The first time I saw Sam Bush play mandolin was at a benefit concert held at the Ryman in Nashville. Marty Stuart also played the mandolin that night, and they both had a serious impact on me. However, it was Sam's energy and obvious enthusiasm that captured my spirit. It wasn't long before I was captivated by Sam's bouncing energy as he chopped out rhythm while waiting patiently to blast out a solo. I chose an image of him playing his National Resonator mandolin, because I wanted to show how Sam experimented with his bluegrass roots and helped create the new grass sound.