I recently crossed paths with Bela in my business and it inspired me to go back into his musical past. I had seen both he and Sam perform several times each in the last decade but had no real idea that they had done so much together back then as I was just a high schooler and this kind of music was not on my radar then. 30 years later I’m so happy to now have the chance to investigate. These men are real rock stars.
I was fortunate enough to to spend a long weekend camping new Yosemite while attend the Strawberry Bluegrass Festival at 16 years old in the mid 80’s. New Grass Revival knocked me off my feet. Their unique take on bluegrass was fun & upbeat. Their Sunday gospel shows were enough to make me consider religion. I went back to the festival the next year and loved them just as much. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Sam, Bela and John individually over the past 10 years at various festivals and shows. Amazing musicians!
I got ahold of a CD of these cats in 1988 while at Yellowstone National Park, and Man was I hooked on their music, and now 30 years later, I am still hooked. They Are Great!
Amazing band - under-appreciated during their prime. I think that You Tube has renewed and expanded the public's awareness of these remarkable musicians.
I flew in to New York from UK in 1989. We were staying one night before going to New Haven. We were so lucky that NGR were on at the Lone Star Cafe that night. I wasn't familiar with them at the time but what a gig. Amazing. I've been to hundreds of gigs and this was one of the very best.
I saw New Grass Revival a couple times when Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, John Cowan and Pat Flynn were together. I guess that's been 20 or so years ago. They were my favorite band then and, in my opinion, no bluegrass band has ever come close to their talent. They were one of a kind!
I went to the Winfield, KS festival for the first time in 1976 to see Norman Blake and he was great but I was just blown away by these guys--in my opinion they are the tightest bluegrass band ever and masters at their craft. I've read some comments here lamenting that they never "made it". It depends on your definition of that term but I think they did make it. Even in their early days before the line-up above they were a great band--but when Pat Flynn and Bela Fleck joined, the musicianship just soared to another level. Sometimes when a band is too successful their music is affected, as they try to please all the various factions and live up to the hype, but in my mind, I don't think they could have made better music or been more successful. Their music is still as fresh as it was 40 years ago. Thank you gentlemen for decades of great music.
I love these guys! Just finally bought their "Best Of" album, but have been listening for quite a while. Got to see Peter Rowan here in Angels Camp a few yeas back -- great show. I am so grateful for all the videos, as I'd never be able to see every artist I'd love to see!
I saw them a couple of times and it was a holy hell moment where my heart swelled to three times its original size. Beer and pot are scary when the music is that good.
My dad went to see them at an outdoor festival, and it started pouring l5 minutes before they were supposed to go on. only like 20 people stayed. He said they came out and played like there was 20,000 people in the audience.
I swear the same thing happened when I saw them. I was worried they were going to be electrocuted. They were awesome! When the electricity did go out they continued to sing and involved the audience.
@HillbillyJ I am so pleased you have discovered my favorite band and enjoy them so much. I really think they were ahead of their time. Sam Bush is my hero. I love his aggressive and explosive style of pickin. And I have never heard a bluegrass band have such a soulful lead singer as John Cowan. Truly my favorite singer STILL. I feel Bela Fleck is in a category all his own as a musician. And Pat Flynn, wow what a song writer and musician! Check out John Cowan Band-I really think you'll love it!
I just don't know how any one can just sit there like a bump on a log when these guys are on stage ,Nobody can touch them ,No where No time in No Country ,No how . And that's a Fact !!!!
Kind of funny how we just get a small glimpse of Bela Fleck in this. He wasn't so well known then. Sam Bush has so much creative energy. It would be great if they get together again even for just a one month tour.
NGR is one of my favorite bands, and so far as pure musical talent and synergy go, they (this lineup) are easily the best band on record ever, in any genre, from what I've heard of music. I also feel like they're pretty much the perfect band. If I could magically be a musician of top caliber, NGR is what I would want my band to be. (I would want to be Sam Bush. He's the coolest, obviously. :p)
I really miss Sam and John playing together. Both have done good work since (I slightly prefer John's albums), but they just complement each other so well. We need at least a Two Grass Revival.
I'm tired of hearing about How my life is all wrong, oh yeah I'm gonna take this feeling and I'm gonna put it in this song, right now Ain't no doubt about it I'm gonna sing and shout about it now Cause we're gonna have a revival Gonna have a revival Everybody to the revival Yeah, we're gonna have a revival Yes, we're going to have a revival Revival A revival Revival Oh, yeah Well I'm tired of hearing about How my world is all wrong, oh, yeah I'm gonna take this feeling and I'm gonna put it in this song, right now Ain't no doubt about it I'm gonna sing and shout about it now I'm tired of hearing about How my love is all wrong, oh, yeah (oh, yeah) So I'm gonna take this feeling and I'm gonna put it in this song, right now Yeah, yeah ain't no doubt about it I'm gonna sing and shout about it now Right now Cause we're gonna have a revival Gonna have a revival Everybody to the revival Yeah, we're gonna have a revival Come along with the revival Revival Yes a revival That's a revival Singing revival Playing revival Shouting revival Yes a revival That's the revival (revival) A revival (revival) Oh, yeah (oh, yeah)
I Remember seeing a Video here on TH-cam where John Is Singing That Song. Just Search For John Cowan Band "These Days". you'll probably find it, unless they deleted that video. it's been several months since i've seen that video though..
I saw NGR at that country music club in NYC (can't remember what it was called, it was on 50th and 8th or in that area anyway - can someone help please). My brother and I had just arrived on a delayed flight from England for 2 weeks in the states. Even though we were tired and jetlagged we wanted to see some music so went out to see NGR who we didn't really know but thought might be good. Marty Stuart was supporting, and he was good, but NGR were something else entirely. Amazing performance
New Country--that must have been QUITE a show! (Unfortunately, too young & stupid to watch it at the time!) I LOVE this song and their version of it cooks (I say that in case the song's author has a hidden-away performance of it somewhere that I haven't heard :-) THANKS again, BluegrassLibrary (this used to be up here and disappeared for a while)
Sam Bush is and always was the coolest member of the band. John Cowan's hair looks totally ridiculous in this clip! They play all over the country every year, though not necessarily together in the same band anymore. But hey, they are still the greatest Newgrass musicians anywhere!
Even to this day, though he's much improved, he pretty much lets the rest of the Flecktones' stage presence fill in for him, often as not. That's OK though, I still love the guy for his compositions. His solo bluegrass albums are among my favorite -instrumental- albums ever. I listen to them religiously; have for years. (_Crossing the Tracks_, _Natural Bridge_, and _Drive_.)
I saw the Flecktones in 1990 right as they were getting started. Bela was trying so hard to be smiley and personable on stage, but it was so hard for him. Offstage he was, and is, very cordial, friendly, and affable. The nicest guy ever! Although it looks like he's unemotional, EVERY SHOW was important to him and he put everything he had into it every time. God just gave him a bigger dose of introvert than most.
Great song....this is truly a group of very talented musicians. Thank you for posting.
I recently crossed paths with Bela in my business and it inspired me to go back into his musical past. I had seen both he and Sam perform several times each in the last decade but had no real idea that they had done so much together back then as I was just a high schooler and this kind of music was not on my radar then. 30 years later I’m so happy to now have the chance to investigate. These men are real rock stars.
I was fortunate enough to to spend a long weekend camping new Yosemite while attend the Strawberry Bluegrass Festival at 16 years old in the mid 80’s. New Grass Revival knocked me off my feet. Their unique take on bluegrass was fun & upbeat. Their Sunday gospel shows were enough to make me consider religion. I went back to the festival the next year and loved them just as much. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Sam, Bela and John individually over the past 10 years at various festivals and shows. Amazing musicians!
I got ahold of a CD of these cats in 1988 while at Yellowstone National Park, and Man was I hooked on their music, and now 30 years later, I am still hooked. They Are Great!
Amazing band - under-appreciated during their prime. I think that You Tube has renewed and expanded the public's awareness of these remarkable musicians.
Very true.
Sam & Bela each have quite a name for themselves.
Bro they are/were amazing as instrumentalists, but this song is fucking wack.
I absolutely love New Grass Revival!!! Love this Song!! REVIVAL... !!!
I used to see them at the Great Midwest and Cherokee Pub in Louisville,KY back in the late 70's been hooked ever since. Truly an American Treasure
I flew in to New York from UK in 1989. We were staying one night before going to New Haven. We were so lucky that NGR were on at the Lone Star Cafe that night. I wasn't familiar with them at the time but what a gig. Amazing. I've been to hundreds of gigs and this was one of the very best.
This audience clearly didn't know what to make of it. So far ahead of its time.
you're damn right.
This wasn't exactly American Bandstand or Soul Train. And I wouldn't say in the 80s, it was way ahead of its time. Just my two cents.
I saw New Grass Revival a couple times when Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, John Cowan and Pat Flynn were together. I guess that's been 20 or so years ago. They were my favorite band then and, in my opinion, no bluegrass band has ever come close to their talent. They were one of a kind!
Best group ever , and there's no doubt about it !!!!
I went to the Winfield, KS festival for the first time in 1976 to see Norman Blake and he was great but I was just blown away by these guys--in my opinion they are the tightest bluegrass band ever and masters at their craft. I've read some comments here lamenting that they never "made it". It depends on your definition of that term but I think they did make it. Even in their early days before the line-up above they were a great band--but when Pat Flynn and Bela Fleck joined, the musicianship just soared to another level. Sometimes when a band is too successful their music is affected, as they try to please all the various factions and live up to the hype, but in my mind, I don't think they could have made better music or been more successful. Their music is still as fresh as it was 40 years ago. Thank you gentlemen for decades of great music.
These Guys were awesome together and individually. Wow is all I can say. Saw them many times and they were always on it
AWESOME timing as always by Newgrass....:D
One of the all-time great bands. Thanks for posting this!
Saw them several times , got to meet Sam. LOVE THOSE GUYS . WISH THEY WOULD DO ONE MORE .
I love these guys! Just finally bought their "Best Of" album, but have been listening for quite a while. Got to see Peter Rowan here in Angels Camp a few yeas back -- great show. I am so grateful for all the videos, as I'd never be able to see every artist I'd love to see!
Outstanding! Just bought The Best of NGR!
The Revival were such an awesome band. I'll always love Bush and Cowan!
well..... it is a complete shame that they are gone.. absolutely, hands down, the best bluegrass, avante garde, progressive group EVER
They are still great… just not playing together.
For LauraEllen at KPIG ~
Please rest, luv.
You cannot know how much you influenced my life.
Much respect,
Douglas
I saw them a couple of times and it was a holy hell moment where my heart swelled to three times its original size. Beer and pot are scary when the music is that good.
i always new sam bush was great
but seeing his on this video, such dedication and energetic focus to the music, really impresses me
My dad went to see them at an outdoor festival, and it started pouring l5 minutes before they were supposed to go on. only like 20 people stayed. He said they came out and played like there was 20,000 people in the audience.
I swear the same thing happened when I saw them. I was worried they were going to be electrocuted. They were awesome! When the electricity did go out they continued to sing and involved the audience.
@HillbillyJ I am so pleased you have discovered my favorite band and enjoy them so much. I really think they were ahead of their time. Sam Bush is my hero. I love his aggressive and explosive style of pickin. And I have never heard a bluegrass band have such a soulful lead singer as John Cowan. Truly my favorite singer STILL. I feel Bela Fleck is in a category all his own as a musician. And Pat Flynn, wow what a song writer and musician!
Check out John Cowan Band-I really think you'll love it!
I just don't know how any one can just sit there like a bump on a log when these guys are on stage ,Nobody can touch them ,No where No time in No Country ,No how . And that's a Fact !!!!
NEWGRASS REALLY GETS ME GOING
Love it.
Kind of funny how we just get a small glimpse of Bela Fleck in this. He wasn't so well known then. Sam Bush has so much creative energy. It would be great if they get together again even for just a one month tour.
I want whatever Sam Bush is on.
One of my favorite bands, saw them several times at Rockafellers in Houston.
Do they have anything else like this?
Happy Birthday to the King of Newgrass.......Sam Bush.......4/13/52
NGR is one of my favorite bands, and so far as pure musical talent and synergy go, they (this lineup) are easily the best band on record ever, in any genre, from what I've heard of music.
I also feel like they're pretty much the perfect band. If I could magically be a musician of top caliber, NGR is what I would want my band to be. (I would want to be Sam Bush. He's the coolest, obviously. :p)
mate nejlepší písničky na svete
The best ever for decades
essa banda é fodastica com um banjo maravilhoso!
Sam Bush still gets together with Bela Fleck and when they get together with Tony Rice and Jerry Douglas and Victor Wooten then things really rock!
Love the banjo lead!
I really miss Sam and John playing together. Both have done good work since (I slightly prefer John's albums), but they just complement each other so well. We need at least a Two Grass Revival.
I'm tired of hearing about
How my life is all wrong, oh yeah
I'm gonna take this feeling and
I'm gonna put it in this song, right now
Ain't no doubt about it
I'm gonna sing and shout about it now
Cause we're gonna have a revival
Gonna have a revival
Everybody to the revival
Yeah, we're gonna have a revival
Yes, we're going to have a revival
Revival
A revival
Revival
Oh, yeah
Well I'm tired of hearing about
How my world is all wrong, oh, yeah
I'm gonna take this feeling and
I'm gonna put it in this song, right now
Ain't no doubt about it
I'm gonna sing and shout about it now
I'm tired of hearing about
How my love is all wrong, oh, yeah (oh, yeah)
So I'm gonna take this feeling and
I'm gonna put it in this song, right now
Yeah, yeah ain't no doubt about it
I'm gonna sing and shout about it now
Right now
Cause we're gonna have a revival
Gonna have a revival
Everybody to the revival
Yeah, we're gonna have a revival
Come along with the revival
Revival
Yes a revival
That's a revival
Singing revival
Playing revival
Shouting revival
Yes a revival
That's the revival (revival)
A revival (revival)
Oh, yeah (oh, yeah)
Oh so great!
AMAZING
🤩
Like Clinton Codack said years ago...…. this audience didn't/couldn't appreciate good, tight, music. NGR was unbelievable! Still love 'em!
WOW -Just WOW
Eric Church's Record Year brought me here. Anyone else?
I Remember seeing a Video here on TH-cam where John Is Singing That Song. Just Search For John Cowan Band "These Days". you'll probably find it, unless they deleted that video. it's been several months since i've seen that video though..
I love this
NGR Is great...I miss them...
mando was made for raggae!!!!! Love this!!!!
Sooooo good
I saw NGR at that country music club in NYC (can't remember what it was called, it was on 50th and 8th or in that area anyway - can someone help please). My brother and I had just arrived on a delayed flight from England for 2 weeks in the states. Even though we were tired and jetlagged we wanted to see some music so went out to see NGR who we didn't really know but thought might be good. Marty Stuart was supporting, and he was good, but NGR were something else entirely. Amazing performance
They MADE it!!!
Sam Bush doing the rocking chair.
New Country--that must have been QUITE a show! (Unfortunately, too young & stupid to watch it at the time!) I LOVE this song and their version of it cooks (I say that in case the song's author has a hidden-away performance of it somewhere that I haven't heard :-) THANKS again, BluegrassLibrary (this used to be up here and disappeared for a while)
It's such an absolute shame that New Grass Revival was not bigger than they were
That ACL they did was simply awesome.
.... That reggae vibe
1:23
This is for my own convenience. Feel free to utilize. You'll see why.
Can someone post the Great Balls of Fire cover they did? That version was great.
Amen
Sam Bush....I mean damn that guy is good.!!!!!
Is he from this planet?
NGR rules. I so remember New Country, etc back in the day. I miss all those shows on TNN.
irresistible
Some of the most talented musicians in Nashville have now inspired me to have an atheists 'revival' :)
I always felt like Sam Bush and Levon Helm could have been brothers.
You saw them at Green Acres Music Hall or you didn't see them.
So burning. What percussionist?
Thať s sounds like one ouf Stevie Hildebrand song, concretion like Hildebrants voice like Sam Bush singing
Man, I loves me some NGR! Anyone know who the drummer is?
Anyone help with who the killer percussionist is? Don't think it is Kenny Malone.
Who put Quaaludes in the audiences beer?
mother can sing
does anybody know where the lyrics are posted? i can't find them anywhere.
Sam Bush is and always was the coolest member of the band. John Cowan's hair looks totally ridiculous in this clip! They play all over the country every year, though not necessarily together in the same band anymore. But hey, they are still the greatest Newgrass musicians anywhere!
John is currently playing bass with the Doobie Brothers. He sings some of the tunes that Michael McDonald wrote and performed
Hallo, I’m from Sweden, and I just love it... Ingen sjunger detta sätt.... So, song....song....... öhöhöh
Jaci McCrary gu
Yes I love him toooo..... Mr Sam wqq
Th
e sun i slovelis sinkiin
Mr SMbus... MrBush
ganja!
Where is this concert from? Is there a higher quality? Thanks
Might be from American Music Shop that was on The Nashville Network
is that a mandolele?
Before their time…
those people are dead in the audience! i would be screaming with joy
Yeah, even if you can't dance, just do something!
was thinking the same thing... I bet that applause at the end was even mastered in ... lol
Well shucks Jethro, what's a Reggae anyway?
I'll have what Sam's having...
Weed?
That’s Sam Bush. Dude is tapped into It.
DITTO !! fanofgauts
Look at these damn kids. It's a shame that they neer made it.
Has to be a lip sync because there's drums on the track but no drummer in the video 🤣
I love NGR, but this is not one of my favorite tunes of theirs.
Well then you are not one of my favorite NGR fans... 😔 🤣🤣🤣
Bela always looks so out of place on stage with the other three. He shows no emotion at all. Oh how I wish they would tour again!
Even to this day, though he's much improved, he pretty much lets the rest of the Flecktones' stage presence fill in for him, often as not. That's OK though, I still love the guy for his compositions. His solo bluegrass albums are among my favorite -instrumental- albums ever. I listen to them religiously; have for years. (_Crossing the Tracks_, _Natural Bridge_, and _Drive_.)
I saw the Flecktones in 1990 right as they were getting started. Bela was trying so hard to be smiley and personable on stage, but it was so hard for him. Offstage he was, and is, very cordial, friendly, and affable. The nicest guy ever! Although it looks like he's unemotional, EVERY SHOW was important to him and he put everything he had into it every time. God just gave him a bigger dose of introvert than most.
I love bluegrass, but this band attempted to appeal to the mainstream too much...glad they failed...glad the music stayed close to its roots.