Commonwealth (New Grass Revival album)

Commonwealth is the fourth studio album by the progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival, released in 1981. It is notable for its eclectic mix of bluegrass, jazz, rock, and other influences, showcasing the band's innovative and experimental approach to the genre.

The album features Bela Fleck on banjo, Sam Bush on mandolin and fiddle, John Cowan on bass and vocals, and Pat Flynn on guitar and vocals. Commonwealth contains a blend of original compositions and covers, highlighting the band's instrumental virtuosity and vocal harmonies. Key tracks include instrumental pieces showcasing Fleck and Bush's talents, as well as reimagined versions of songs from other genres that demonstrate the band's unique arrangements.

Commonwealth is generally considered a pivotal album in the New Grass Revival's discography and an important work in the development of the Newgrass genre, helping to broaden the appeal of bluegrass music and inspire future generations of musicians. It represents a significant departure from traditional bluegrass while retaining elements of its core instrumentation and performance style.