One of the advantages to attending live shows in Nashville is that opening acts and guests stars often generate as much excitement as the featured performers. It’s a win-win for the audience and for the performers. Friday night’s show at 3rd & Lindsley was just such an experience. People had driven from as far away to see East Nash Grass, one of Nashville’s hottest bands, as to see Colorado’s jam grass group Yonder Mountain String Band.
Just ahead of their Grand Ole Opry debut, East Nash Grass showcased their instrumental prowess, their strong vocal performance, and the humor fans have come to expect from their weekly performances at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, where they have appeared almost every Monday for more than six years. They played several songs from their recent album release Last Chance to Win, sharing vocal leads among the band members. Sporting a brand new mandolin, Harry Clark sang his original, “Scarlet Iris” as well as the rollicking “Papa’s on the Housetop.” Fiddler Maddie Denton’s strong vocals were featured on the Hazel Dickens classic “Just a Few Old Memories” and the band covers the Stanley Brothers’ “Don’t Step Over an Old Love.” Gaven Largent, the dobro player who recently was awarded IBMA Momentum 2023 Instrumentalist Award sang “Mountain Bluebird” from their earlier album. The band’s breadth was showcased: from their acapella rendering of “(Jesus Said If You Go) I’ll Go with You” to “Railroad’ and Gamblin'”
Guitarist James Kee thanked the crowd before turning over the stage to Yonder Mountain String Band, telling them, “Half of y’all didn’t know who the hell we were.”
By the time Yonder Mountain started their set, the floor was packed with fans who knew every song, pumping their arms in recognition. Someone in the crowd suggested that they might be the Dave Matthews of bluegrass. They opened with the traditional “Boatman’s Dance,” followed by “On the Run,” coming back to the song after another couple of songs. The skill of each member of the band was highlighted, with some of the best moments coming when the fiddler and mandolinist faced off.
On their jam-length version of “Jerusalem Ridge,” Ben Kaufmann was able to shine on the upright bass. They played “Into the Fire,” “Steep Grade, Sharp Curve,” and “Complicated,” each familiar song pumping up their fan base who came ready for a night of jamming. With two bands instead of one, some fans got more than they bargained for.
