Benson’s “Things Have Changed”: A Masterful Bluegrass Reflection on Time and Loss
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For their inaugural 2025 release on Mountain Home Music Company, the acclaimed duo Benson – comprised of the award-winning banjo virtuoso Kristin Scott Benson and her equally celebrated mandolinist husband, Wayne Benson – have chosen to revisit a poignant, early 80s gem. “Things Have Changed,” penned by the late, great Harley Allen, son of bluegrass legend Red Allen, is a testament to the duo’s keen ear for timeless music and their ability to breathe new life into classic material.
Harley Allen, while not yet a household name at the time of his 1983 solo debut, was already crafting songs that resonated with a deep, emotional truth. “Things Have Changed,” tucked away at the album’s end, became a cherished piece among bluegrass aficionados, a quiet masterpiece that hinted at the songwriting prowess Allen would later unleash upon the Nashville scene, crafting hits for the likes of Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Dierks Bentley. Benson, recognizing the song’s enduring power, has brought it to the forefront, offering a fresh perspective on its melancholic beauty.
The track’s essence lies in its exploration of the relentless passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. The lyrics, delivered with a raw, wistful honesty by guest vocalist Dustin Pyrtle, paint a vivid picture of returning home to find a landscape irrevocably altered. “I’m sort of glad that Mom and Dad ain’t around,” sings Pyrtle, capturing the profound sense of loss that permeates the song. Kristin Scott Benson aptly describes this sentiment as embodying “the mood of this guy who goes back home and feels an overall sense of loss.”
The duo’s commitment to honoring the original recording is evident in their sparse instrumentation and the familiar mandolin kickoff. However, they don’t merely replicate; they elevate. With the invaluable contributions of Cody Kilby on guitar, Kevin McKinnon on bass, and Pyrtle’s compelling vocal performance, Benson has crafted a rendition that retains the original’s air of resignation while adding layers of depth and nuance.
Kristin Scott Benson’s banjo playing, characterized by its tasteful, chord-based approach, provides a rich sonic tapestry that complements Wayne Benson’s masterful mandolin work, particularly his evocative tremolo. “Wayne and I love to play this slower tempo on mandolin and banjo,” Kristin notes. “He gets to tremolo and I get to play fun chord-based banjo. I always enjoy playing this kind of banjo backup.”
Wayne Benson’s admiration for Harley Allen’s songwriting is palpable. “I’ve always loved Harley Allen and certainly do love this song,” he states. “Dustin Pyrtle seemed like the perfect singer to reach out to, and man! Did he ever deliver the goods on this one!” Pyrtle’s vocal performance is indeed a highlight, capturing the song’s emotional weight with a blend of strength and vulnerability.
“Things Have Changed” is more than just a nostalgic revisit; it’s a poignant reflection on the universality of change and loss. In a world that seems to accelerate with each passing day, the song’s message resonates with a profound relevance. As Kristin Scott Benson observes, “It seems things do change so fast these days. Downtown Nashville is different every time I go! But even in small towns, you feel it, both physically and relationally with the people who live there.”
Benson’s ability to capture this sentiment while showcasing their instrumental prowess is a testament to their artistry. Their combined experience, honed through years of playing with top-tier bands, has culminated in a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique.
About Benson:
Benson is the culmination of a musical partnership between two of bluegrass’s most revered instrumentalists: Wayne and Kristin Scott Benson. Despite their long and successful individual careers, they have finally united their talents to create a collaborative project that showcases their exceptional musicianship.
Wayne Benson, a 25-year veteran of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, is a mandolin virtuoso whose contributions to the genre have earned him a place among the instrument’s elite. His influence is so profound that Gibson Musical Instruments offers a signature mandolin model bearing his name.
Kristin Scott Benson, a six-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo, has been a driving force in the GRAMMY-nominated Grascals since 2008. Her innovative banjo playing has redefined the instrument’s role in bluegrass, earning her widespread acclaim.
With “Things Have Changed,” Benson has delivered a powerful and moving single that speaks to the heart of the human experience. It is a testament to their artistry, their respect for tradition, and their ability to create music that is both timeless and deeply personal.