On its own, Bluegrass is, to say the least, a point of heated discussion in public radio. American, yes; listened to by lawyers in Washington DC, sure-I'll buy that as a former WAMU employee!

But for the most part, Bluegrass is one of those things we want to adore on air, but kind puts our collective guts in a wrench.

This piece is the way to bring this music to the air! It's essentially a news magazine piece, but I could see AAA stations incorporating this into either their morning shows or specialty hours. Heck, mixing race issues and bluegrass--That is SO SO SO public radio and done in a way only we know how to do it!

The editing it tight, the story well told. New information is given...the bite on how music decreased deaths on slave ships is a downright wow factor! Some of the levels were a bit muffly but nothing too terrible.

What I liked most about this piece is the deft use of music under the voices. It kept me engaged and signaled some pacing changes when the music was not being used as specific example. Masterful!

Thanks for making great radio we can all use!

I only hope those folks in Congress can listen to this piece to know why public radio is crucial to a successful American Democracy. (Can't help being a GM!)