Few bands have as enduring a legacy in the acoustic/newgrass/jam band scene as Colorado-based Leftover Salmon. Released May 19, they continue to expand on their legacy with the release of their new full-length album, GRASS ROOTS (Compass Records), which arrives to early acclaim. Carrying the torch passed down by the progressive bluegrass pioneers, The Seldom Scene and Newgrass Revival, Leftover Salmon is a true architect of the contemporary jam grass scene, inspiring the careers of a generation of artists including Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass and Yonder Mountain String Band.

Drawing from the songs and tunes that The Salmon Heads and The Left Hand String Band played when they first converged in a Telluride Bluegrass Festival campground, ultimately merging to form Leftover Salmon. Over the course of their 30+ year run, the band has explored a variety of ‘grass hybrids, creating their own musical culture and earning legions of fans in the process.

Collaborating with jam scene icons Billy Strings, Oliver Wood, and Darol Anger on the new album, and with the recent addition of Jay Starling on resophonic guitar, lap steel and keys to the band’s official lineup, Leftover Salmon has all the instrumental firepower needed to deliver hard driving versions of bluegrass standards and grassed-up versions of songs from Bob Dylan, David Bromberg, and the Grateful Dead. And as co-founder, guitarist and lead singer, Vince Herman says, “when you think of an album title as good as that, that hasn’t been used in our genre, you pretty much have to make the record.”

GRASS ROOTS asserts Leftover Salmon’s place at the crossroads of bluegrass, newgrass and jamband, and the importance of their shared musical vision which has helped to broaden the audience for all traditionally-rooted music. The album’s 10 tracks capture the energy and fun of the band, which is central to every Leftover Salmon show. But even more importantly, GRASS ROOTS shines a light on the bluegrass heart, which beats strongly at the core of Leftover Salmon’s music. And it’s an ear-opening pleasure.
Tracklisting for Grass Roots:

    Country Blues
    Blue Railroad Train
    Riding On The L&N
    Simple Twist Of Fate
    California Cottonfields
    Fire And Brimstone
    Black Peter
    The New Lee Highway Blues
    Nashville Skyline Rag
    Fireline