Artist Greensky Bluegrass

Michigan’s Greensky Bluegrass is yet another tradition-minded string band getting friendly with the jam-band crowd, and it’s easy to see why—under the old-timey harmonies, mandolin, banjo, and upright bass is a vibe that’s just as comfortable with mellow workouts as it is with speedily picked hoedown numbers. At any rate, bluegrass’ charm tends to last longer than that of sloppy hippie-funk, especially with this band’s patient musicianship and dusty four-part harmonies. As you might guess from the title of Greensky’s 2008 studio disc, Five Interstates, the group is still more interested in hitting the road, a sentiment echoed by 2010’s All Access, Vol. 2, its second live-album release in two years. But the band still finds time to release impeccable studio material, like 2011’s Handguns EP.

Updated 11/21/2011