Bluegrass music may be one of America’s “traditional” styles, but at its heart it has always been wild and spontaneous. The style demands every ounce of facility and intent that each performer can muster— it fires on all cylinders or none at all. Few bands do it as well as East Nash Grass. An ensemble of standout players from a city known for the quality of its musicians, East Nash Grass came by its name and reputation honestly, honing their performance chops night after night on a tiny stage on Music City’s east side. We chat with James Kee and Maddie Denton about how the band came together, their favorite instruments to play, their journey in music, their new album Last Chance to Win, their weekly residence and much more.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER.