Bluegrass duo Benson, featuring award-winning banjoist Kristin Scott Benson and renowned mandolinist Wayne Benson, launch their 2025 releases with a fresh take on Things Have Changed, a lesser-known gem from songwriter Harley Allen’s 1983 solo debut.
Allen, son of bluegrass legend Red Allen, later gained prominence for writing hits recorded by Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Dierks Bentley. His song, which originally closed his debut album, has since become a favorite among bluegrass enthusiasts. Benson, along with IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Cody Kilby, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out bassist Kevin McKinnon, and guest vocalist Dustin Pyrtle, bring it back to life with a carefully crafted arrangement.
“We love the lead vocal by Dustin Pyrtle, and the song’s sentiment is timeless,” says Kristin. “It captures the bittersweet feeling of returning home and realizing how much has changed; both in places and in relationships.”
The new version stays true to the original, with sparse instrumentation and a mandolin kickoff, maintaining its reflective mood. Kristin and Wayne enhance the arrangement with understated yet intricate banjo and mandolin work.
“Wayne and I love playing at this tempo,” Kristin notes. “It allows for tremolo on the mandolin and chord-based banjo backup, which is always fun to play.”
Wayne adds, “Harley Allen was one of the greats, and this song deserves to be heard again. Dustin Pyrtle was the perfect vocalist for it; he truly delivered.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
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