CD Review

Just like in sports there seems to be an East Coast/West Coast bias when it comes to the world of jambands. Being an East Coaster I’m usually never that blown away by any of the really hyped up bands from out West - a perfect example, for me at least, is New Monsoon. Their latest release is Live At The Telluride Bluegrass Festival, recorded last June at the famous festival. It’s not that the playing is uninspired or they aren’t accomplished musicians - they are - it’s just that they sound extremely derivative. Listening to the set the obvious influence is String Cheese Incident, but there are bits of Santana, The Allman Brothers, Bela Fleck, The Big Wu, Leftover Salmon and countless other jambands that preceded them. I guess its hard being in the 6th or 7th generation of jambands (who’s keeping count at this point), you’re bound to be compared to someone - it comes with the territory.

Maybe if I was listening to this four or five years ago I probably would have been a little more excited about them, but right now I just get the feeling of been there done that. It’s not that I want to dissuade anyone from checking them out though, it’s worth a listen if you dig SCI and the like; they have a good time vibe that you’ll embrace and make you want to dance.

For more info see: newmonsoon.com