Gena Britt Breathes New Life into a Bluegrass Gem with “Goodbye to the Blues”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For months, the bluegrass world has been buzzing with anticipation. The announcement in February that Gena Britt, the celebrated banjo player and vocalist from the GRAMMY-nominated Sister Sadie, had signed with the esteemed Mountain Home Music Company was met with widespread excitement. Now, the wait is over, and Britt has delivered her inaugural single for the label: a captivating new rendition of Marshall Wilborn’s “Goodbye to the Blues.” This release is more than just a song; it’s a testament to Britt’s artistry, seamlessly weaving together the rich tapestry of bluegrass tradition with her contemporary musical vision.
“Goodbye to the Blues” is a masterful composition by acclaimed bass player Marshall Wilborn, a name synonymous with bluegrass excellence. The song first graced our ears through the legendary Johnson Mountain Boys, where Wilborn himself played a pivotal role. Later, his wife, the incomparable Bluegrass Hall of Famer Lynn Morris, offered her own rendition after her tenure with the Johnson Mountain Boys. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its clever lyricism and bluesy, mid-tempo groove. It’s a narrative arc that beautifully transforms the opening verses’ lament of “Bad news, bad news / I say hello to the blues” into a resounding declaration of hope: “Good news, good news / I say goodbye to the blues.” This deft lyrical turn perfectly encapsulates the resilience and emotional depth that has long been a hallmark of the bluegrass genre, a genre in which Britt has not only thrived but also significantly contributed to for decades.
Gena Britt herself expresses her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m so excited about ‘Goodbye to the Blues,’ and the amazing band that helped me bring it to life in the studio. What an absolute dream band!” And indeed, the collective of musicians Britt assembled for this recording is nothing short of stellar. The rhythm section is anchored by the Del McCoury Band’s own Alan Bartram, providing both solid bass lines and heartfelt harmony vocals. Fiddle virtuoso Jason Carter, also from the Del McCoury Band, adds his distinctive touch, while John Meador, formerly of the GRAMMY-nominated Authentic Unlimited, delivers compelling guitar work and additional harmony vocals (a poignant connection, as Jesse Brock from Authentic Unlimited also appeared on Lynn Morris’s recording of the song). Mandolin duties are expertly handled by Jonathan Dillon, known for his work with the Junior Sisk Band and Red Camel Collective. Yet, even with such a formidable lineup, the spotlight undeniably remains on Britt. Her expressive vocals convey a depth of emotion that draws the listener in, while her banjo playing, which has garnered multiple IBMA Banjo Player of the Year nominations, is as dynamic and precise as ever.
Beyond the sheer talent on display, “Goodbye to the Blues” offers a special nod to the lineage that has shaped Britt’s musical journey. She reveals, “With the help of one of my best friends Tina Steffey, we were able to pay tribute to the great Lynn Morris’s clawhammer banjo playing from her original cut. I’m a huge Lynn Morris and Marshall Wilborn fan and I hope everyone loves this as much as I do.” This thoughtful inclusion solidifies the through line of tradition that runs deep in Britt’s work, demonstrating a profound respect for the pioneers who paved the way.
Gena Britt’s roots run deep in the bluegrass landscape. Growing up in a small North Carolina town, she was captivated by the genre’s sounds from a very young age. Her reputation precedes her, known for her powerful and dynamic banjo playing, her steadfast acoustic bass work, and her heartfelt vocals, characterized by impeccable harmonies and phrasing. Her resume is one of the most respected in the business, boasting stints with groundbreaking groups like the all-female Petticoat Junction, North Carolina’s New Vintage, Lou Reid & Carolina, and Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, in addition to leading her own Gena Britt Band. In 2012, she co-founded Sister Sadie, the critically acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated ensemble with whom she continues to record and perform, reaching new heights in her career.
Britt’s contributions to bluegrass have been widely recognized and celebrated. She is the proud recipient of seven IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards, starting with the 2001 Recorded Event of The Year for her work on Mark Newton’s multi-artist tribute to women in bluegrass, Follow Me Back To the Fold. Other IBMA accolades include Recorded Event of the Year in 2006 for Back to the Well by the Daughters of Bluegrass, and Album of the Year in 2006 for her contribution to A Celebration of Life for Musicians Against Childhood Cancer. With Sister Sadie, she has achieved remarkable success, earning three Vocal Group of the Year Awards (2019, 2020, 2021) and the prestigious Entertainer of the Year Award in 2020. Further solidifying her standing as a banjo luminary, she has also received a Banjo Player of the Year trophy from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music.
Her extensive discography reflects a prolific career, encompassing recordings with various groups, solo projects, and, of course, her impactful work with Sister Sadie. As a top-tier banjo player, Britt is endorsed by a roster of respected brands, including Wilson Custom Banjos, Hatfield Banjos, Blue Chip Picks, GHS Strings, Paige Capos, Peterson Tuners, Fishman Pick-Ups, Dr. Arm Banjo Armrests by BANJOLIT, and Harrison Straps. When not on the road, Gena makes her home in eastern North Carolina, cherishing time spent with her two daughters.
With “Goodbye to the Blues,” Gena Britt has not only launched a new chapter in her illustrious career but has also delivered a profound statement on the enduring power of bluegrass. It’s a track that honors the past while firmly looking to the future, showcasing her formidable talents and solidifying her place as one of the genre’s most compelling and respected artists. This single is a must-listen for any fan of authentic, heartfelt bluegrass music.