Woody. Oaken. Not a finely aged whiskey, distilled to perfection, but a finely played musical collection, also distilled to perfection. The Matt Flinner Trio has just released their most recent instrumental effort, Traveling Roots, an album built from the best of their “write a song a day while on tour” ritual. Pooling their finest, most memorable accomplishments, Flinner [mandolin], Eric Thorin [bass], and Ross Martin [guitar] provide us with a delightfully soothing record that is firmly based in bluegrass, but which ventures into realms such as old-timey music, and even moments of jazz. It has such a natural feeling, which I find calming even in its more rambunctious moments (see “Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump”). Personally, I prefer to just throw it on in the background and let it wash over me while I carry out my daily duties, as otherwise I’d find myself debating over whether it is morally acceptable to name a song “150 Banjos” which contains zero banjos. Philosophical soul-searching aside, Traveling Roots is as intoxicating as any top-shelf selection. Smooth, refreshing, and wonderfully addictive!
Purchase Traveling Roots at: iTunes | Amazon | Compass Records Group
For more on Matt Flinner Trio, visit:
Official Website
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Youtube
Be sure to catch them on tour as well:
02/16/16 – New London, NH; Matt Flinner Trio at Colby-Sawyer College
02/18/16 – Burlington, VT; Matt Flinner Trio w/Jamie Masefield at the Skinny Pancake
02/20/16 – Purdys, NY; Matt Flinner Trio w/ Tony Trischka at the Westchester Bluegrass Club, 7 pm
02/21/16 – Hartford, CT; Matt Flinner Trio at the Half Door Hartford
02/23/16 – New York, NY; Matt Flinner Trio at the Rockwood Music Hall, 11 pm.
02/24/16 – Boston, MA; Matt Flinner Trio w/Darol Anger at Club Passim
02/25/16 – Albany, NY; Matt Flinner Trio w/ Frank Vignola at the Linda Theater
02/26/16 – Portland, ME; Matt Flinner Trio w/ Joe Walsh at One Longfellow Square
02/27/16 – Cumberland, RI; Matt Flinner Trio with Darol Anger at the Blackstone River Theater