I was lucky enough to attend a workshop for Old Time music today with James Leva (violin), Riley Baugus (banjo), Stephen Wade (banjo), and Danny Knicely (guitar and mandolin). They are super musicians, cool and open, and took some questions from the audience. I was even able to ask to what extent there is improvisation in the traditional music...the answer was...it depends, on the musicians, the setting (dance or straight listening), the instrumentation...etc.! It seems that rhythmic improv is more prevalent, but there are embelishments of most melodies. James Leva responded that often he is responding to the rest of the band and trying to find the right amount of melody and accompanyment. Sounds like jazz to me. I have a couple of flip videos of them that I will post on my Youtube chanel. Chem 'em out.
(left to right) Leva, Bakugus, Wade, Knicely
(left to right) Leva, Bakugus, Wade, Knicely