When I go to a bluegrass show, I often have some expectations. I expect banjo, mandolin and high harmony. I expect to feel the unmistakable rhythms of mandolin chop and banjo roll. These items are hallmarks that I have come to expect from a pickin’ party to a headlining show at a club (which is about the largest venue that bluegrass can handle). Yonder Mountain String Band came through on all of these hallmarks but otherwise they didn’t do a whole lot.
The beauty of genre-bending artists is that they can switch gears not only on record but at shows. Yonder Mountain String Band can fill it up with a mean mandolin lick and a long jam on acoustic guitar. I saw them three years ago at DC’s venerable 9:30 club and last week’s show and the first one are already blending together.
Now while I wasn’t blown away, the harmonies were certainly the most striking part. Ben Kaufman’s songwriting and leadership of the rhythm section lent the band its greatest variety. His tunes had a genuine everyman appeal that works like a charm in the bluegrass setting.
Jeff Austin’s energetic playing and heartfelt vocals formed the vocal backbone. Whether in harmony or on his leads, Austin felt like the heart of the band.
Both band founder Dave Johnston and guitarist Adam Aijala demonstrated technical prowess and occasional vocal leads as well.
While the band looks seasoned, they also feel like a cover band (they’re not). It’s hard to tell which songs are their own and which are not. While it’s great to write songs like the masters, it also demonstrates a lack individual identity.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.