Revival: The Sam Bush Story

Revival: The Sam Bush Story is an immersive documentary from 2015 presenting an intimate portrait of an American music icon, Sam Bush. The film includes high-profile appearances from renowned bluegrass and country musicians like Jeff Austin, The Avett Brothers, and Scott Avett. Offering a uniquely personal and vibrant account of Bush’s journey, Revival is both an understanding ode to a genre and a masterful biography of a critical figure in its evolution.

Sam Bush, dubbed as the "Father of Newgrass" and "King of Telluride," has become an enduring figure in bluegrass, newgrass, and country music. The film presents a striking account of Sam Bush’s life and career through remarkable footage, sprinkled with engaging anecdotes and compelling storytelling. It traverses the extensive journey of his musically driven existence, showing how he has continually empowered and enthralled audiences through his passionate performances and groundbreaking music. Keeping the viewers engaged, Revival depicts the harmony of Bush's life masterfully interwoven with his stirring past glimpses, visions of the present, and his optimistic outlook for the future.

Revival delves into the growth of Sam's interest in music right from his childhood in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The depiction of Sam's early entry into the world of music, his intensive mandolin, guitar, and fiddle training, and his devotion to music is exceptionally inspiring. The documentation of his journey, in particular from a mentored boy to an innovative musician, is injected with an array of riveting tales of his distinct hybrid style coupled with his creative ability to redefine country and bluegrass music.

There is a striking portion of the film devoted to Bush's legendary journey as co-founder of the New Grass Revival. Here, he reflections on how his rebellious streak against traditional bluegrass led to the birth of an entirely new sub-genre, 'Newgrass.' The viewers are likely to be swept into a remarkable era of music that saw exciting collaborations and celebrated reinvention.

The film also chronicles Bush's significant contribution to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival where he has been a regular performer for more than forty years. He's endearingly known as the 'King of Telluride' due to his pivotal ongoing role in the yearly event. The footage from the archives of Telluride delivers captivating moments of the festival's electrifying performances.

Revival brings forth several engaging conversations featuring the music industry’s notable personalities. These include Jeff Austin, Emmylou Harris, John Oates, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Chris Thile, Bela Fleck, and many others sharing their views, experiences, and interactions with Beside. Their inputs construct an inclusive perspective on Bush’s impact, painting a truly three-dimensional image of the man behind the music.

Revival takes great strides in creating a blend of personal narrative and music history. It stands as a comprehensive annotation of the evolution of bluegrass music, fostering respect for the genre while indicating its scope for future innovation. Sam Bush’s story is presented not just as a fascinating tale of an individual’s determination and skill, but also as a larger narrative on the transformative power of music at large.

Told in a raw and authentic portrayal, Revival beautifully ties together the intersections between love for music, the sacrifices that come with it, and the brilliance of Bush's contribution. It beautifully paints the panorama of Bush's life, music, stature, influence, and his love for innovation. From vintage recordings to live performances, the film remains a tribute showcasing the enigmatic spirit of Sam Bush, through his transformative journey in the world of music.

In Revival: The Sam Bush Story, director Wayne Franklin and Kris Wheeler don’t just tell the fascinating story of Sam Bush—they present a captivating chronicle of an evolving genre and the man who continually pushes its boundaries. This film is not just a must-watch for fans of Sam Bush. It’s a must-watch for music lovers generally, specifically those who are intrigued by taking a deep dive into the realms of bluegrass and newgrass music scene.