush Returns To The Grand Ole Opry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ‹ More than 35 years after his first appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Sam Bush is more than a little excited to return on July 23rd.
A child prodigy on fiddle and mandolin, Bush was already making a name for himself at fiddle championships around the country when he had the chance to watch the Opry from the wings one hot summer Saturday night in 1969.
"Mr. (Roy) Acuff had asked my father to get my fiddle out of the car," Bush recalls. "He told him he was going to put me on. I didn't know anything about it until just before I went on.
"Even as a 17 year old, I appreciated what that meant," he continues. "And I did realize that Mr. Acuff gave up one of his songs during his set to allow me to play. That was incredibly generous."
Since that time, Bush has gone on to become, arguably, the most important mandolinist since Bill Monroe, as he has pushed the traditional boundaries of the mandolin beyond its limits, fusing rock and bluegrass, country and reggae, blues and jazz. "Talk about being an alternative musician, try playing a mandolin for 40 years."
His band, New Grass Revival (which included John Cowan, Pat Flynn and Bela Fleck) was wildly influential on such a range of notables as Garth Brooks, Left Over Salmon, Hootie & The Blowfish, String Cheese Incident, Brooks & Dunn, and scores of jambands and string bands that have followed. Bush led Emmylou Harris' Grammy winning Nash Ramblers following the breakup of New Grass Revival, and since 1995 he has forged ahead as one of acoustic music's brightest and most creative artists.
But while Bush has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry backing up other artists, he (nor New Grass Revival) has never performed under his own name as part of the legendary show since.
"My dad is more excited than I am, and that's saying a lot," says Bush. "We're really looking forward to being there."
Earlier that same day, the Country Music Hall of Fame will present "Spirit Is The Journey: Sam Bush and Musical Innovation." Moderated by noted historian and journalist Jay Orr, Bush will talk about innovation and evolution in his own instrumental style, his repertoire, and his approach to performing.
Bush, who will be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame next February, is currently touring in support of his latest Sugar Hill Records Release, King of my World. Capitol / EMI has also just released the 35 track Grass Roots: The Best of New Grass Revival.
For tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, fans should call 871-OPRY (871-6779).
For Ticket information for the CMF Sponsored "Spirit Is The Journey: Sam Bush and Musical Innovation," call 1.800.852.6437 or 615.416.2001. Tickets are $5.00 or free with Museum admission. Reservations are suggested, as space is limited.
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www.michaelclarkmusic.net
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