The Oberlin Review
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   2005-06
Arts May 26, 2006
Commencement Issue

Obies Dust Off Their Dancing Shoes for the Stringdusters

The Stringdusters, a Nashville-based bluegrass band, performed at the Cat Sunday, May 14. Even with finals week approaching, Obies turned out in full force to show support for Oberlin alumnus Chris Elridge, OC ’04, the group’s guitarist.

On top of Elridge, the band is made up of Andy Hall on dobro, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Jeremy Garrett on fiddle, Jesse Cobb on mandolin and Travis Book on bass. All traded off on vocals.

The Dusters played a healthy mix of original songs, covers and instrumentals that highlighted their bright, twangy voices and significant prowess on their instruments. With two sets plus an encore, they had students at the Cat listening and dancing for over two hours. The group mastered all the basics of bluegrass music, playing finger-breaking fast solos in instrumentals like the aptly named “Pronto.” They sang in close harmony about love and heartbreak in songs like “Dream You Back,” and of course, they performed their token prison song, “Letter From Prison,” a touching waltz based on letters written by Nelson Mandela.

The musicians had great stage presence, interacting with each other while performing. With the exception of Pandolfi, the bluegrass equivalent of a stoic rock-and-roll bass player, they were all obviously enjoying their time on stage with an appreciative audience.

Garrett introduced Hall as the best bluegrass has to offer. Modest about his talent, Hall said, “If I’m what bluegrass has to offer, I hope you like it.”

When a disgruntled audience member left them a note accusing them of being “CMT homogenization,” they responded with jokes about their wardrobe Nashville roots. The Stringdusters’ endearing personality and clear musical talent won the audience over. Even when Elridge nervously forgot most of the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “Señor,” the crowd still clamored for him. If they weren’t convinced then, they certainly were by the end of the concert when he performed his anthem, “Rambler.”

Formed in 2004, the Stringdusters are on the verge of making it big. A few days before coming to Oberlin, they signed a contract with Sugar Hill Records. Their first album is slated for an August release.
 
 

   

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