New Standard Bluegrass

New Standard is a traditional hard-driving bluegrass band from central and southwestern Virginia. The band was formed in October 2011 by Zach Brown, Spencer Blankenship, and Mason Thomas. By November 2011, Stewart Scales joined on bass and Zach Gilmer joined on banjo. New Standard brings together a variety of styles and influences from traditional artists to contemporary bluegrass and gospel artists, honoring those before them, such as, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Reno & Smiley, and The Stanley Brothers. They also play some original bluegrass and gospel music.