string cheese incident

Biography

The String Cheese Incident is a pioneering American jam band formed in 1993 in the mountain towns of Crested Butte and Telluride, Colorado. The original lineup consisted of Bill Nershi (guitar), Michael Kang (mandolin, violin), Keith Moseley (bass), and Michael Travis (drums, percussion), all of whom were avid skiers and musicians who began playing together in après-ski bars. Their chemistry and shared love for improvisational music quickly led them to pursue music full-time, and by 1995 they had relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where they added keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth, a trained jazz musician, to the group. In 2006, percussionist Jason Hann joined, expanding their rhythmic palette even further.

The band's musical style is a vibrant fusion of bluegrass, newgrass, rock, funk, jazz, Latin, reggae, calypso, electronica, and psychedelia, making them difficult to categorize but instantly recognizable within the jam band scene. Their live shows are renowned for extended improvisational jams, genre-blending setlists, and a festive, communal atmosphere. The String Cheese Incident's commitment to independence is notable: they founded their own label, SCI Fidelity Records, and built a multifaceted business operation that includes management, merchandising, ticketing, and even a travel agency for fans. Their grassroots approach, relentless touring, and innovative business model have made them a central force in the jamgrass and jam band movements, inspiring a devoted following and influencing the broader live music industry.

Over three decades, The String Cheese Incident has released numerous studio and live albums, collaborated with a wide range of artists, and remained a fixture at major festivals. Their legacy is defined by musical versatility, entrepreneurial spirit, and a lasting impact on the culture of improvisational music.

Fun Facts

• The String Cheese Incident founded their own record label, SCI Fidelity Records, to maintain artistic and business independence.
• They operate a travel agency specifically for fans who follow them from city to city, arranging transportation to 'Incidents' and festivals.
• The band is known for elaborate live shows that sometimes feature acrobats, circus performers, and immersive light displays.
• Their early days were spent as ski bums, and skiing remains a core part of their identity and culture.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New Grass Revival (Sam Bush, Béla Fleck) - Major stylistic influence; SCI's sound reflects the progressive bluegrass pioneered by New Grass Revival. (Inspired by New Grass Revival's genre-blending albums and Telluride Bluegrass Festival performances.) [1970s-1990s (influence on SCI's formation and early years)]
• Herbie Hancock - Kyle Hollingsworth, SCI's keyboardist, is a longtime devotee and cites Hancock as a jazz influence. (Hollingsworth's improvisational style and jazz-infused keyboard work.) [1996-present (Hollingsworth's tenure in SCI)]

Key Collaborators

• Béla Fleck - Frequent onstage collaborator; shared performances and improvisational jams. (Live performances and festival appearances.) [1990s-present]
• Paul McCandless - Guest musician; multi-instrumentalist who has performed live with SCI. (Live collaborations.) [1990s-2000s]
• Baba Olatunji - Collaborated on percussion and world music elements during live shows. (Live performances.) [1990s]
• Femi Kuti - Collaborated during African tour, blending Afrobeat with SCI's sound. (Live performances in Africa.) [2000s]
• Jim Lauderdale - Collaborated on the single "Stories for Another Day." (Single: "Stories for Another Day") [2019]

Artists Influenced

• Greensky Bluegrass - Inspired by SCI's jamgrass fusion and independent business model. (Live improvisational performances and genre-blending albums.) [2000s-present]
• Railroad Earth - Followed SCI's path in blending bluegrass with jam band improvisation. (Touring and festival performances.) [2000s-present]
• Younger jamgrass and jam bands - SCI's business independence and musical style have influenced a new generation of improvisational bands. (Festival circuits, DIY touring, and independent releases.) [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sirens (Untying the Not)
2. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Rhythm of the Road: Volume One, Incident in Atlanta -11.17.00)
3. Get Tight (Believe)
4. Rosie (Song in My Head)
5. Colorado
6. Joyful Sound (Rhythm of the Road: Volume One, Incident in Atlanta -11.17.00)
7. Sometimes a River (One Step Closer)
8. Restless Wind ('Round the Wheel)
9. Best Feeling (Breathe)
10. Good Times Around the Bend ('Round the Wheel)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia