The David Grisman Sextet

The David Grisman Quintet's eponymous debut was a stunning achievement, capturing a pivotal point in newgrass history. It was a record that opened up new rhythmic textures and instrumental textures, specifically new, jazzier ways to solo. Grisman — who wrote the majority of the compositions — arranged each number as a way for his quintet to shine instrumentally, as a way for each musician to demonstrate their innovative skills. It's not traditional bluegrass — these instrumental recordings draw as equally from folk, rock, and country as they do from bluegrass — but it was a thrilling new variation on the form that broke down countless doors for the genre.