The Infamous Stringdusters 20/20
Grammy Award-winning jam-grass quintet The Infamous Stringdusters, who got together 20 years ago, releases their new album, 20/20, twenty songs for twenty years.
Banjoist Chris Pandolfi shares, “We’ve been around for 20 years, and I feel like we’re putting more into our music — both writing and the live shows — than we ever have. And the reality is, that you do need to step a little harder on the gas to get the same results — it takes real intention.”
Along with Pandolfi (banjo), Travis Book (bass), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Andy Hall (dobro), and Andy Falco (guitar), the band blends elements of bluegrass, country, indie-folk, and Americana.
According to Garrett, “Bluegrass music brought us together in the first place. And one of the big things that propels us forward is that everyone keeps pushing so hard — it keeps me incredibly motivated.”
Pandolfi explains that bluegrass music expresses the energy of rock n roll, but the band members just sort of stand there playing. The Infamous Stringdusters changed that by merging bluegrass instrumentation, vocal harmonies, superb production, and hyperactive stage vitality.
Of the 20 tracks on 20/20, highlights include “Working Man Blues,” which perfectly illustrates the band’s distinctive sound: potent bluegrass flavors combined with startling dynamism, grand harmonies, and beaucoup sonic oomph. This is a classic example of The Infamous Stringdusters’ flair.
“Holding On To You” summons up suggestions of Jimmie Rogers tinged with faint Latin essences, especially on the intro. A pushing rhythm gives the melody delicious momentum, while rich, smooth vocals imbue the lyrics with mellifluous tones. A dazzling fiddle solo elevates the tune to the next level.
A bit darker, “Up From The Bottom,” reveals the band taking on a more traditional country song – less bluegrass shine and dazzle, and more emphasis on rhythm and somber colors.
A country barn dance number, “To The End Of The Line” is simultaneously more intricate and laid-back than some of the other songs, which infuses it with a subtle, contagious aspect.
A personal favorite, the outstanding a cappella song, “Gospel 32 (Let Him Move),” is worth the price of admission all by itself. These guys can sing.
“Dancing On The Moon,” a swampy, bluegrass tune, slides and slinks its way into listeners’ ears, revealing slightly wicked surfaces reminiscent of the Eagles’ “Witchy Woman.” Whereas “The Voyageur” allows a hint of Celtic savors to emerge from the luminous bluegrass textures.
With their bluegrass-laced indie-folk-rock sound, The Infamous Stringdusters unveil an affecting and well-written collection of songs.
Discover more about The Infamous Stringdusters here.
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: The Infamous Stringdusters “Working Man Blues”