This isn’t your grandma’s bluegrass—it’s a triple-banjo bang fest that kicks off with a slam of riffs and jumps straight into solo territory. The three women trade licks like gladiators, each weaving their part into a tapestry of Thunder Road-worthy attack:
“The intro lick and melody lay so well on the banjo…”
– Alison Brown on why this tune is killer with three banjos[1].
The studio video captures them in full groove—no flash, just raw skill. Audio’s crisp, visuals tight on three women wielding Mastertone banjos once owned by Ralph Stanley himself. You can see the respect and the claws behind each pick.
Final Verdict:
“Ralph’s Banjo Special” is bluegrass on fire—the kind of record that punches you in the gut and demands your attention. Benson, Britt & Brown locked in a jam session that’s simultaneously reverent and ruthless. It’s tribute, turned up to eleven.
Sources:
- Bluegrass Today — release info, Alison Brown quote on the riff. Country Standard Time — Compass Records info, Steve Stanley tribute context.
- YouTube – Official audio/video from Compass Records — video and audio clarity, banjo solos visible.
