Even in its best progressive structure, the bluegrass as played by Spontaneous Combustion morphs to an entertainment form that must be seen rather than described. But the results are absolutely astounding. Bluegrass par excellence; humor par bent; entertainment par extraordinary. But their music continues a tradition of progressive bluegrass innovation. Their music is, without a doubt, some of the finest bluegrass you can hear anywhere.
But these four Kansas Citians (Marvin Gruenbaum on fiddle, Scott Prowell on banjo or mandolin, and brothers Roger Eilts on guitar and Leo Eilts on bass) are rarely satisfied with just playing what has been played before. Their music goes where others have never gone before. That kind of innovative approach sets Spontaneous Combustion apart and above other progressive bluegrass bands.
This year's appearance at the Walnut Valley Festival marks their 19th appearance. Audiences at Winfield have appreciated their zany kind of humor, their willingness to play their hearts out and their excellence in performance. As one of the most requested bands, Spontaneous Combustion has become one of the Festival's perennial favorites. If you like your bluegrass progressive, you couldn't do better than tracking down Spontaneous Combustion.