Cole Quest And The City Pickers

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Self [En]titled EP

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to Self [En]titled EP

A New York City bluegrass outfit spearheaded by Cole Quest, who happens to be the grandson of Woody Guthrie, on this EP he’s aligned with some serious pickers who have made their mark in the local scene, and whose contributions make for an energetic and intimate quick listen.

“Ostrich Therapy” starts the listen with banjo acrobatics from Mike Mulhollan as Matheus Verardino’s harmonica and harmony vocals populate the bluegrass climate, and “The Bitcoin Gambler” follows with playful storytelling as warm strumming and no shortage of melody are present in the Americana setting.

Some of the best tracks land in the middle, including the cautious and emotive “Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key”, where they turn in a particularly soulful interpretation of the Guthrie and Bragg classic, while “7-11/Foggy Mountain Rock” moves with swift guitars as Sean Trischka’s drums impress and Sam Reider’s Hammond B3 adds much to the lush atmosphere of the instrumental.

The final two tracks offers us the soft beauty of “My Sweet Little Girl”, where Quest’s versatile pipes shine alongside Christian Apuzzo’s sublime guitar playing, and “If I Still Had You” exits the listen and highlights Larry Cook’s bass and harmony vocals and Quest’s resonator guitar skills that illuminate the traditional bluegrass structure of the timeless finish.

An effort that tips it hat to legends like Bill Monroe or Earl Scruggs, Quest and company prove that urban bluegrass can be just as genuine as its rural counterparts, and their knack for progressive ideas certainly only adds more appeal to their craft.

Travels well with: Ida Mae- Chasing Lights; Son Of The Velvet Rat- Solitary Company