Bluegrass Pick of the Week- Kristin Scott Benson, “Second Season”
O.K. For you folks outside the bluegrass world, I’m gonna let you in on a secret. Kristin Scott Benson might be a young lady, but chuck the stereotypes. This woman can play a banjo. But don’t just take my word for it. If J.D. Crowe and Sonny Osborne (‘Rocky Top’) say someone is a player, you can count on the fact they are. Neither has ever been known for false praise, and both have attested to her abilities. Indeed, she was the 2008 IBMA banjo player of the year, so I am not telling you a thing her colleagues don’t know.
Kristen’s new CD, ‘Second Season,’ is a mixture of up-tempo banjo pieces, fiddle tunes, and Irish numbers. It is mostly instrumentals (great road music) but there are four vocal numbers with lead singing by band leaders Larry Stevenson and Larry Cordle. (of Highway Forty Blues fame) Kristin and her bluegrass pal Sally Jones add nice harmony work. The banjo numbers are the highlight, though. Kristin can burn up a breakdown or play with a woman’s soft touch few men can duplicate. Check out her composition, ‘Far Enough Away.’
She hired the best too. I especially like David Grier’s guitar work. He is a favorite. And Wayne Benson was the only logical choice on the mandolin. Not only is he a great player with multiple awards, but he happens to be Ms. Benson’s spouse. (He once joked from the stage his fee was based on ‘the husband rate.’ )
Maybe I am a bit prejudiced, but I always like to see a young lady who can break through in a man’s world. Maybe it is ’cause I am so proud of my daughter. Sonny Osborne had similar sentiments, and said in the liner notes if he had a daughter, he’d want her to be like Kristin. I agree. She is talent, a fine wife and mother, and one hell of a banjo man. Y’all pick up her CD. You’ll dig it.
Dr. B
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
October 31, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I’ve definitely got to check her out, especially since you gave her a rave review.
October 31, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Pande,
The kid can play. Believe me, Sonny Osborne does not pass out banjo compliments unless they are warranted. Sonny is a tough guy and Kristin is a sweetie, but she can flat pick the fire out of the old five string.
Dr. B