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Rough-hewn and energetic—but with an underlying sophistication that generates intermittent surprises—Town Mountain are one of the young bluegrass groups that have sprouted in the area around Asheville, N.C., in recent years, and they’re an engaging bunch. The vocals, led by guitarist Robert Greer, definitely lean toward a gruff, jam-grassy kind of sound, but while the harmonies and solos may be loose, the arrangements are tight and full of nifty dynamics. The songs on their 2008 debut, Heroes & Heretics, are mostly original, with well-crafted melodies and chord patterns. Fueled by the relentless upright bass of Barrett Smith and some stout fiddling by Annie Staninec, the result is an interesting and well-delivered collision of Asheville and Nashville styles that nods toward several different kinds of modern bluegrass from a distinctive, original vantage point.
Fri., June 26, 9 p.m., 2009
Fri., June 26, 9 p.m., 2009
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