Regional bluegrass act Secondhand Strings will play the Dolores River Brewery April 30.
The band recently grew to four members and has picked up a head of steam with a spring/summer tour and upcoming new album.
“We’re gaining speed pretty good for a bunch of guys with day jobs, wives and kids,” said guitarist Justin Brown.
Brown formed Secondhand Strings along with Harris Brogan (guitar,mandolin) a couple of years back.
The duo act found success, but decided to take it to the next level by bringing on talented musicians Reuben Gallop (banjo) and Jeff Hibshman (bass).
“Our style is bluegrass-inspired, folk ensemble,” said Gallop. With a gypsy-jazz component, added Brown.
Their harmonic, finger-picking guitar style is clear and concise, and gets the foot stomping right away. The band has the authentic feel of a boxcar jam with Woodie Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Dave Von Ronk.
The musicians have found a groove, anchored by Harris’ distinctive lyrics, which combine metaphors with traditional country stories of “whiskey, bars and wrong women.”
“Harris is a young guy with an old soul for songwriting,” said Gallop. “He’s always showing up with a new song in his back pocket.”
Their new album, “Repenting in Your Sunday Best,” will be released soon. Their first album, “Burdens,” can be heard on Sound Cloud. Look for the Secondhand Strings at your favorite venues in Moab, Farmington, Buena Vista, Los Alamos, Dolores and beyond.
“We spend a lot of effort working on our songs and our sound,” Brown said. “We’re a unique group, with a lot of passion for our music. Dolores can expect a high-energy show.”