In support of its fifth studio release, 2009's The Show, Yonder Mountain String Band is deep into the aptly named "Cabin Fever Tour." Considering it hails from the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado, it's understandable why this four-piece renegade act makes a winter tour annually, with a sunny Florida stop a no-brainer.
With a sound rooted in bluegrass, the lineup is typical of the genre: There's Jeff Austin on mandolin, Ben Kaufmann on bass, Dave Johnston on banjo, and Adam Aijala on guitar; all sing. Beyond that, though, YMSB is anything but traditional. Blending that bluegrass with rock and countless other influences, the group has pioneered a sound all its own.
This forward thinking may best be exemplified by the choice of rock producer Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith, Foo Fighters), who joined the band in the studio for The Show and 2006's Yonder Mountain String Band. Then add the fact that each of the group's albums has been released on its own label, Frog Pad Records. And for a further twist, after The Show, the band then recorded The Show Solo – the same songs, but each performed by the individual who wrote it. Some call it "newgrass," others, maybe, "jamgrass." Describe it how you will, but we recommend giving this high-energy ho-down a good ol' South Florida stomp.