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 the group hails from the mountains outside Boulder, Colorado, it's a no-brainer why this four-piece renegade act makes a sunny Florida stop during its annual winter tour.
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 might best be exemplified by the choice of rock producer Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith, Foo Fighters), who has joined the band in the studio for The Show and 2006's Yonder Mountain String Band. Then add in 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 hoedown a good ol' South Florida stomp.
