Special Consensus – Grammy nominated in 2012 and 2018
The Special Consensus, a bluegrass band formed in 1975, has achieved a contemporary sound in over
four decades of performing, making their music a modern classic. Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is
a renowned banjo player, a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in 2011 and a 2020 inductee into the Society for the
Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Hall of Greats. Under his direction, Special
Consensus has released 20 recordings and received five awards from the IBMA and two Grammy
nominations for Best Bluegrass Album (2012 and 2018). Special Consensus’ sound is grounded in a deep
appreciation and understanding of bluegrass music built on the foundation of Cahill’s banjo playing and
now includes Greg Blake (guitar), Michael Prewitt (mandolin), and Dan Eubanks (bass). Rivers and Roads,
the band’s 19th recording released by Compass Records, was nominated for the 2018 Best Bluegrass
Album Grammy and received two IBMA awards for Album of the Year and Instrumental Recorded
Performance of the Year for the tune “Squirrel Hunters.” Chicago Barn Dance, released by Compass
Records in 2020, received the 2020 IBMA Song of the Year Award for "Chicago Barn Dance."