For the second year running, Greensky Bluegrass played the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA last Thursday, November 13th. The room was packed; the up and coming bluegrass sensations brought an air of excitement to the classic venue. The band is still riding high after their release of If Sorrows Swim (Read the review here.), and they brought their best out West.
Those who arrived in time for the opening act, the Dead Winter Carpenters, were in for a treat. The five-piece, Tahoe natives were having fun, feeling comfortable and right at home in Southern California. With strong tunes driven by fiddler/vocalist Jenni Charles, combined with an upbeat rhythm and tight melodies, the group’s upbeat sound was reminiscent of Railroad Earth.
Greensky Bluegrass performed two smoking sets, jam packed with original tunes and excellent covers throughout the night. On stage of the historic and legendary venue (known to be the early stomping grounds for scores of highly successful acts like Elton John and the Eagles), the group put on a captivating performance. With the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder, one might predict GSBG attracts enough patrons in Los Angeles to have outgrown the venue.
Highlighting the first set was an energetic jam leading into “The Wind Cries Mary,” delivered with a new, grassy flavor. “Light Up or Leave Me Alone” with a “Tweezer” teased in between was certainly a crowd favorite. The second set had no shortage of octane-fueled string jams, and a classic cover of “Dancing In the Dark.” GSBG seems to go a long way in coercing LA-based fans to adopt bluegrass music.
[Photography by Brandon Weil]
