Benson Tames the Classic “Bully of the Town”: A Deep Dive into Bluegrass Roots and Contemporary Mastery
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The world of acoustic music thrives on the continuous reinterpretation of its rich history. Stepping away from the brooding, modern textures of their previous single, “Lover of the Road,” the duo Benson, comprised of husband and wife Wayne and Kristin Scott Benson, have lightened the mood and quickened the pulse with their latest offering from Mountain Home Music Company: a vibrant new reading of the classic, “Bully of the Town.”
Artist Information: Bluegrass Stalwarts United
Before exploring the track, it’s essential to appreciate the pedigree of the artists. Benson represents the first collaborative effort between two of bluegrass music’s most decorated and influential instrumentalists, despite being married for over 20 years.
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Wayne Benson stands as a true veteran, having spent 25 years as a core member of the seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. His mastery of the mandolin is so recognized that he is among the select few players to boast signature models with Gibson Musical Instruments.
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Kristin Scott Benson is an equally towering figure, a six-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and a recipient of the prestigious Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo. Since 2008, she has been a driving force in the GRAMMY-nominated band, The Grascals.
Their combined identity as Benson is a powerful new force, built on decades of separate, yet equally impactful, musical paths.
The Song: Unearthing the Roots of “Bully of the Town”
“Bully of the Town” is far from a traditional bluegrass composition. As Kristin Scott Benson notes, it’s a song “that wasn’t originally a part of the bluegrass genre.” Its “murky origins” dating back to the late 19th century highlight the deep and fascinating “intertwining—and variety—of Black and white roots music lineages.” This historical significance is reflected in its vast recording history, which includes a diverse list of legends such as Lead Belly, Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers, the Everly Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, Jerry Reed, Norman Blake, Etta Baker, and Don Reno.
Wayne Benson adds that he’s “always loved to play this song,” cherishing its inherent musicality. He emphasizes that the “chord progression is just different enough to make it work either way,” a testament to its versatility, which Kristin echoes: “It’s versatile enough that you can play it many different ways… and it sounds like it belonged there all along.”
✨ The Review: Energy, Innovation, and Icing on the Cake
Benson’s arrangement of “Bully of the Town” is an absolute powerhouse. From the very first banjo notes that kick off the track to the closing flourish, the recording “fairly rattles with energy.” This high-octane rendition is a deliberate showcase of the Bensons’ skill as “pickers first,” building the arrangement around the “fun chord progression.”
Crucially, Benson distinguishes their version by adding vocals, a choice that dramatically differentiates it from the typical bluegrass treatment of the tune, which is often performed as an instrumental. For this pivotal role, they enlisted “young gun” Zack Arnold, known for his work with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Arnold’s contribution is the “icing on the cake,” delivering a “vivid reading of its old-timey lyric” with a contagious spirit. Kristin praises his performance, noting that he brings “a lot of energy, power, and a spirit that accompanies youthful musicianship,” which truly adds “excitement to an already-grooving track.”
The instrumental breaks are, as expected, nothing short of spectacular. The track is punctuated by blazing solos from both Kristin and Wayne, demonstrating their hard-won titles as masters of their respective instruments. They are joined by long-time friend and stellar guitarist, Cody Kilby, whose contributions further elevate the track’s dynamic texture.
In the hands of these contemporary masters, an old song like “Bully of the Town” manages to sound “as fresh and contemporary as this morning’s sunrise.” Benson’s debut collaboration has proven that integrating their individual forces creates a musical synergy that is both historically respectful and vibrantly new. This single is not just a great bluegrass track; it’s a statement on the enduring power of roots music and the thrilling possibilities when legendary talents decide to pick together.