My opinion page addressing inquiries concerning clawhammer technique.
Yes. I believe that even if you are taking the banjo into new territory you should still listen to the pioneers who have come before you. Doc Watson's music is great because he not only listened to, but actually played with many of the pioneers of "old time" music. At the same time, he pushed the boundaries and elevated the flat-pick style of guitar from a rhythm instrument to an important "lead" instrument.
I also think it important that you should never just start with the music of your heroes and then move on; you should listen to the music that inspired your heroes in the first place!
To summarize, you should be well grounded in the tradition before you take it some place new.
That being said, too many bands playing "in the tradition" can cause the music to stagnate and lose it's vitality. It's the balance between the old and new that will keep the music healthy!
Thanks... Mike