CMT Blog: Archive

The Infamous Stringdusters packed in the fans and gave a rousing performance last night (Jan. 20) for the third show of their month-long residency at Nashville's Station Inn. Sometimes known as the world headquarters of bluegrass, the Station Inn's intimate setting was perfect for the sold-out crowd, and you could tell by Dierks Bentley's stories of his younger days at the club that there's no place he would rather go to join in on the fun.

The Stringdusters have a new album coming out in April titled Things That Fly that will be sure to showcase the group's stellar musicianship -- especially if last night was any indication. They admitted that some of the new tunes are pretty tricky even for them, which is saying a lot since the "Stringdusters" part of their name is a fitting description of the quick-picking band members. They started things off with the bluesy stomp of "Fork in the Road" before moving on to a tear-jerking rendition of "Well, Well." To complete the emotional trifecta "Get It While You Can" featured some of the funniest lyrics of the night. And all the while the banjo churned, the Dobro sang and the fiddle and mandolin blazed through their melodies to shouts of approval. The crowd was a mix of bluegrass lovers new to the group, a sizeable pack of Stringduster loyalists and some people that just popped in to see what was going on. Regardless of how they got there, though, everyone seemed smitten by the band by intermission.

Later on, the crowd got another treat in the form of a guest appearance by Bentley. He related that he first came to the Station Inn when he was 19, although he doesn't remember it due to a few pitchers of something "Domestic, Light and Cold". (I'm sure he meant to say 21, but who's counting.) Bentley also has a new bluegrass project coming out, and he offered grassy versions of "Free and Easy" and "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do." But the standout of the night may have been "17 Cents," a track off the Dusters' new album that features Bentley's vocals, and you can check that one out on their Web site. Sadly, next week will be the last of the regular Stringdusters' performances at Station Inn, but it may also be the best one yet. They've promised to play every song off the new album and are hinting at a star-studded guest list.