Mark-

I know exactly what you are talking about with regards to the rhythm that Monroe played. Monroe pushes the beat without speeding up the tempo. Quite an illusion- he makes the music sound faster that it really is!

Technically what he does is play just ever so slightly ahead of the beat. You can really hear it when he plays the duets with Doc Watson. It's just him playing back-up and he really creates a drive.

I guess what I wanted from you or anyone else on this thread is a working definition of what bluegrass is. The rhythmic drive of and speed are definitely components of bluegrass.

What about instruments? What are the essential instruments?

Does the repertoire matter? Can you do AC/DC like Hayseed Deseed does? Or Stairway to Heaven? Are there limits?

If the banjo isn't essential does that mean that clawhammer or frailing styles are fine?

I'd like to get some feedback from anyone on this. I will post a definition in a couple days.

Richie