One of the great joys of watching the video for ‘Grow Together’ is to see the story of the song unfold: we find the members of Greensky Bluegrass writing, practising, performing, recording and relaxing and really get a sense of their creative process. It’s a privilege to see them at work as the musicianship on display is absolutely fantastic. Underpinned by Mike Devol’s warm upright bass, the tune dances with urgent finger-picking and fine vocals interspersed by mesmerising solos. Particularly notable is Anders Beck’s swirling, sweeping Dobro, rising and falling beautifully.
Paul Hoffman wrote the song soon after the birth of his daughter. He explains: “I wrote this with my 5-week-old daughter at my feet. She laid there and listened, so content. I hoped this was the first of many experiences like this for her and I. I reflected on the amazing gift her mother had given me and ‘Grow Together’ just fell out of my heart. It’s a testament to a new chapter in my life and a love song for the woman who made me a father.” Such joy is evident in the gorgeous melody and lyrics that pay tribute to the loved ones who journey through life alongside us.
The single is taken from the brand new album, ‘Stress Dreams’, the eighth studio album from the Kalamazoo-based group. The new record was put together during the pandemic after four months apart. When the band finally got together, they focused on new material. Hoffman describes what it meant to be creating together once again: “Greensky is and always has been very unique in our world. We put our love, energy, and focus into what we appreciate about our music. We come together as a band in a way that’s organic. We take a lot of pride in how we grow and challenge each other too. We’re maturing together. I think we get more Greensky all of the time.” This is bluegrass that sounds fresh, new and totally absorbing. Check it out.
Wow, these guys would give Union Station a run for their money. Grow Together drives like a
66 Ford Mustang.The lyrics are always the most important item for me, they have to tell a story and these do. I was going to say that the Dobro playing stood out, but on reflection, and a second and third listen, all the instruments and all the players are so tight that the balance is excellent. It was just the perfectly timed use of the Dobro that caught my ear on the first listen. Thank you for a song that made a lasting impression “y,all” (where did THAT come from I,m in Liverpool England).