Watch Revival: The Sam Bush Story

Revival: The Sam Bush Story is a documentary film that explores the life and music of legendary bluegrass musician Sam Bush. Released in 2015, the film features interviews with Bush, his family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as rare archival footage and performances. Bush, often referred to as the "father of newgrass," first rose to fame as a member of the groundbreaking band New Grass Revival in the 1970s. He went on to establish a successful solo career and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett to Dave Matthews and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The film takes a comprehensive look at Bush's career and contributions to the bluegrass genre. It begins with his early influences, including his father's love of traditional bluegrass and his own fascination with rock and roll. It then moves on to his time with New Grass Revival, exploring the band's innovative approach to blending bluegrass with rock, jazz, and other genres.

Throughout the film, Bush reflects on his own musical evolution and the challenges he faced in pursuing a non-traditional path in the bluegrass world. He also discusses the importance of collaboration and community in his work, highlighting the many musicians he has played with and mentored over the years.

In addition to Bush's own perspective, the film features interviews with a wide range of musicians who have worked with him or been influenced by his music. The Avett Brothers, for example, credit Bush with introducing them to the world of bluegrass and inspiring them to incorporate those sounds into their own music. Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, and Alison Krauss are among the other artists who appear in the film.

One of the most powerful aspects of the documentary is the way it captures live performances of Bush's music. The filmmakers do an excellent job of showcasing his incredible energy and stage presence, as well as the virtuosic talents of the musicians who play with him. There are also a number of poignant moments in the film, particularly when Bush reflects on the death of his friend and fellow musician John Hartford.

Overall, Revival: The Sam Bush Story is a must-see for any fan of bluegrass or roots music. Even those who are unfamiliar with Bush's music are likely to find the film engaging and informative, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ongoing evolution of one of America's most beloved musical genres. With its mix of interviews, archival footage, and live performances, the film is both entertaining and educational, a fitting tribute to the man who helped redefine bluegrass for a new generation.

Revival: The Sam Bush Story is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.