Steep Canyon Rangers play bluegrass in the moment, while still respecting its past.

Discussing the state of bluegrass, Barrett Smith is likely to bring up jazz, or even the Grateful Dead. Improvisation – the jam band ethic – is a part of what has made Steep Canyon Rangers such a draw.

“One of the things that makes a show good is that it’s not set in stone,” he says. “We see what’s going on. It turns into what the crowd wants – in real time.”

The band’s approach to a concert is rather loose. They take some time to walk around the community and catch its vibe. The setlist is put on hold until they have a feel for the audience.

Smith handles standup bass and vocal harmony for Steep Canyon Rangers. The Grammy-winning band recently released their 15th album. Eight previous albums have topped the U.S. bluegrass charts.

The Rangers’ success comes from an ability to change while remaining in touch with tradition. The new album, Next Act, leans toward the latter, without sacrificing the possibilities of bluegrass.

“We have our own perspective on the continuum between traditional and ‘What have you done to bluegrass?’” Smith says, imagining a New Orleans old-timer from the 1930s at a concert with Miles Davis performing the album Kind of Blue. “Jazz is jazz,” Smith observes. “But he’d probably say, ‘I don’t know what this is.’”

As for bluegrass, it is having a moment. Steep Canyon Rangers’ appearances with Steve Martin and Martin Short have attracted new fans. And Smith points to the phenomenon of Billy Strings, who appeals to an audience arguably broader than Alison Krauss.

“He tapped into a vein,” Smith points out. “But they’re just playing bluegrass music.”

Like his Steep Canyon Rangers bandmates, Smith says he was drawn to the genre for its authenticity and acoustic nature. A DJ may be very good, he adds, but in bluegrass, “There are actual humans using their fingers – with no tricks. That’s what people like.”

Bluegrass has fans of an evolving form and of staid tradition. The Rangers explore both, searching always for a connection with the audience. But, Smith points out, “Even at our rockingest shows, backstage we’re picking Flatt & Scruggs. We’re steeped in that world.”

STEEP CANYON RANGERS perform 8pm Thursday, Oct. 15. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $37-$79. (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.