Greensky Bluegrass – March 13th – Boulder Theater

Photo by Tim Dwenger

The Scene: The first time I was lucky enough to taste a little of the one and only sound that is Greensky Bluegrass it had to of been in some dive bar, no more than 20 or 30 people. That is, if my memory serves me correct. Suffice it to say, I have been on a bit of a sabbatical when it comes to live music and staying hip to the times. This was to be my first dive back into the life of funky guitar licks and boot stomping melodies in quite a while. I was warned on the way in that the night prior had been raucous and night two was sure to deliver.

The Boulder Theater was already wall-to-wall with long hairs, big beards, and beautiful women all done up. We made our way to the a comfy spot in front of the sound board, but not before doing our part in contributing to the record breaking bar sales that took place. Yes, Friday night broke records for bar sales. Which, could quite possibly be part of the reason my memory may be a bit foggy.

Opener: Rayland Baxter.  Rayland Baxter was finishing up his set as we got settled. Entirely unfamiliar with him I was immediately hooked to his melancholy croon and world class guitar handling. I was only able to catch his rendition of “Tennessee Jed” with help from a few of the Greensky boys and another original. I did take note to go home and give more of his stuff a listen.

Greensky Bluegrass: After a small break for the whiskey to start working and a slew of hellos’ by faces I hadn’t seen in what seemed like ages. The five fellas that have been building steam and are finally getting the recognition they deserve took the stage. I was shocked to learn that they sold the run out. Shocked and delighted as my heart has a special place for these boys.

The twang of Anders Beck on his Dobro is an unmistakable sound. I could pick him out of a crowd of a thousand attempting to do what he does. The set started out on a slow note with “The Four” but it soon picked up pace. By the third song, “Light Up Or Leave Me Alone” it was dancing mayhem all around me. They have a really special way about them. The messages they convey through sound alone does wonders for ones state of mind.

The way they can bounce back and forth between heartfelt ballads and good old fashioned barn burners is surely something many bands work their entire careers to be able to do fluently. One thing I have always loved about seeing bands such as this in Colorado is trying to guess what kind of wonderful surprises and guests they will bust out. This performance certainly provided the surprise I needed.

I found myself lost in the rhythm when I heard yet another unmistakeable sound. The flat-picking of Colorado’s own Adam Aijala of Yonder Mountain String Band fame. If I wasn’t on assignment I would have surely lost it, being that he is on the top of my list of git stick masters. He graced us with “Last Winter in Copper Country” and went steadfast into “Pride of Alabama” which also holds a very special place in my heart. By that point I had gotten all I needed and we were only midway through the first set and there was much more music to be had!

Earlier in the evening a new friend behind me asked why I kept frantically jotting notes in my little notebook. I explained my memory is shot from years of whiskey and loud music. When they came to another rolling ballad by the name of “All Four” the friend from before made a point of tapping my shoulder and letting me know I should jot down that this is his “all-time favorite song.” The pure joy in his eyes provided no doubt.

The rest of the night melded into a euphoric blend of hugs and dancing as the band invited Rayland Baxter back to the stage for “The Mountain Song” and another Grateful Dead gem in “Mr. Charlie” but it was the epic closing double-decker sandwich of “Leap Year -> Ain’t No Bread In The Breadbox -> Don’t Lie (Reprise) -> Ain’t No Bread In The Breadbox -> Leap Year” that left our collective mouths agape. I couldn’t help but be immensely proud of these five fellas for how far they have come. They are truly a spectacle of musicianship and a vessel of love.

Greensky Bluegrass – March 13th – Boulder Theater
Set 1: The Four, Burn Them, Light Up Or Leave Me Alone, Radio Blues, For Sure Uh Huh, Last Winter In Copper Country*, Pride Of Alabama*, Letter To Seymour, Blood Sucking F(r)iends, All Four
Set 2: Just Listening, Don’t Lie, No Idea, Wheel Hoss, The Mountain Song**, Mr Charlie**, Through The Trees, Leap Year> Ain’t No Bread In The Breadbox> Don’t Lie> Ain’t No Bread In The Breadbox> Leap Year
Encore: The Great Atomic Power, Broke Mountain Breakdown [reprise]

* w/ Adam Aijala
** w/ Rayland Baxter

Energy: A
Musicianship: A
Sound: D
Stage Presence: B
Set/Light Show: B

Overall: B