Barbara - Bluegrass as Bluegrass is a relatively young "tradition" - but I agree that it's an outgrowth of traditions (several). It's also true, IMO, that most bluegrass that most people (not aficiandos) are familiar with, is characterized by wicked fast fiddle, banjo, and mandolin licks. Sad, but there it is; folks feel the same thing about ragtime, which, according to Scott Joplin, "should never be played too fast." But people hear Max Morath, and it's off to the races.