In case you haven’t heard of them, the Infamous Stringdusters are a bluegrass band comprised of Andy Hall (dobro), Andy Falco (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), and Travis Book (double bass). The band broke onto the music scene in 2007 with the acclaimed album Fork in the Road on Sugar Hill Records. The band has made a name for themselves with their distinctive, complex, and groove-friendly sound coupled with a bluegrass theme. The band has won three awards at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards 2007, including Emerging Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Fork in the Road. The band was also nominated for 2011 Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association and their “Magic No. 9” was nominated for a 2011 Grammy award for Best Country Instrumental.
The Infamous Stringdusters recently released their 7th studio album, Ladies & Gentlemen in February, and boy is it a good one. The record features collaborations with some of the most talented women in folk/roots/country, including Lee Ann Womack, Sara Watkins, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Aofie O’Donovan, Joss Stone, and Sarah Jarosz. The album showcases an array of sounds and female voices, all brought together in wonderful, talented harmony.
The record’s opening track, “Listen”, features singer/songwriter Joan Osborne. Osborne is a veteran artist who has made a name for herself as an interpreter of music, having recorded and performed in various musical genres. “Listen” features a swampy, bluegrass sound and finds Osborne reminding the listener to take the time to listen and just live life to the fullest. “Won’t Be Long” finds Sarah Jarosz warning that life is short and fleeting, that it won’t be long before we’re all gone. The band teams up with Celia Woodsmith on “Old Whiskey Bottle”, a southern gospel/folk flavored number that sees Woodsmith warning the listener that she’s not past it yet, she’s still in her prime. Nicki Bluhm sings about beautiful, lasting love on “Still The One”. This is such a sweet love song, made sweeter by Nicki’s soft, quiet vocals. The rollicking “Run To Heaven” is a piece of stellar bluegrass that finds Aoife O’Donovan wondering which one she’ll end up in, Heaven or Hell.
For me, the standouts on this record are “I Believe”, “Have A Little Faith”, and “Coming Back To You”. “I Believe” was penned by the group’s Jeremy Garrett and Mountain Heart’s Josh Shilling as a statement about the negative focus of the modern news media. The band teams up with country music veteran Lee Ann Womack for what is one of the top performances on the record. Lee Ann’s angelic voice fits this song like a glove. Joss Stone’s contribution, “Have A Little Faith” is absolutely stellar in every way, and happens to be my personal favorite on the album. The track features a blues meets bluegrass sound and finds Stone preaching (and pulling it off) to the listener to have a little faith and show kindness to our fellow humans. “Coming Back To You” features a swampy, bluesy, folk sound, and catchy lyrics. The boys team up with veteran artist Mary Chapin Carpenter, whose seasoned, rich vocals add character to the lilting track.
The record closes out with “Hazosphere”, a bonus track that features a rapid fire banjo, a lilting fiddle, and a Spanish flavored trumpet. It’s an excellent way to close out a wonderful, enjoyable album. “Hazosphere” is so unique and different, and incredibly enjoyable. Who would have thought that a trumpet and bluegrass music would go so well together? Seriously, if you haven’t listened to this record yet, why is that? It’s delightful.
Orginally posted here.
