The Infamous Stringdusters

As with any bluegrass band, the Stringdusters aren’t immune to personnel changes. Late last year founding member and guitar player Chris Eldridge left the group to john Chris Thile and his band Punch Brothers. Andy Falco stepped in to fill the guitar spot and as evidenced by this recording, did so fantastically. He joins the rest of the band, Travis Book on bass, Jesse Cobb on mandolin, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, Andy Hall on Dobro and Chris Pandolfi on banjo as they send the sophomore slump running.

Setting themselves apart from other bluegrass artists, and even some of their NewGrass contemporaries, the Stringdusters chose to record thirteen original songs for the album.  Proving that their songwriting is growing alongside their musicianship, nine of the songs come from within the band and are as strong as any of the outside material.

“Bound For Tennessee” and “The Way I See You Now,” as well as being strong songs, writing-wise, show that the band is adept at arranging their songs as well. “Won’t Be Coming Back” and “Well, Well” show the fun loving side of the band as their sprightly playing and catchy melodies stick in the mind long after the album is finished.

Four of the albums songs come from outside songwriters. “Three Days In July,” from the pens of Jon Weisberger and Mark Simos, recounts a Civil War tale around Gettysburg from the perspective of a young boy whose father and brothers are off fighting the battle. John Pennell and Jeff White contribute “I Wonder” while Bad Livers Danny Barnes contributes “Get It While You Can.” The somewhat brooding “Lovin’ You,” written by Sarah Siskind showcases the emotive singing of Garrett as the album closes out.

No bluegrass release is complete without an instrumental or two and The Stringdusters do not disappoint in that department providing “Glass Elevator,” “Golden Ticket” and “Black Rock.” All are more laid back than hard-driving bluegrass, filled with intricate melodies and chord structures. No less could be expected of a band with two graduates from the Berklee School of Music.

The Infamous Stringdusters is a fantastic set of NewGrass from a young band that will surely be around for many years to come.

Artist Name: The Infamous Stringdusters Album Name: The Infamous Stringdusters Website: http://www.thestringdusters.com Record Label: Sugar Hill Release Date: 06.10.2008

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