A Masterclass in Whimsy: Bryan Sutton and Trey Hensley Revive a Roger Miller Classic
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
When two titans of the acoustic guitar sit down in a room together, the expectation is usually for a display of high-octane technical fireworks. However, on “It Takes All Kinds to Make a World,” the second installment of Bryan Sutton’s ambitious From Roots to Branches duet series, virtuosity takes a backseat to something much rarer in the studio: pure, unadulterated fun.
By pairing with the reigning IBMA Guitar Player of the Year, Trey Hensley, Sutton has crafted a track that feels less like a formal recording and more like a front-porch jam between two friends who happen to be among the best in the world at what they do.
The Artist Profiles: A Generational Bridge
To understand the weight of this collaboration, one must look at the pedigrees of the men behind the strings.
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Bryan Sutton: A native of Western North Carolina, Sutton is the definitive “musician’s musician.” With a record-breaking 10 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year awards, his touch has graced the albums of superstars like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and Carrie Underwood. Whether he is anchoring a Ricky Skaggs bluegrass revival or teaching thousands of students online, Sutton is the gold standard for flatpicking.
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Trey Hensley: Representing the “Branches” of the series title, Hensley is a powerhouse of the younger generation. Known for his soulful, gritty vocals and a guitar style that blends lightning-fast bluegrass with a bluesy swagger, he has quickly become one of Nashville’s most formidable talents.
The Track: “It Takes All Kinds to Make a World”
The song itself is a “rarely-recorded gem” plucked from Roger Miller’s 1964 catalog—the same era that produced hits like “King of the Road” and “Dang Me.”
The Shift to Singing The most striking difference between this new series and Sutton’s legendary 2006 collection, Not Too Far From the Tree, is the inclusion of vocals. Sutton noted that a primary goal for this project was to step up to the mic. In Hensley, he found the perfect foil. The two trade verses of Miller’s mordant, witty lyrics with a chemistry that is instantly infectious.
Musical Compatibility Musically, the track is a “delicious romp.” It opens with a forceful, driving introduction that immediately establishes the rhythmic authority of two master flatpickers. As they trade instrumental breaks, the listener hears a “profound musical compatibility.” There is no competition here; instead, there is a playful conversation where each player leaves space for the other’s spontaneous humor and melodic flourishes.
“This silly Roger Miller song provided a great opportunity to showcase what we do when we get together, which is just laugh and have a good time!” — Bryan Sutton
Why It Matters
From Roots to Branches is proving to be a vital document of the current state of acoustic music. By reaching across generational lines—much as he did in his 2025 collaboration with Billy Strings—Sutton is ensuring that the traditions of flatpicking are not just preserved, but revitalized.
“It Takes All Kinds to Make a World” is a reminder that at the heart of the most complex music lies a simple truth: if the players are having a good time, the audience will too. It is a masterclass in virtuosity that doesn’t take itself too seriously, delivered by two of the finest exponents of the craft.