Powerhouse acoustic group Songs From the Road Band has stayed busy throughout the 2020 quarantine, putting the finishing touches on a new album. Wrong Train, Right Time is slated for a 2021 arrival, and its second single “Outside of Omaha” hit #1 on Bluegrass Today’s Grassicana chart. Following up on this recent chart success, the Asheville, North Carolina-based supergroup now announces the release of a new single, “Molasses.”
Songs From the Road Band is regarded for their high-energy performances, tight three-part harmonies, and masterful improvisational jams. Its members - all veteran acoustic musicians - have collectively received top accolades in the bluegrass, Americana, and jam genres.The group features the talents of award-winning contest mandolin player Mark Schimick, founding member and smooth lead vocalist Sam Wharton, and two-time National Fiddle Champion James Schlender. Bassist and songwriter Charles R Humphrey III is a Grammy and IBMA award winner, and the band has recently welcomed acclaimed young banjoist Gabe Epstein.
Schimick takes the lead on “Molasses,” a song he co-wrote with Humphrey and Marty Dodson, a frequent collaborator of the band. Drawing on influences both traditional and progressive, “Molasses” opens with a high-lonesome vocal and a classic G-run, reminiscent of time-honored bluegrass. Yet the lyrics bring a modern twist, telling a humorous tale of a slow-moving relationship. Schimick’s soaring lead vocal is accompanied by Wharton’s tenor and Schlender’s baritone in a showcase of the group’s signature three-part harmonies. Anchored by Humphrey and Wharton’s rock-solid rhythm section, the song features powerful performances from guest musicians Kyle Tuttle (banjo) and Tommy Maher of Fireside Collective (dobro).
“Molasses” debuted on November 19th with a world premiere on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction and is available now for download and streaming on all major music services.
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