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Special Consensus

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SPECIAL CONSENSUS

  • From Chicago, Illinois.
  • The name Special Consensus comes from the writings of Carlos Casteneda, an anthropologist who wrote about the mystical and spiritual beliefs of a Mexican Indian tribe. The “special consensus” was a state of mind for the Yaqui Indians where “all the good things in life connect with the good things of the spirit.”
  • Led by banjo-virtuoso Greg Cahill, who formed the group in 1975 and has been the one constant member.
  • Cahill’s early influences: polka music (he played an accordian at age 8). In the 1960’s, he heard Flatt and Scruggs, fell in love with the banjo. Has been a full time banjo player since 1975.
  • Cahill has a master’s degree in social work.
  • 1992, Cahill also performed and recorded several albums with mandolinist Don Stiernberg.
  • 1993, released Green Rolling Hills album (Turquoise).
  • 1996, released Strong Enough to Bend album (Pinecastle).
  • 1998, released Our Little Town album (Pinecastle).
  • 1998, Cahill played banjo on the John Lithgow Discover Card commercials. Has also played on several Coke commercials.
  • 2000, released 25th Anniversary album (Pinecastle) to celebrate their silver anniversary as a band.
  • 2002, survived a serious bus accident in April near Texarkana, Texas. Bus was totaled.
  • 2002, released Route 10 album (Pinecastle).
  • 2004, released Everything’s Alright album (Pinecastle)
  • 2006, Cahill was elected president and chairman of the board of IBMA. Cahill had previously served as vice-chairman of the board and chaired IBMA’s Bluegrass in the Schools committee.
  • 2007, released Trail of Aching Hearts album (Pinecastle).
  • 2008, Cahill appeared on the Jerry Springer Show (NBC) in a hillbilly-themed segment.
  • 2009, released Signs album (Pinecastle).
  • 2010, released 35 album (Pinecastle), celebrating the band’s 35th anniversary.
  • 2012, released Scratch Gravel Road album (Compass).
  • 2013, released album Country Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute To John Denver (Compass).
  • 2014, won IBMA Awards for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Thank God I’m a Country Boy”) and Recorded Event of the Year (“Wild Montana Skies” with Claire Lynch and Rob Ickes.)
  • 2016, released Long I Ride album (Compass).
  • 2016, won IBMA Award for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Fireball” with Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley and Alison Brown).
  • 2018, released Rivers and Roads album (Compass).
  • 2018, won IBMA Awards for Album of the Year (for Rivers and Roads) and Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Squirrel Hunters” from the same album).
  • 2020, released Chicago Barn Dance album (Compass); won the IBMA Award for Song of the Year for the title song.
  • 2021, Rick Faris left the group after 11 years to pursue a solo career. Greg Blake took his place.
  • 2023 lineup: Cahill (banjo), Blake (guitar), Dan Eubanks (bass), Michael Prewitt (fiddle/mandolin).
  • 2023, released Great Blue North album (Compass).
  • 2024, Brian McCarty replaced Prewitt (fiddle/mandolin) in the band.