“Call it an evolution or a revolution, but it’s clear that Town Mountain is at the forefront.”
— Rolling Stone magazine
That praise, coming from one of the music industry’s most influential and iconic publications, sums up how many fans feel about Town Mountain, a classic bluegrass band that is stretching the boundaries of country music.
Influenced by a wide variety of bands and musicians — the list, according to band members, includes the Grateful Dead, Bill Monroe, Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, Townes Van Zandt and The Band — it’s no wonder Town Mountain’s music has been described as “classic bluegrass with a modern twist.”
When the North Carolina-based band plays at Lulu’s Downstairs, 107 Manitou Ave., on Friday, June 10, it will mark the second of only three appearances by the group in Colorado this year. Other venues are Denver and Pagosa Springs.
Showtime at Lulu’s Downstairs is set for 8 p.m.
Formed by original members Robert Greer (guitar) and Jesse Langlais (banjo) in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2005, the band has recorded six albums with a seventh due out this summer or fall.
“The forthcoming chapter sees the group leaning heavily into classic country and rock ’n’ roll sensibilities, with plenty of that signature bluegrass edge that harkens back to their early expressions,” states a publicity release on the band’s website (www.townmountain.net).
Greer and Langlais are joined by Phil Barker (mandolin), Bobby Britt (fiddle) and Zach Smith (standup bass) to form the current edition of the group. Miles Miller (drums) is joining the quintet on its current tour.
Following their Colorado appearances, Town Mountain will return to Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia for a summer-long series of engagements.
Among the band’s achievements is being named Band of the Year in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Awards of 2013. The awards are given to bands in the early years of their bluegrass careers.
Information: 719-424-7637