Yonder Mountain brings the energy

The Yonder Mountain String Band may have been playing together for almost thirty years, but their high energy level has not diminished. One of the very first jamgrass bands, there’s no slow build here—just a tight circle of musicians locking in as Adam Aijala, Dave Johnston, Ben Kaufmann, Nick Piccininni, and Coleman Smith light up the place.

Their current tour stopped at Gainesville’s Heartwood Soundstage. The set spotlighted material from their latest album, Good as True, and the new songs slide effortlessly into the band’s live repertoire. Aijala’s steady, driving guitar anchors the sound, while Johnston’s banjo work adds both sparkle and edge. Kaufmann holds it all together with a solid melodic bass presence, as Piccininni and Smith trade leads that are intricate and on fire. And each member takes a lead singing role during the set.

The newer tracks carry a slightly darker, more contemplative tone, but they never lose that buoyant, improvisational spirit that defines a Yonder show. Tempo changes keep up the interest….one moment you’re wrapped in a thoughtful, lyric-driven tune; the next, the full band surges forward in a high-speed blazing instrumental.

One of the great things about improvisational bands: songs evolve in real time, with each member taking turns steering the direction. Yonder Mountain is the perfect example.  And the crowd was packed with long-term fans, fully along for the ride. They are on an extensive tour this summer and if you get a chance, go see them.