What makes Act IV by The Seldom Scene notable?

'Act IV' is significant for its role in popularizing progressive bluegrass during the late 1970s, contributing to the genre's expansion beyond traditional boundaries. The album received notable acclaim within the bluegrass community and helped establish The Seldom Scene as pivotal artists influencing both contemporaries and future musicians. Released in 1979, 'Act IV' was The Seldom Scene's fourth album, showcasing their evolution as leading figures in the progressive bluegrass movement. This album arrived after their commercial breakthrough with 'Live at the Cellar Door' in 1978, allowing them to solidify their musical identity and appeal to a broader audience.

Act IV works well if you're into steady mid-tempo storytelling flow, heartfelt harmonies for reflection and for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Act IV?

Act IV has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Act IV

The Seldom Scene · 1979

38 min · 12 tracks · bluegrass music

A tapestry of heartfelt harmonies and intricate instrumentation weaving through classic bluegrass storytelling.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
heartfelt harmonies for reflection
for afternoon relaxation
intricate instrumentation detail hunting

Maybe skip if you want

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone track variety

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, 'Act IV' was The Seldom Scene's fourth album, showcasing their evolution as leading figures in the progressive bluegrass movement. This album arrived after their commercial breakthrough with 'Live at the Cellar Door' in 1978, allowing them to solidify their musical identity and appeal to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Nickel Creek· Punch Brothers· Yonder Mountain String Band

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Something in the Wind 3:17
2 Girl in the Night 3:54
3 Ride Me Down Easy 2:27
4 Leaving Harlan 3:02
5 Tennessee Blues 3:17
6 Life Is Like a Mountain Railway 3:40
7 I Don’t Know You 2:41
8 California Blues 3:55
9 San Antonio Rose 2:32
10 Daddy Was a Railroad Man 2:32
11 Walking the Blues 4:02
12 This Weary Heart You Stole Away 2:39

What to play next

Listen next

After Midnight

1981

Go back to

Baptizing

1978

Full The Seldom Scene discography Artists like The Seldom Scene

bluegrass music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata