This past Friday, bluegrass band Greensky Bluegrass stopped in Boston as part of their East Coast winter tour. The five piece band, consisting of guitarist Dave Bruzza, singer/mandolinist Paul Hoffman, banjo player Michael Bont, dobro player Anders Beck, and bassist Mike Devol hail from Michigan. Their signature sound mixes bluegrass, acoustic stomp, psychedelic jams, and inspirations from classic rock ‘n roll, creating an infectious “jamgrass” sound that has cultivated devoted fans across the globe.
The evening got started with opening act Melt, who come from Brooklyn. Despite still being a relatively new up and coming band, Melt has already built a dedicated fanbase, partly due to their Tufts University roots. This was showcased by many who had showed up early, singing along to each and every word. The band bounced through an electric live performance of groovy rhythms, funky horns, and very soulful lead woman Veronica Stewart-Frommer. Highlights from their set included their 2023 breakout single “Walk to Midnight,” and the set-ending sing along cover of the Neil Young classic, “Harvest Moon.”
Next up, the crowd settled in for the typical double-set main act. By the time Greensky took the stage, the floor of MGM Music Hall at Fenway, as well as the entire second level, was bursting at the seams. The band started things off with “Demons,” from their 2014 album If Sorrows Swim, (which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year,) showcasing Bont’s amazing banjo skills. After a few other classics, the band really went deep with the 2011 song “All Four.” Stretching out to almost 16 minutes, the song gave each member of the band time to show their chops, but it was really the two guitarists that took the audience on a psychedelic adventure, with improvisation and a brilliant light show to match. The first set ended with Melt’s frontwoman Veronica Stewart-Frommer sitting in for an amazing rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” which allowed bassist Mike Devol to really show the crowd what he was capable of.
After a twenty minute break, Greensky returned with “Old Barns,” the song that kicked off their original studio album back in 2008. Halfway through the second set, the band was able to stretch their legs once again for “Leap Year,” which gave each of the band’s members a chance to bring us on an improvisational musical journey flowing through different themes and motifs.
As they frequently do, the band kept the audience captivated and dancing for hours. After the second set, the band came back out and treated the audience for an encore of the Traveling Wilbury’s staple, “Handle With Care.”
The band has a busy year ahead, with stops all over the country and plenty of music festivals along the way. Known for their impassioned performances and jam-heavy improvisations, Greensky Bluegrass deliver a memorable show that soars.
CATCH GREENSKY BLUEGRASS ON TOUR HERE!
LISTEN TO GREENSKY BLUEGRASS HERE!
