Posted By: ztruffle @ 07/11/2008 8:13:45 PM

Comment: While knowing the distinction will certainly not create world peace or end hunger, there is a difference between "bluegrass" and "old-time" (or "old-timey") music. Bluegrass, mentioned in the title of this piece, is usually played rapidly, characterized by multiple harmonies, a verse / chorus / break repeat pattern, and a three-fingered, "Scruggs-style" banjo. "Old-time" music, by contrast, has melody played over and with the vocals, with a more rambling sound, characterized by the plunky clawhammer banjo. While Washburn's music doesn't fit an exclusive genre, it has little in common with bluegrass other than the instrumentation. And that's your trivia lesson for the day.

-- R Jager,
Past President Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association, current member On Tyme old time Gospel string band