Search - Yonder Mountain String Band :: Mountain Tracks 3

Able to incite a crowd to riotous support of jamgrass music

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 01/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 55:25 (disc 1); 65:47 (disc 2)-- A large contingent of Yonder Mountain String Band fans were out in full force at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado in September 2003 for the live recording of this 23-track album at Kinfolk Celebration 2003. The band's distinctive jamgrass sound is supplemented with the expert fiddling of Darol Anger. Four tracks at the end of the 2-CD album also include Rashad Eggleston and Brittany Haas. Regular band members Jeff Austin (mandolin), Dave Johnston (banjo), Adam Aijala (guitar), and Ben Kaufmann (bass) all contribute original material to the band's spirited repertoire. Besides material from Willie Nelson, John Hartford, and Bill Monroe, the band also covers four songs penned by songwriter Benny "Burl" Galloway. The lyrical messages of their original material are interesting. Their material is well-rehearsed and arranged. Not sticking to straight three-chord traditional progressions, YMSB punctuates and accentuates their music with a lot of excitement. The fun they have energizes their audiences.



While quite a few of their songs fit the standard 3-4 minute timeframe ideal for radio airplay, it's interesting to note that they also serve up eight songs that span anywhere from 6 to 10.5 minutes. Spread throughout their sets, these improvisational adventures take us on journeys that ebb and flow like an ocean's tide. In fact, four songs on disc 1 (their first set) progress effortlessly as a medley that spans over 26 minutes. The crowd is left in a wild frenzy. The encore is John Hartford's "Holding," introduced with the advice, "if you're holding, then don't hold out" and accentuated with Anger's pizzicato fiddle. Liner notes are remiss in not identifying who is singing on each song.



Since day one, YMSB has held that their fans, the Kinfolk, are the cornerstone to their success. "Mountain Tracks: Volume 3" is a testament to their ability to incite a crowd to riotous support of acoustic jamgrass music. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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Must Own It

TrEy | Atlanta, Ga USA | 05/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You might call me a biased jamband fan, but YMSB's music cannot be denied. YMSB is a some sort of offspring of bluegrass, and their hard hitting lyrics and perfect delivery mesh well. They play with so much passion and energy, and they are a just plain fun to listen to. This a four member band headed by a mandolin(Jeff Austin), stand up bass(Ben Kaufman), Banjo(Dave Johnston), and acoustic guitar(Adam Aijala). They also had a special guest David Anger on the fiddle which added a nice touch to the band. This cd is massive and includes 23 tracks, with many of them spanning over 7 minutes. YMSB isn't a band that takes itself too seriously and throughout the cd they joke around and are hilarious. These songs are the best songs on the cd in order of importance.



1)Traffic Jam- catchy, contaigious, and fast paced. A slow build up to about 1 1/2 minutes then they really do some heavy jamming, and don't stop for the rest of the song. Great fiddling and banjo work throughout. Superb! Great JAM!



2) Peace of Mind- a little slow to get to the jam but well worth it. Intersting fiidle work to start it out and then it blossoms into a nice groove that flows perfectly into Snow on the Pines.



3) Snow on the Pines- great build up and rhythm. Some of my favorite lyrics in the cd. EXCELLENT mandolin pickin. So catchy i got to put this song on now.



4) Kentucky Mandolin- great fiddle/mandolin tune. Great bass solo near the end that has this funky groove carring on, very chill. At the end of the song YMSB are just plain hilarious, and every time I hear their dog hollars I crack up.



5) Bloody Mary Morning- I love this cover, nough said. All YMSB really were on.



6) Left Me In a Hole-straight up bluegrass, and is a very fun and happy tune.



7) Little Rabbit- Again this song is just appealing, more blugrass-esque but has a long extended jam. Dave Johnston carries the tune along with the banjo and never lets up.



I wish i had the patience to write a review on every song, but believe every song is worth while. Luckily I got see YMSB at the FoX theatre, and they are amazing live. They offer alot of crownd interaction unlike many big name jambands. If your into SCI, Phish, Leftover Salmon, Keller Williams, or whatever just check these guys out.



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Excellence

Kevin T. Briggs | Pennsylvania, USA | 11/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD did not disappoint. This band has matured so much since some of the earlier recordings. The individual instrumentation has improved, and the group has matured as a whole. The songs are more elaborate and you can discern their fantastic stage presence just by listening. I love the joke about whiskey when Adam says, "It's like a sweater you wear on the inside," and Jeff replies, "A drunk sweater!" If you like bluegrass, imporvisational music (jam bands) and just plain great musical prowess, listen to this CD."