Mighty Poplar
Free Dirt, 2023
8/10
A bluegrass supergroup that consists of Andrew Marlin from Watchhouse, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge from Punch Brothers, Greg Garrison (Leftover Salmon), and Alex Hargreaves (Billy Strings), as Mighty Poplar the quintet capture a very contagious energy that seems like an impromptu jam session between longtime friends.
“A Distant Land To Roam” starts the listen with Pikelny’s swift banjo adding much warmth to the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Up On The Divide” follows with Hargreaves’ emotive fiddle helping make for a glowing intimacy that’s dripping with heartfelt melodies.
The middle track belongs to “Blackjack Davy”, where the dynamic string interaction is both adventurous and cautious, while “North Country Blues” emits a stirring presence thanks to the lovely mandolin and Eldridge’s agile and emotive guitar playing amid the expressive singing.
Close to the end, “Kicking Up The Devil On A Holiday/Dr. Hecock’s Jig” opens bare, but builds into a rich instrumental that’s swift, and “Story Of Isaac” exits with a calm, poetic delivery of absorbing song craft that really spotlights Marlin’s inviting voice.
An extremely detailed and timeless display of bluegrass sounds, the immense talent present packs each tune with emotions, grooves and lush songwriting that will be sure to grab the attention of any bluegrass fan.
Travels well with: Arkansauce- Ok To Wonder; Chicago Farmer- Flyover Country