I come from the traditional scene (Old Time an Irish). I wonder if anyone else sees the following contrast the way that I do.

Although a lot of bluegrass has an ensemble sound, the attraction, both for the listener and the player, is the solo work. This is often incredibly intricate and showing off an individual players skill. At a bluegrass jam, people take turns to solo, something that almost never happens at an old time jam or an Irish session. The session and jam scene is all about playing together, fitting into lovely tight sound. Single players may be shown off in concerts, but even at concerts the the zen of group playing is really the core sound. Singing is a whole different discussion - but I don't have time to go into it right now.

So, I am interested to know if Bluegrass aficionados also find this contrast, or if maybe I have a slanted view.

Fun discussion - thanks

Claire

PS: now that the election is over, my brain can actually handle other things, so it is nice to check in with you all.