One Grass + Two Grass = Bluegrass + Newgrass. There are certainly plenty more sums, factors, outcomes and equivalents in the equation, but one thing is certain, almost scientific: One Grass Two Grass’ style of reinvented and revived modern bluegrass sounds usually equate to a hip-swayin, barn-stormin’ rip roarin’ good time! The SF Bay band has steadily gained an active fan base since its inception, largely as a result of active touring, festival appearances and down-home word-of-mouth generosity. Now, having been back in the studio after performing far and wide, the band has released its 2nd album, “Horizon”, a (mostly) fast-paced 10-track joyride of down-home, feel-good, let-loose, legitimate bluegrass - with a modern twist.
On the heels of the band’s 2015 self-titled debut, the youthful band are part of a growing genre of artists shaking up the status quo and formula of traditional American bluegrass music, while at the same time maintaining respect and dedication to its initial, uniquely enchanting form. More specifically, OGTG’s music holds close to the roots of the genre and makes it shine even brighter by infusing funk and sprinkling blues rhythms atop its earlier manifestations.
On this sophomore effort, listeners will find these skillful string slayers further pushing their innovative brand of modern, fresh bluegrass interpretations to a new level. Dynamic and diverse song arrangements are apparent throughout the album, showcasing a bold step forward in band’s evolution. The LP epically captures the various festival sets and opening and closing acts that have influenced the band on the road - and at home. In other words, the new material has been previewed and finessed, giving new fans just the right toolset to ride the flow of an eclectic, electric funky-rhythm bluegrass dance set.
Produced by Nat Keefe of Hot Buttered Rum and engineered by Jacob Winik (Tiny Telephone Studios), the tracks were laid to live tape rather than the more commonly-used contemporary digital recording techniques. The live tape quality is strikingly apparent on the record, as one feels as if in the room with the band picking their hearts out on various stringed instruments.
The album kicks off strong with the festive “Long Time Comin’”, announcing the kick-off of this hoedown’. Next up, is perhaps the one OGTG track that could serve as a mantra/theme song for the band. On “Why We’ve Come”, the band is found festively chorusing in unison, “We try to always aim for, what we care for, what we’re there for. WHY WE’VE COME!!” While OGTG’s first album consisted primarily of a mix of covers, originals and jams strongly grounded in old school bluegrass, “Horizon” contains all-original music written by various band members (with the exception of the unexpected cover of “Praise You”, the obscure 70s track made popular by Fatboy Slim (not necessarily a bluegrass classic!). The infectious track turns the 90s dancefloor hit into a stomping bluegrass delight. The OGTG interpretation even pays homage to the Fatboy rendition with a stuttering vocalized build up to the first big chorus (where FBS had used electronic effects). It’s a definite live show highlight for fans old and new.
On “Big Trees”, a downwardly slumbering strings and playful lyrics make evident the band’s propensity to “geek out” from time to time, with specifically-scientific lyrics highlighting algae and growth patterns of those darn big trees at the heart of the discussion. The group’s vocal harmonies and arrangements shine on the track. Something Reel” showcases the band’s skilled musicianship and prowess for setting a mood. One can’t help but imagine the song as a perfect soundtrack to a Summer picnic in the mountains. On album stunner “Rings” (written by bassist Sam Trimboli), the band takes things down a notch with a mandolin-spangled love song. “I’m just a man putting some roots down in this small town, with no reason to leave. When I fall down they’ll count my rings,” Trimiboli coos.
Offering a final climactic moment of pure bluegrass joy, the band closes out “Horizon with “Mississippi Queen”, a traditional bluegrass romp that chugs along like the steamboat the song references. Lightning-fast fiddles dance around breakneck-speed vocal monologues as the boys show they know their way up and down a backwoods river.
Track Listing:
1. Long Time Comin’
2. Why We’ve Come
3. Moonlight Fills the Hills
4. Under My Wheels
5. Blues On the Run
6. Praise You
7. Big Trees
8. Something Reel
9. Rings
10. Mississippi Queen
