#michael bont

Song Review: Greensky Bluegrass with Aoife O’Donovan - “Merely Avoiding” (Live at FreshGrass)

With a little more rehearsal - and a little less wind - it could’ve been superb.

As it went, Aoife O’Donovan’s guest spot on “Merely Avoiding” with Greensky Bluegrass at FreshGrass is merely good as the singer struggles with the breeze that blows her lyric sheets around and hampers her ability to fully chime in Paul Hoffman.

Short mando, guitar, banjo and Dobro solos separate the vocal sections nicely and the song is a lovely shade of depressing. The same can be said for the missed harmonic opportunities.

Grade card: Greensky Bluegrass with Aoife O’Donovan - “Merely Avoiding” (Live at FreshGrass) - B

Album Review: Greensky Bluegrass - Shouted, Written Down & Quoted

Two highlights - the sprightly “Miss September” and “Merely Avoiding,” which bubbles along with just a hint of Union Station - prevent Greensky Bluegrass’ sixth studio album, Shouted, Written Down & Quoted from being a middling bust. But the balance of the 11 songs too often meander into uninspired instrumental passages a la the Punch Brothers. And it's this inclination, coupled with monotonous lead vocals and the absence of strong harmony singing that can make string music so inviting, that results in a lackluster LP that, while not disagreeable, fails to grow on you with repeated listens.

Dobro man Anders Beck is the Michigan quintet’s MVP on this one, as his instrument vibrates under the surface and gives even the weakest tracks a much-needed burst of color. Dave Bruzza’s occasional use electric guitar also differentiates Greensky’s brand of modern Bluegrass from many of their contemporaries’ offerings. These standout performances; however, are not enough to rescue Shouted, Written Down & Quoted from its mire of mediocrity.

Grade card: Greensky Bluegrass - Shouted, Written Down & Quoted - C