Are you a member of the Yarmy ? If you’ve been to a show by the Brooklyn – based group Yarn, chances are you’ll give a resounding, “Yes !” And although Blake Christiana, their charismatic front man and singer songwriter, hails from New York, his music does not; it is rather a genre- bending mix of country, rock, blues, and a dash of newgrass, performed with a plethora of instruments.
The ability to merge musical genres may help explain their surge in popularity. Yarn’s music works in bluegrass clubs as well as rock clubs. They can jam, twang and roll with the best of them. Alongside guitars, bass and drums are appearances from the dobro, mandolin, fiddle, pedal steel and harmonica. One song will feature exceptional vocal harmonies between Christiana and guitarist, Trevor MacArthur, the next weave fiddle solos with drum solos. According to Christiana, they rarely write set lists; instead, the band reacts to the crowd, and the songs flow accordingly. The Americana Music Association named Yarn’s cd, “Come On In,” the 25th best album of 2010, ahead of releases by Merle Haggard, Robert Plant and Willie Nelson.
This is also one hard- travelin’ band – another reason for that burgeoning Yarmy. Glance at their tour schedule for the next couple of months and you’ll wonder if they are ever home. I’ve seen their “tour bus”. Looked like a van to me. On top of the constant travel, they managed to stop off in Nashville not long ago to record tunes for a fourth cd, ( in between gigs,of course). I hear some of the songs were co-written with John Oates, of the ’70’s blue-eyed soul duo, Hall and Oates. Past recordings have featured guest appearances by Edie Brickell, Tony Trischka, and Caitlin Cary of Whiskeytown.
Look for the new cd to come out later this year, and be sure to catch them on tour. But beware, once you’ve experienced Yarn live, you’ll be joinin’ the Yarmy.
Recommended for fans of Avett Brothers, Chatham County Line, Ryan Adams, Justin Townes Earle,Grateful Dead
https://www.yarnmusic.net/
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