The Infamous Stringdusters

Biography

The Infamous Stringdusters are a Grammy Award-winning American bluegrass band formed in the mid-2000s in Nashville, Tennessee. The group emerged onto the scene with their 2006 self-titled EP and quickly gained attention with their debut full-length album, 'Fork in the Road,' released in 2007 on Sugar Hill Records. Comprised of Andy Hall (Dobro), Andy Falco (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), and Travis Book (double bass), the Stringdusters distinguished themselves with their virtuosic musicianship and a progressive approach that blended traditional bluegrass with elements of Americana, jam band improvisation, and groove-oriented arrangements.[2][3][4][5][6]

From the outset, the band was committed to forging a long-term musical partnership, with members bringing experience from professional bluegrass ensembles but seeking to push the genre's boundaries. Their innovative sound and energetic live performances quickly earned them accolades, including three International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards in 2007: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Emerging Artist of the Year. Over the years, the Stringdusters have continued to evolve, releasing numerous albums and winning the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2018. Their collaborative songwriting process and relentless touring have helped them build a dedicated fanbase and a reputation as one of the most influential acts in modern bluegrass.[1][2][3][4][5]

The Stringdusters' legacy lies in their ability to honor bluegrass traditions while simultaneously expanding its horizons. Their music is marked by intricate instrumental interplay, tight harmonies, and a willingness to experiment with form and genre. They have played major festivals, collaborated with a range of artists, and inspired a new generation of acoustic musicians, solidifying their place as torchbearers for progressive bluegrass.

Fun Facts

• The Infamous Stringdusters won three major IBMA awards in their debut year, a rare feat for a new band.[3][4]
• They relocated from Nashville, Tennessee to Charlottesville, Virginia, reflecting their evolving musical identity and community.[4]
• The band self-produces much of their music and has released albums on their own label, Americana Vibes.[5]
• Their 2018 Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album was for the record 'Laws of Gravity.'[3]

Members

• Jesse Cobb (from 2006 until 2011)
• Travis Book - double bass
• Andy Falco - guitar
• Andy Hall - resonator guitar
• Jeremy Garrett - fiddle
• Chris Pandolfi - banjo

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Traditional bluegrass artists (e.g., Bill Monroe, J.D. Crowe) - The band members are devoted students of traditional bluegrass and cite the genre's pioneers as foundational influences. (General inspiration; 'A Tribute to Bill Monroe' album) [2000s-present]

Key Collaborators

• Yonder Mountain String Band - Frequent collaborators and touring partners; helped introduce the Stringdusters to the jamgrass scene. (Live performances, festival appearances) [2000s-2010s]
• Leftover Salmon - Shared festival bills and musical cross-pollination in the Colorado jamgrass scene. (Live performances, festival appearances) [2000s-2010s]
• Molly Tuttle - Shared performances, including notable acoustic shows. (eTown Time Capsule: The Infamous Stringdusters / Molly Tuttle) [2010s]
• Band members (Andy Hall, Andy Falco, Chris Pandolfi, Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book) - Core songwriting and performance collaborators. (All albums and tours) [2006-present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging progressive bluegrass and jamgrass bands - Inspired a new generation of musicians to blend traditional bluegrass with modern influences. (General influence across the genre) [2010s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Just Like Heaven
2. Walking on the Moon (Silver Sky)
3. Jessica
4. Colorado (Let It Go)
5. Scarlet Begonias - Washington DC 4/2/16 (The L&G Tapes LIVE)
6. Gravity (Laws Of Gravity)
7. What's Going On
8. Get Lucky
9. Working Man Blues
10. As It Was

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #folk