Molsky’s Mountain Drifters (Sunday)

A laser-tight trio with an ear for lovely, lilting traditional melodies, Molsky’s Mountain Drifters brings tradition steeped in possibility. The grace and wisdom of longtime fiddle player and Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist Bruce Molsky, Berklee College of Music’s Visiting Scholar in the American Roots Program, described as “an absolute master” (No Depression) melds with the electricity of guitarist Stash Wyslouch and banjoist Allison de Groot’s to bring new ideas to traditional music.

Allison de Groot is the kind of artist who’s virtuosity is built on her strength as a player, performer, composer, is known for her “great clawhammer banjo technique, exquisite tone, timing, and taste. She has deep roots in the old time tradition and yet she’s fearless when it comes to breaking new ground”. (Tony Trischka)

Stash Wyslouch is one of bluegrass’s great young genre-bending pioneers, “a brilliant and free-thinking mind” (Chris Eldridge, Punch Brothers). Coming over from the punk-metal world, Stash brings great sensitivity and real emotion to the trio, plus superb guitar and vocal chops.

These striking musicians have come together for a new sound within the traditional music genre through their audacious approach. “I was looking for a new voice,” says Molsky, “a new avenue of expression using old time mountain music as the jumping-off point, but not being constrained by hard core traditionalism. Allison and Stash are showing me the way, just where the music is headed, in directions I never would have imagined when I started my own journey into the mountains a long time ago.”

The Mountain Drifters are delighted to announce the release of their 2nd album, Closing the Gap (Allison’s original composition for banjo & band). Closing the Gap is the Mountain Drifters in their natural and instinctual state; raw, playful and free, the way the music is meant to be — hopeful and optimistic and coming from the heart. The recording starts with the song “There’s a bright side somewhere, ain’t gonna rest until I find it;” which premiered in April as the #1 song on the FolkDJ Charts.

“Bruce Molsky has long been one of my musical heroes, and it is such a joy to hear him in this configuration with the Molsky Mountain Drifters, featuring two of my good friends — Stash Wyslouch and Allison de Groot — accompanying him seamlessly on guitar and banjo. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with and are creating some of the most soul-stirring music out there today. It’s hard to believe they are a new trio since the sounds they create together instantly feel so at home. The effortlessness and ease with which Bruce plays and sings has always been something I’ve deeply admired, and that is only highlighted alongside Stash and Allison. It is a rarity to hear music that lacks ego and puts soulfulness and a respect for tradition at the forefront. Bruce is simply one of the greatest musicians there is, period.” — Sarah Jarosz

“Love what you and the band have done with the song Bruce [Between the Wars].” — Billy Bragg

“This record captures all the intricate, meditative, overwhelming joy that I love so much in old time music.” -THE MILK CARTON KIDS — Joey Ryan

“Bruce has always been a major player and influence on all around him. I am happy to say this recording will give him that same stamp of approval from all who hear it.” — JERRY DOUGLAS