Live In Asheville
Little Ruby, 2022
8/10
A North Carolina quartet with a penchant for bluegrass, swing and gypsy jazz sounds, this live disc brings 5-string banjo (Brett Setzer), flat-top guitar (Shannon Leasure), mandolin (Gabriel Wiseman) and string bass (Mike Ramsey) to a very lively and really fun listen.
“You Ain’t Going Nowhere” starts the music with much warm string interaction, as radiant vocal harmonies fuel the timeless bluegrass sounds, and “Putting In Real Light” follows with flowing melodies, where chunky banjo and vivid storytelling are much appreciated.
Further into the set, “Welcome To New York” is an instrumental affair, where the swift plucking and strong attention melody won’t go unnoticed, as is the extremely dynamic and rich “The Jacktown Shakedown”, which might be the best tune present.
Approaching the end, “Sweet Sue, Just You” is indeed a sweet tune that’s quite charming, emotive and playful, while “Tickle The Tom Cat’s Tail” brings the strengths of all the players into a very memorable bluegrass, jazz, swing hybrid.
Recorded live around one microphone at the Isis Music Hall in Asheville NC on January 22nd, 2022, this is an experience free from overdubs, redos, or studio magic, and instead focuses on organic, sincere music that makes you want to see them live yourself.
Travels well with: Fireside Collective- Across The Divide; Lonesome River Band- Heyday