The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience (DGBX) is mandolinist David Grisman's straight-ahead traditional bluegrass vehicle — distinct from his jazz-influenced Quintet, his duo work with Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice, and his old-time explorations. For nearly two decades it has been a “best-kept-secret” Bay Area live band, drawing lines around the block for standing-room shows, before eventually capturing their sound on Acoustic Disc releases.
- Core lineup: David Grisman (mandolin, vocals), Keith Little (banjo, guitar, vocals — formerly with Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, the Country Gentlemen), Jim Nunally (guitar, vocals — formerly with John Reischman & the Jaybirds), Chad Manning (fiddle), and Samson Grisman (David's son, bass).
- Represents a return to the traditional bluegrass roots that Grisman had played with the Even Dozen Jug Band, Red Allen and the Kentuckians, Old and in the Way, and the Bluegrass Alliance — before he became identified with his own “Dawg music” fusion.
- Debut album DGBX: The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience (Acoustic Disc, 2006) featured a mix of Monroe Brothers, Carter Family, and Stanley Brothers material alongside Grisman originals.
- Tracklist highlights include “I'm Rollin' On” (Monroe Brothers), “Engine 143” (Carter Family), a bluegrass arrangement of Charlie Poole's “Baltimore Fire,” “Down the Road,” “Ruben's Train,” “Dream of the Miner's Child,” “Are You Afraid to Die?” “Dawggy Mountain Breakdown” (the Car Talk theme), and “Old and in the Way.”
- Second album Muddy Roads: Old-Time Music of Clarence Ashley and Doc Watson (Acoustic Disc, 2013) was a tribute to the 1960s Folkways recordings Grisman first heard as a teenager at Ralph Rinzler's apartment. Recorded live-to-two-track analog at Dawg Studios. Featured “Walkin' Boss,” “Trouble in Mind,” and other Ashley/Watson classics. Samson Grisman's mother Tracy Bigelow Grisman contributed vocals on “Are You Afraid to Die?”
- Ralph Rinzler, Grisman's “neighbor, friend and mentor,” had produced the original Ashley/Watson Folkways sessions in Shouns, Tennessee — Grisman heard them at age 15 at Rinzler's kitchen table, an indelible imprint on his musical formation.
- The band occasionally tours nationally but is primarily known for Bay Area shows at venues like the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley.
- Keith Little is a multi-award-winning banjoist and gospel singer who has led his own band and recorded for Pinecastle; Jim Nunally remains active with John Reischman & the Jaybirds and as a respected guitar instructor.
- Samson Grisman has independently established himself as a bassist-bandleader, co-founding the Deadly Gentlemen and releasing solo work on Acoustic Disc.
- Catalog is available via Acoustic Disc (Grisman's label since 1990) and streaming services; the band continues to play occasional festivals and Bay Area shows.
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Chad ManningPlayed on recordings with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
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David GrismanPlayed on recordings with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
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Jim NunallyPlayed on recordings with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
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Keith LittlePlayed on recordings with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
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Sam GrismanPlayed on recordings with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience
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Tracy GrismanPlayed on recording with The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience