Mandolin powerhouse John Reischman and his Jaybirds perform some of the finest, hardest-driving bluegrass you're likely to hear anywhere, mingling traditional tunes with original compositions to create a dynamic and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Drawing material and inspiration from sources ranging from traditional masters like the Blue Sky Boys and Ralph Stanley to contemporary artists like Gillian Welch, these folks truly possess the ability to make an old song fresh or imbue a brand-new composition with the polish of a gem from bygone years. Joining Vancouver resident (and former Good Ol' Person) John onstage in the form of the Jaybirds are some other familiar faces from the West Coast bluegrass scene: Jim Nunally (formerly of Heartland, Due West) on guitar and vocals, Greg Spatz (formerly of Good Ol' Persons, High Country) on fiddle, Seattle's famed Scruggs-style banjo stylist Nick Hornbuckle on five-string banjo and vocals, and Canadian bass ace Trisha Gagnon, who is also an accomplished singer. Taken together, the three-year-old group's blend of instrumental virtuosity, inspiring material, and great vocal harmonies make for an exhilarating performance, and can also be enjoyed on their eponymously titled album, released last year.