Greensky Bluegrass is bringing the string-infused jams to your ears once more with their latest single “Congratulations & Condolences.”
A legendary jamgrass outfit with Michigan origins, Greensky Bluegrass showcases their lyrical prowess in “Congratulations & Condolences,” a heartfelt, perhaps introspective look into the convolutions of life. With no shortage of the intricate string instrumentation that has become synonymous with Greensky Bluegrass since their inception in 2000, their latest tune is a spectacular addition to their iconic catalog of music.
The song was co-written by Greensky’s Paul Hoffman (mandolin, vocals) and Joshua Davis (Steppin’ In It, Shout Sister Shout). The title draws its inspiration from Davis’ personal life, after he lost his father, and welcomed a baby boy, just a few days apart.
A song that is simultaneously reminiscent and forward-thinking, or gloomy and optimistic, “Congratulations & Condolences” does an amazing job of juxtaposing the good times and bad times in a larger analysis of life’s complexities.
Greensky Bluegrass consists of an all star lineup of bluegrass musicians with Anders beck on dobro, Dave Bruzza on guitar, Michael Arlen Bont on the Banjo, Paul Hoffman on Mandolin, Mike Devol keeping the rhythm on upright bass, and most everyone pitching in to provide vocals.
Longstanding legends on the jamgrass scene, Greensky Bluegrass’s live shows are up there with the best of them, characterized by intricate improvisations and extended jams that provide listeners the opportunity to lose themselves completely in the bluegrass. And their studio music is pretty awesome, too.
Here are a a couple of my favorite Greensky Bluegrass songs, while we’re on the subject.
“Past My Prime”
“Windshield”
And if you want to catch one of the best live shows in the business, then you’re in luck. Greensky Bluegrass is about to begin their international summer tour, featuring support from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Wood Brothers, Sierra Ferrell, and several more.
See below for dates, and if they come to a city near you, it’s not something you’re going to want to miss.
May 27 @ Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival | Axton, VA
Jun 03 @ Eldborg Concert Hall, Harpa | Reykjavik, Iceland
Jun 04 @ Eldborg Concert Hall, Harpa | Reykjavik, Iceland
Jun 05 @ Eldborg Concert Hall, Harpa | Reykjavik, Iceland
Jun 16 @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival | Telluride, CO
Jun 22 @ Romp Festival | Owensboro, KY
Jun 23 @ Weekend at the Cave | Murphysboro, IL
Jun 24 @ Weekend at the Cave | Murphysboro, IL
Jun 26 @ Kresge Auditorium | Interlochen, MI
Jun 28 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens | Grand Rapids, MI (SOLD OUT)
Jun 29 @ Summerfest | Milwaukee, WI
Jun 30 @ Rose Music Center | Huber Heights, OH***
Jul 01 @ Andrew J Brady Music Center | Cincinnati, OH***
Jul 14 @ 4848 Festival | Snowshoe, WV
Jul 15 @ 4848 Festival | Snowshoe, WV
Jul 20 @ Music at Maymont | Richmond, VA
Jul 21 @ Salvage Station | Asheville, NC*
Jul 22 @ Salvage Station | Asheville, NC*
Aug 03 @ Pepsi Amphitheater | Flagstaff, AZ^
Aug 04 @ The Amp at LC Park | Grand Junction, CO^
Aug 05 @ Deer Valley Concert Series | Park City, UT^
Aug 06 @ Deer Valley Concert Series | Park City, UT^
Aug 08 @ Pine Creek Lodge | Livingston, MT (SOLD OUT)
Aug 09 @ Kettlehouse Amphitheater | Bonner, MT#
Aug 12 @ Abeyance Bay | Rexford, MT
Aug13 @ Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival | Alta, WY
Aug 16 @ Marymoor Live | Seattle, [email protected]
Aug 17 @ PDX Live | Portland, [email protected]
Aug 18 @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater | Bend, [email protected]
Aug 19 @ Britt Festival Pavilion | Jacksonville, OR
Sep 02 @ Earl Scruggs Music Festival | Mill Spring, NC
Sep 03 @ Rhythm & Roots Festival | Charlestown, RI
Sep 09-10 @ All In Music Festival | Indianapolis, IN
Sep 13 @ Dillon Amphitheater | Dillon, CO
Sep 14 @ Dillon Amphitheater | Dillon, CO
Sep 15 @ Red Rocks | Morrison, CO**
Sep16 @ Red Rocks | Morrison, CO^^
Oct 07 @ 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass | Chattanooga, TN
Oct 08 @ Riverfront Revival | Charleston, SC
Dec 06-10 @ Strings & Sol | Puerto Morelos, Mexico
*** w/ Neighbor
* w/ Big Something
^ w/ Amanda Shires
# w/ Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
@ w/ The Wood Brothers
** w/ the Teskey Brothers
^^ w/ Sierra Ferrell