"Things Have Changed" for Benson

Benson dials back the tempo and mood with this Harley Allen song from his 1983 solo debut. The son of bluegrass legend Red Allen, Harley wrote hits for artists like Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Cody Kilby, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out bassist Kevin McKinnon and guest singer Dustin Pyrtle help out. Allen died in 2011.

"We're excited for this song to finally come out," said Kristin. "We love the lead vocal by Dustin Pyrtle, and the sentiment of 'Things Have Changed' is universal. It seems things do change so fast these days. Downtown Nashville is different every time I go. But even in small towns, you feel it, both physically and relationally with the people who live there. I love the line, 'I'm sort of glad that Mom and Dad ain't around.' That melancholy embodies the mood of this guy who goes back home and feels an overall sense of loss."

Tipping their hat to the original recording with the same sparse instrumentation and mandolin kickoff, Benson retain the song's original air of resignation.

"Wayne and I love to play this slower tempo on mandolin and banjo," Kristin said. "He gets to tremolo and I get to play fun chord-based banjo. I always enjoy playing this kind of banjo backup."

Wayne said, "I've always loved Harley Allen and certainly do love this song. Dustin Pyrtle seemed like the perfect singer to reach out to, and man! Did he ever deliver the goods on this one."

After years of paving separate musical paths, the couple 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.

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.