Boston's Crooked Still started playing together in 2000, and have made a name for themselves bending the boundaries of bluegrass music while remaining admirably true to its roots. Playing to a packed house last night at Southpaw, their onstage vibe was closer to indie bands like Ra Ra Riot than the string bands I caught a couple of weeks ago at the Opry, but that didn't seem to make much difference to the screaming, enthusiastic crowd. All these string players have serious chops – particularly Dr. Greg Liszt (hardly the first doctor in Bluegrass), who played his banjo with wizard-like speed. Unfortunately, Crooked Still has a weak link in singer Aoife O'Donovan, who sings too softly and prettily to evoke the rough-hewn spirit of Appalachia, from where this music flows. Maybe they should let her tipple from that eponymous still, and see what happens. (More pics below.)
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.
I have to see them live. I was out of town for their performance, but I love people who can actually play their instruments well.