Do you have trouble connecting with today’s popular music on a human level? Has the heavy use of computer-generated beats and auto-tuned voices left you feeling detached from your car radio and latest playlist? If so, push pause on the polished product and take a risk on Greensky Bluegrass.
This progressive bluegrass band from Michigan provided a breath of fresh air to Birmingham’s up-and-coming venue, Iron City on Jan. 1. “I can’t believe that this kind of music isn’t a bigger deal,” says Stephanie Kane, a creative writing major at Auburn University. “As soon as I heard the word bluegrass in the band’s name I prejudged. I honestly expected to be bored. Little did I know that I would leave with my relationship to music completely rejuvenated.”
The rugged looking five-piece band takes traditional bluegrass instruments and creates a sound that is beyond the spectrum of musical genre. In Iron City Greensky Bluegrass created an atmosphere that encompassed the essence of a rock, funk, hip-hop, and bluegrass show simultaneously. Unadulterated intensity seems to be the only accurate description of what took place on the small stage. The Birmingham crowd received and equally reciprocated that energy with constant motion, blissful shouting and the raising of adult beverages. The lead vocalist and mandolin player, Paul Hoffman, sings lyrics from the gut that tell stories of love, lust, loneliness, and the search for happiness. Each song seemed thoughtfully selected and placed within the set in order to communicate the human experience by taking the audience through a range of emotions.
The band began their second set with a rendition of “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles that inspired high fives and hugs throughout the frenzied crowd. This aura of intimacy was maintained throughout the rest of the night, turning strangers into newfound friends.
There is something to be said about the power of live music. We are fortunate that technology has given us the ability to highly personalize and control the music that we hear everyday. However, this is not to be substituted for the thrill of experiencing two sets and an encore in person. Greensky Bluegrass brings a unique night away from the play button to our state frequently. I recommend keeping a lookout for them and even making a short drive to see them if need be. They probably will not top Adele as your favorite artist but for 15$, why not take the chance on a great night?
By Turner Griffin
Photo courtesy of Jamie VanBuhler
