Concertwire.com

Since its inception in 1971, the Seldom Scene has thrived on playing bluegrass a little differently than everyone else. If other bands used a fiddler, the Seldom Scene used a Dobro; if others relied on old standards, the Seldom Scene played rock classics like J.J. Cale's "After Midnight." Through skilled musicianship and an urban approach to bluegrass, the Seldom Scene has become one of the most influential -- if not the most influential -- bluegrass band of the last 30 years. Mandolinist and vocalist Lou Reid, banjo player Ben Eldridge, guitarist John Starling, Dobroist Fred Travers, bassist Ronnie Simpkins, and former Johnson Mountain Boys' singer, Dudley Connell.formed the Seldom Scene. Early albums like 1973's Act One and 1975's Live at the Cellar Door set the pace for progressive bluegrass while defining a unique sound. Later the band recorded Change of Scenery in 1988 following with 1994’s Like We Used To Be, Dream Scene in 1996, and Scenechronized in 2007. While Eldridge is the only remaining original member, the band continues to carry the spirit set forth by the Seldom Scene in 1971. Their 2000 recording Scene It All features both ringing Dobro and tight harmonies, as well as covers by Chuck Berry, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan. The Seldom Scene continues to garner both critical acclaim and adoration from a legion of fans. As the new century begins, the Seldom Scene emerges at the forefront of progressive as well as traditional bluegrass bands, continuing to amaze fans and influence future generations of musicians.