Some bands stay fresh through a process of having two or three core members and a rotating lineup of additional musicians and collaborators. Others have a more stable roster and view the infrequent change as a breath of fresh air and insurance against getting stale. Such is the case with Yonder Mountain String Band, who view their latest record, Get Yourself Outside, as the beginning of chapter 3. Chapter 1 featured the late Jeff Austin, Chapter 2 swapped Austin for fiddler Allie Kral, and the newest phase includes mandolinist/multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni. Throughout it all they’ve maintained their place as one of the leading lights in the Colorado front range newgrass sound.
The title of the album is a reference to the idea that in these times you have to be able to step away from the daily craziness and refresh your perspective. The CD starts with Beside Myself, a straight ahead bluegrass tune about keeping an eye open for opportunity even though you’re “breaking my back for the man”. Small House takes that a step further with some dobro-provided gravitas and lamenting you’re “one of the many dragged around by the few.” Up This Hill is a little more old-timey and features banjo player Dave Johnston’s rich baritone vocalizing how the daily drudge can get to be a mountain.
A definite highlight on the record is a one-two punch that starts with instrumental jam, Out Of the Pan. That segues directly into Into the Fire about the driving passion inherent in being a successful musician. The disc finishes with Suburban Girl, a lightly nostalgic piece featuring Adam Aijala on acoustic guitar. It includes some sage advice, “there’s not a lot to the world, make up your mind.
For nearly 25 years, Yonder Mountain String Band has been at the forefront of Colorado’s, and America’s, increasing infatuation with string bands. Their ability to stretch the genre from pop to rock to reggae and pretty much anything in between no doubt plays a big part in their success. Get Yourself Outside shows why that’s the case and is a gem for long-time fans and new listeners alike.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.