November 24, 2023 — For their first single since the release of Pick Your Poison, their acclaimed 2023 full-length debut, the duo of Benson — that’s 2023’s IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Kristin Scott Benson and her mandolin master husband, Wayne — take a page from their own book by serving up a 21st century Christian rock song in bluegrass style.
Like their popular 2022 single, “Oh Me of Little Faith,” which came from contemporary Christian artist Matthew West’s 2015 recording, the new single is a startling re-visioning of NEEDTOBREATHE’s 2009 popular “Lay ‘Em Down.” And like its predecessor, “Lay ‘Em Down” features not just the stellar instrumental work of the Bensons themselves, but a compelling vocal from Heath Williams, framed by contributions from long-time Benson friend and master harmony singer Mickey Harris. This time around, though, Wayne Benson not only provides a signature opening solo, but handles the bass duties himself, while guest fiddler Samantha Snyder contributes a memorable solo midway through the song’s classic mid-tempo bluegrass setting of a message of hope and redemption:
Come down to the river
Come and let yourself in
Make good on a promise
To never hurt again
If you’re lost and lonely
Broken down
Bring all of your troubles
Come lay ’em down
Wayne Benson notes that “‘Lay ‘Em Down’ is such a great reminder of God’s grace, and how it’s free for the taking. The world is heavy these days and it’s a gift to be able to lay down our troubles. It’s an encouraging song.” Adds Kristin Scott Benson, “We love to find songs outside the genre that work with a bluegrass delivery. The hope is that people who have never heard this before will assume it was always intended to be a bluegrass tune.”
“Lay ‘Em Down” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL.
Listen to it HERE.
About Benson
Benson is a collaborative effort between two of bluegrass music’s most treasured instrumentalists: Wayne and Kristin Scott Benson. With decades of experience in top-tier bands, both have established themselves as stalwarts in the community. After years of paving separate musical paths, the two finally decided it was time to integrate their identities and create something new together. Benson is their first combined effort, despite having been married for over 20 years.
Wayne Benson is a 25-year veteran of the seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. He is on the short list of mandolin players who have signature models with Gibson Musical Instruments.
Kristin Scott Benson is a six-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year and recipient of the Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo. She has been a member of the GRAMMY-nominated Grascals since 2008.