Leftover Salmon – Grass Roots (Compass Records, 2023)
Leftover Salmon, a Colorado-based band, has established a significant presence in the acoustic, progressive bluegrass and jamgrass genres over their three-decade-long career.
Their fantastic latest album, Grass Roots, pays homage to their bluegrass and festival origins, drawing inspiration from the songs played by their precursor bands, The Salmon Heads and The Left Hand String Band, at Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Collaborating with notable figures like Billy Strings, Oliver Wood, and Darol Anger, along with the addition of Jay Starling to the band’s lineup, Leftover Salmon present their finely crafted and effective instrumental skill through renditions of bluegrass classics and reimagined tracks from Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, and The Grateful Dead.
The album opens with a recreation of Dock Boggs’ “Country Blues,” featuring Drew Emmitt on vocals, followed by the irresistible “Blue Railroad Train,” where bluegrass star Billy Strings joins in.
Other highlights include “California Cottonfields” performed by Jay Starling and an up-tempo version of Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate” led by Vince Herman.
“Fire and Brimstone” expertly pays tribute to New Orleans-style music, featuring a collaboration with Oliver Wood and highlighting Alwyn Robinson’s percussive talents.
The album also includes interpretations of Grateful Dead’s “Black Peter” and David Bromberg’s “The New Lee Highway Blues,” reflecting Leftover Salmon’s eclectic musical influences.
Grass Roots reaffirms Leftover Salmon’s position as pioneers of innovative bluegrass, newgrass, and jamgrass, emphasizing their commitment to traditional roots music while expanding its audience. With ten tracks capturing the band’s energetic spirit, the album celebrates their enduring contribution to the genre.
Musicians: Jay Starling on resophonic guitar, lap steel and keyboards; Vince Herman on vocals and guitar;
Drew Emmitt on mandolin; Andy Thorn on banjo; Greg Harrison on bass; and Alwyn Robinson on drums.
Buy Grass Roots.
Author: Ryan Emmert
