Hi Stringsinger, my point is not so much regarding virtuosity versus simplicity/effectiveness (there is, and always has been, room for both in my view) but that here is clear evidence of a cohort of fine musicians, most not even born until the 1990s, who (presumably with their less visible peers) are making a fine job of playing and singing acoustic-based music that has essentially nothing to do with the "music business model" as would be defined by the major labels as set out in the initial premise for this thread. Hence my case that good music will continue to thrive and does not require business investment by the major labels to do so...

I also not in passing that these bluegrass-based types of highly talented young musicians are nurtured by other means, including their families/family bands, local bluegrass associations and competitions, etc. etc., which all clearly have a role to play in progressing the grass roots level of participation, again completely separate from what passes for "popular" music today. Probably some (but perhaps not so well developed) equivalents in other genres as well in the Celtic countries and UK.

Cheers - Tony