Andy Leftwich continues on a pace to cement himself as one of bluegrass music’s most exceptional and accomplished instrumentalists. At 45 years of age, his professional credentials read like someone who has invested that many years in his craft. A lengthy and memorable stint with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder began when he was only 19 years of age, four years after he won the Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championship, and seven since his first fiddle contest win.
Both a fiddler and a mandolinist, Leftwich stayed with Skaggs for a decade and a half, recording multiple albums and touring the world with Ricky, but left to pursue other goals in 2016. Since that time Andy has been a first call studio player in Nashville, as well as a successful recording artist on his own.
Throughout, what has distinguished his playing and his compositions is a firm grasp of the edges of bluegrass, with the creativity to dive over the edge from time to time.
Mountain Home Music has just released the first cut from a new project with Andy, which, as usual, features him on both mandolin and fiddle, alongside fellow heavy-hitters in the bluegrass realm. It’s another he wrote, called Cliffhanger, which Andy says is tricky, even for him.
“Cliffhanger is one of the more challenging songs I have ever written. It’s very fun to play, but the intricate melody and melodic lines make it tough to maneuver around. It makes me think of the sport of rock climbing and the level of concentration and focus it requires. When you get to the top of the cliff, the view makes it all worth it.
I was thrilled how this song came together, and with the feeling I get when listening back to the finished work!”
Supporting on the track are Cody Kilby on guitar, Matt Menefee on banjo, and Byron House on bass.
Hang on tight, and have a listen.
Cliffhanger is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
