One Grass Two Grass’ style of reinvented and
revived modern bluegrass sounds usually equate to a hip-
swayin, barn-stormin’ rip roarin’ good time! The SF Bay
band has steadily gained an active fan base since its
inception, largely as a result of active touring, festival
appearances and down-home word-of-mouth generosity.
Now, having been back in the studio after performing far
and wide, the band has released its 2nd album, “Horizon”, 
a (mostly) fast-paced 10-track joyride of down-home, feel-
good, let-loose, legitimate bluegrass - with a modern twist.

On the heels of the band’s 2015 self-titled debut, the
youthful band are part of a growing genre of artists shaking
up the status quo and formula of traditional American
bluegrass music, while at the same time maintaining
respect and dedication to its initial, uniquely enchanting
form. More specifically, OGTG’s music holds close to the
roots of the genre and makes it shine even brighter by
infusing funk and sprinkling blues rhythms atop its earlier
manifestations.

Dynamic and diverse song arrangements are apparent
throughout the album, showcasing a bold step forward in
band’s evolution. The LP epically captures the various
festival sets and opening and closing acts that have
influenced the band on the road - and at home. In other
words, the new material has been previewed and finessed,
giving new fans just the right toolset to ride the flow of an
eclectic, electric funky-rhythm bluegrass dance set.

Produced by Nat Keefe of Hot Buttered Rum and
engineered by Jacob Winik (Tiny Telephone Studios), the
tracks were laid to live tape rather than the more
commonly-used contemporary digital recording
techniques. The live tape quality is strikingly apparent on
the record, as one feels as if in the room with the band
picking their hearts out on various stringed instruments.

The album kicks off strong with the festive “Long Time
Comin’”, announcing the kick-off of this hoedown’. Next up,
is perhaps the one OGTG track that could serve as a
mantra/theme song for the band. On “Why We’ve Come”,
the band is found festively chorusing in unison, “We try to
always aim for, what we care for, what we’re there for. WHY
WE’VE COME!!” While OGTG’s first album consisted
primarily of a mix of covers, originals and jams strongly
grounded in old school bluegrass, “Horizon” contains all-
original music written by various band members (with the
exception of the unexpected cover of “Praise You”, the
obscure 70s track made popular by Fatboy Slim (not
necessarily a bluegrass classic!). The infectious track turns
the 90s dancefloor hit into a stomping bluegrass delight.
The OGTG interpretation even pays homage to the Fatboy
rendition with a stuttering vocalized build up to the first big
chorus (where FBS had used electronic effects). It’s a
definite live show highlight for fans old and new.

On “Big Trees”, a downwardly slumbering strings and
playful lyrics make evident the band’s propensity to “geek
out” from time to time, with specifically-scientific lyrics
highlighting algae and growth patterns of those darn big
trees at the heart of the discussion. The group’s vocal
harmonies and arrangements shine on the track.
Something Reel” showcases the band’s skilled
musicianship and prowess for setting a mood. One can’t
help but imagine the song as a perfect soundtrack to a
Summer picnic in the mountains. On album stunner “Rings”
(written by bassist Sam Trimboli), the band takes things
down a notch with a mandolin-spangled love song. “I’m just
a man putting some roots down in this small town, with no
reason to leave. When I fall down they’ll count my rings,”
Trimboli coos.

Offering a final climactic moment of pure bluegrass joy, the
band closes out “Horizon with “Mississippi Queen”, a
traditional bluegrass romp that chugs along like the
steamboat the song references. Lightning-fast fiddles dance
around breakneck-speed vocal monologues as the boys
show they know their way up and down a backwoods river.

05 Blues On The Run

One Grass Two Grass Red Grass Bluegrass deliver hard driving, fun loving, old-timey, new-timey, good-timey, California string band music.  Come join em!

05 Blues On The Run

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