[Pharylon]

My brother is in a bluegrass band. They've been around for 10 years now, and there's a lot of music they've played so many times I'm sure they could do it in their sleep.

There are a few songs that I really do think they used to do better, back when they were just starting out. Specifically, some of the fast, most technically difficult songs that they used to play right up until they were at the edge of what was possible for them. Those songs were full of an energy that they just don't have anymore, now that they can do them perfectly without a sweat.

[slaunchwise]

+ 1 for bluegrass

That particular form presents an interesting challenge. Many performers tend to stay with memorized breaks, or within certain patterns, that they can do on stage without breaking a sweat. The blood only shows in jams or informal performances. Unlike jazz, where it is not. cool. to play the same solo twice anywhere.

[elinchrome]

This.

[jawilson2]

I think of the Rolling Stones for this. They have played every song 10,000 times now, and it shows. Their 60's and early 70's shows were magic and energetic. It sounded like the song could fall apart at any moment, like we were on a musical quest discovering the song WITH them. Yeah, they're in their 70's, but plenty of other musicians their age pull it off.

[smnplk]

Anyone interested in modern take on bluegrass should check Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

[padobson]

A bum note and a bead of sweat will do. - Roger Daltrey (Pete Townshend?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/36...