Grammy nominated
The Infamous Stringdusters (Andy Hall - dobro, Andy Falco - guitar, Chris Pandolfi - banjo, Jeremy Garrett - fiddle, and Travis Book - upright bass) -- are synonymous to good music and good beer. Their music is a fusion of what I would call campfire dancing music and contemporary newgrass. As for beer, think the Charlottesville beer scene and
Devils Backbone Brewing Company - host venue for
The Festy Experience music festival. Here's a
video of Travis discussing both beer and music at the inaugural Festy many years ago. And if you plan to attend the 2017 addition in October expect to hear plenty of music from
Laws of Gravity, The Stringdusters latest release which dropped January 13th.
In this release the band returns to their.progressive bluegrass roots with a theme of the freedom as a result of life on the road. Something they should know rather well. Rotating lead vocals, solos, and tight harmonies provide an expected and consistent bouquet. But there's also a touch of soulful blues with
This Ol’ Building and
Back Home, which in addition to
Soul Searching and
Sirens, lift the mid palette and are the strongest section of the album. The tail finishes with high energy effervescence with
Let Me Know and
I Run To You. Classic Stringdusters.
The one problem with this release, and for that matter all the Stringdusters' seven studio releases, is that it can never capture the spirit of their live performance. Case in point is
Sirens. The instrumentals are tight - but I'm sure the band blows away audiences performing this song live. Fortunately there are plenty of upcoming tour dates to experience a fantastic live show. I'm targeting the January 27th show at the
9:30 Club.
My favorite pairing option for
Laws of Gravity is this
DBBC Adventure sampler twelve pack. It includesthe
Flor De Luna Belgium Blonde Ale,
Berliner Metro Weiss, Smokehouse Porter, and
Single Hop IPA. I hit all cylinders when fueled with a Berliner Weiss or Smoked Porter - as do the Stringdusters often in Laws of Gravity. Cheers.
