John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew
The Vagabond Crew is an American bluegrass band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2001. The group consists of John Schumann (lead vocals, guitar), Dan Smith (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Mike O'Brien (banjo, upright bass, vocals), and Bryan Sutton (guitar). They are known for their eclectic blend of traditional bluegrass and contemporary Americana music.
History/Background
The Vagabond Crew was formed in 2001 when John Schumann, Dan Smith, Mike O'Brien, and Bryan Sutton came together to play a benefit concert for the American Red Cross. The group's name is derived from the fact that they were all vagabonds on the road at the time, playing gigs wherever they could find them.
Key Concepts
The Vagabond Crew's music is characterized by their tight harmonies and arrangements of traditional bluegrass songs, as well as their original compositions. They are known for their high-energy live performances, which often feature extended instrumental jams and audience participation.
Technical Details
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Band Members:
+ John Schumann (lead vocals, guitar)
+ Dan Smith (fiddle, mandolin, vocals)
+ Mike O'Brien (banjo, upright bass, vocals)
+ Bryan Sutton (guitar)
- Recording Style: The Vagabond Crew's music is recorded in a traditional bluegrass style, with an emphasis on acoustic instruments and close harmonies.
- Discography: The group has released several albums, including "Vagabond" (2002), "The Road You're On" (2004), and "Live at the Ryman" (2010).
Applications/Uses
The Vagabond Crew's music is commonly used in various settings, including:
Bluegrass Festivals: The group has performed at numerous bluegrass festivals around the world, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Grey Fox Festival.
Radio Play: The Vagabond Crew's music is frequently played on bluegrass and Americana radio stations across the United States.
Live Shows: The group's high-energy live performances have made them a popular choice for festivals, concerts, and corporate events.
Impact/Significance
The Vagabond Crew has had a significant impact on the bluegrass and Americana music scenes. They are known for their innovative arrangements of traditional songs, as well as their original compositions, which often explore themes of love, loss, and social commentary.
Bluegrass Music: The Vagabond Crew is a part of the larger bluegrass music scene, which originated in the Appalachian region of the United States.
Americana Music: The group's music also incorporates elements of Americana, a genre that combines traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound.
External Links
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Vagabond Crew Wikipedia Page
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The Vagabond Crew Facebook Page
References & Further Reading
References / Further Reading
Sources
The following sources were referenced in the creation of this article. Citations are formatted according to MLA (Modern Language Association) style.
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1.
"Bluegrass Today." allmusic.com, https://www.allmusic.com/genre/bluegrasstoday-mn. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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2.
"The Vagabond Crew Official Website." vagabondcrew.com, https://www.vagabondcrew.com/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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3.
"The Vagabond Crew Facebook Page." facebook.com, https://www.facebook.com/thevagabonddcrew/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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