Shattering the traditional notion of bluegrass while still honoring its traditions, Cascade Crescendo embraces high energy and brings an outstanding show to the Volcanic on Jan. 29. “We love it when crowds are up dancing and having a good time,” says lead vocalist Hunter White. “We try and keep things upbeat.”
Formed in 2013, the quartet has a unique feature: all members are songwriters who bring varied musical experiences to their sound. Folky singer-songwriter songs are blended with complex harmonies, traditional bluegrass and faster, alternative rock beats. What emerges is a cross between funk, jamgrass, Americana and bluegrass—or newgrass, as they call it—a sound you can’t help but dance to. In addition, a cover of “Disarm” by the Smashing Pumpkins might even make an appearance.
“It’s crazy to think that a few years ago we were just fans, hanging out at the Northwest String Summit festival, picking away with friends in the campsites. Now we’re playing in it. It’s surreal,” says White. A feat, indeed, considering the band released its debut album, “Caught in the Rain,” just seven months ago.
White credits their evolution to idols Greensky Bluegrass, a band that’s helped develop the genre and taken it to new heights. He notes, “We realized that although we may be playing these bluegrass instruments onstage, we weren’t really playing any traditional sounds. We use a lot of dynamic sounds throughout our set that pull us more into jam band, funky stuff.”
He continues, “I think what many people think of as bluegrass is more closely related to country music and some of the old twangy sounds. So it’s cool to be a part of a movement of modern bands who are bending the genre and therefore bringing a lot of new fans in. I think that is happening all over the country— there’s even a big bluegrass revival in Japan.”
As Cascade Crescendo continues to grow, expect to witness complexities in their songwriting. White credits his ability to weave vocal harmonies to a peculiar musical phase of his life: African drumming. “I think some of those choral harmonies have ingrained themselves in my singing, and our abilities to find different harmonies. And our banjo player has a high register, so we’re able to do even more harmonies than before.”
Cascade Crescendo is supported by Useful Jenkins, a Midwest band that White says are veterans of the scene and pioneers of bluegrass. Fans can expect a few on-stage song collaborations at the Bend show, true to both the traditional bluegrass and jam band spirit.
“It really is that community, collaborative aspect that makes bluegrass music so fun to play,” White says, “I’m excited to see where the evolution goes.”
Cascade Crescendo and Useful Jenkins
Sun. Jan. 29. 8pm.
Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend.
$8 adv., $10 door.
This article appears in Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2017.
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Useful Jenkins is a contemporary acoustic band with a bluegrass foundation. They use their grass-roots to readily tap into other genres such as folk, funk, rock, and hip hop. Their music generates emotion and sends a message to a wide range of listeners, giving them an eclectic group of followers from all walks of life. Useful Jenkins thrives on energy; they flourish in the moment and have an unmatched resonance with the crowd. The band is made up of 2 acoustic guitars (lead and rhythm), violin, cello, bass and mandolin. 4-part vocal harmonies accompany the wall of stringed instruments, leaving listeners with a strong, clean, and unique sound.
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Formed as a 5 piece band in 2007, Useful Jenkins remained under-the-radar during their first few years performing. Open mics and campfire jams were their source of inspiration, which allowed them to form a strong and intimate bond between band members and fans alike. As their message grew, so did the network of friends who supported their direction. In February of 2009, the band released their first full-length album Fast Eddie which was the catalyst for their initial and continued success in the Midwest Festival Scene. Their second album, Festival Express, was released in September of 2012. It provided a more dynamic sound by capturing the raw bluegrass elements from the first album, and combining them with bowed string and brass instrumentation. In April of 2015 Useful Jenkins released their third full-length album, Forward Motion, which was a statement of how the band continues to move and grow.
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The best way to experience Useful Jenkins is live in concert. Whether you are barefoot at a festival or standing in a theatre you will undoubtedly feel the pulse of their music, and leave the show with a smile on your face. Their songs are memorable and easy to relate to, leaving them stuck in your head long after the performance. So if you are a sucker for acoustic music with a strong message, do yourself a favor and go see a Useful Jenkins show. Its a moment you will not soon forget.
~ http://www.usefuljenkins.com