It’s come to be known as “slamgrass” since they pioneered the genre and now, almost 25 years later, Leftover Salmon continues to share their blend of rock and bluegrass with yet another generation of fans.
Being one of the first bands to incorporate drums and electric guitar into bluegrass music, Leftover Salmon follows in the tracks of their groundbreaking past by providing an eclectic set of rock infused bluegrass tunes with their latest CD, Aquatic Hitchhiker. Oddly enough, the CD opens with a bluesy number (Gulf Of Mexico), which immediately shows the vast musical diversity of the band. Perhaps the most interesting song on the disc, Liza, finds the band engulfed in a Latin rhythm with a small taste of the Caribbean.
As expected, there are many songs that exhibit a wealth of banjo picking action, while a hard hitting rhythm section thumps along at a frenetic pace. Throughout the disc we find the band playing mandolin, tambourine, keyboard, and even a washboard! In fact, listen to Walking Shoes and you’ll swear someone plays a jug solo!
Take all of these instruments, along with the bands masterful creativity and musicianship, and set them into well written rock, country, jazz, blues, and bluegrass songs – this is Leftover Salmon. Whether they’re playing a hoedown like Kentucky Skies, or a jazzy tune like Here Comes The Night, Leftover Salmon sounds right at home.
I strongly urge anyone who is a fan of music to witness this influential band when they make themselves at home in Naperville, on the Ribfest Main Stage on July 3.
