Good Gravy: Giving a Whole New Meaning to the Term Partygrass

by KELLEY GILBERT
 
“Inspired,” said Jeremy Page, lead singer and guitarist of Good Gravy, when describing the band.
Fort Collins based bluegrass band Good Gravy is truly inspired by everything around them – with the most important inspiration coming from their fans.
“We have played all across the nation at widely known venues, but our best memories as a band have been right here in the fort,” said Kyle Vanbuskirk, percussionist in the band.  “We feed off the energy of our fans and to see our friends and family in the crowd amplifies that experience.”
Most widely known for their slamming bluegrass, hard driving rhythms and uncanny ability to keep a party moving, Good Gravy has gained the attention of music-lovers and party-goers alike with their unique and energetic performances.
The five-person band, consisting of Page on lead vocals and guitar, Ross Montgomery on vocals and the mandolin, Evan Brenton on vocals and upright bass, Nick Deyo on drums and Vanbuskirk on percussion, formed in 2007 after casually jamming with each other and realizing their obvious chemistry.
“We noticed our rehearsals evolving and that we were creating intense, fresh sounds so we decided to roll with it,” said Vanbuskirk.  “We just went with the flow.  It wasn’t a job for us at the time but people were liking it so we decided to build on it.”
The transformation into becoming a band came naturally for Good Gravy with immediate response from the public.
With a large following in Colorado, the band has been voted best jam band in Ft. Collins and has gained the attention of artists such as String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon who the members attribute their inspiration from.
Even with the bands quick success, their core motivation has stayed the same and that is ensuring each and every fan a memorable performance.
“When we play, it is actually a dynamic storytelling of our lives,” said Vanbuskirk.  “We like to surprise the audience with an ever-flowing sound.  If we make a mistake, we build on it and create a different sound.  This mentality leads to our uniqueness as a band.”
Mistakes go unnoticed by the crowd with each and every show guaranteed to become a groovy dance party.
“Being the lead singer, my favorite aspect about performing live is seeing someone singing our songs while getting down on the dance floor,” said Page.  “To know that someone else knows our lyrics is pretty cool.”
The band’s recent time has been devoted largely to the production of their sophomore album, Sliver of the Moon, set to debut this March.
Produced by Nat Keefe of Hot Buttered Rum, and recorded at the Hause of Kraus in Ft. Collins, this album represents the long road the band has traveled since their last album in 2010.
“This album is a collaboration of everything we have learned in the past four years,” said Page.  “We brought together many different elements of music into one, disciplined sound, which has been both challenging and exciting.”
The album, featuring members of Hot Buttered Rum and Leftover Salmon, consists of a variety of musical styles including jam, progressive rock, bluegrass and improvisation.
The end result is a true masterpiece that shows how the group has progressed as a band.
Keeping in tradition, Sliver of the Moon, includes a variety of sounds that leaves the listener on his or her toes with both upbeat and soft tunes but the difference is shown in the bands effortless comfort toward one another.
“One of the biggest achievements we have had as a band, which I sometimes take for granted, is how well we get along with each other and connect musically,” said Page.  “It takes many years to get comfortable playing music as a band to where it sounds organized and complete, but I feel we achieved this in our new album.”
The album debut will be accompanied by a series of CD release shows throughout Colorado.
The first show will be at the Stage Stop in Rollinsville, Colo. on March 6, with the bands final show of the tour taking place in their hometown stomping ground of Ft. Collins at the Aggie Theatre March 15.
For each of the CD release shows, the band is providing a special ticket and CD combo for $15 that can be purchased through the bands website.
In the words of Good Gravy, “Let’s Party.”
CD Release Shows
 
Mar. 6: Stage Stop, Rollinsville, feat. Andy Thorn and members of Genetics
Mar. 7: Cervantes Other Side, Denver, w/ Vine Street Vibes
Mar. 8: Ghost Ranch, Steamboat Springs feat. Andy Thorn
Mar. 11: Belly-up, Aspen, w/ The Travelin   McCourys and Billy Nershi
Mar. 13: 320 South, Breckenridge, w/ Vine Street Vibes
Mar. 14: Lazy Dog, Boulder, w/ Vine Street Vibes
Mar. 15: Aggie Theatre, Ft. Collins, w/
Hog Magundy