New Favorites: Bluegrass Cardinals, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Johnson Mountain Boys, Bluegrass Band

The 1980s saw many innovative, young bands expanding the boundaries of bluegrass, while simultaneously bringing it back to its roots. The Bluegrass Cardinals were a highly influential group, originally from California, built around father-son duo Don and David Parmley. Their smooth harmonies can be heard on “Shine Hallelujah Shine” (1981). Dry Branch Fire Squad merged traditional bluegrass with Ron Thomason’s unique brand of humor, which takes a back seat to guest Hazel Dickens on “Hide You In The Blood” (1980). Based in Washington D.C., the Johnson Mountain Boys were one of the hottest bluegrass bands of the 1980s, and their fresh, energetic take on traditional bluegrass is at the forefront on “Too Late To Say Goodbye” (1981). The Bluegrass Band was short-lived, but packed with talent, including bluegrass luminaries Butch Robins and Alan O’Bryant. They deliver a strong performance of the Flatt & Scruggs classic “On My Mind” (1983).

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