With their roots firmly entrenched in tradition and a stoic sensibility shaped by modern conceits, Cole Quest and the City Pickers — Cole Quest (dobro, resonator/acoustic guitar, pedal steel, and vocals), Christian Apuzzo (guitar and vocals), Mike Mulhollan (banjo), Matheus Verardino (harmonica, vocals, and flatfooting), and Craig Akin (bass) — pay heed to the very essence of bluegrass basics while still bringing their singular style firmly to a folk-like fore. Cole Quest, the grandson of Woody Guthrie, ensures their approach remains constant, while making their own imprint on various classic covers by John Hartford, Peter Rowan, and, of course, Guthrie himself.
Clearly, grandad would be proud!
Formed in 2017, the group made an immediate impression courtesy of their self-titled debut, which was then followed by their sophomore set, Self, in 2021. In the years since, they’ve not only won top prize at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival band competition, but have also toured Germany multiple times and shared stages with such notables as Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Tony Trischka.
Nevertheless, there’s no small hint of wit and whimsy imbued in the band’s varied delivery. Personality plays a key role in their musical makeup, and as a result, the songs come across as distinct and diverse
Their take on Pastures Of Plenty, for example, is flush with picking, singing, and a high lonesome sound. It finds a nice fit alongside the rootsy ramble of She Talks A Lot (And I Like It). That down-home delivery in turn creates a clear contrast with the festive feel given So Pra Variar and the self-effacing attitude conveyed in Where I’m From.
On the other hand, the mix of reflection and resignation captured in In Tall Buildings recalibrates the nine to five monotony detailed so decidedly in John Hartford’s original rendition.
Ultimately, Quest and company’s innate instincts and originality play an important role in the proceedings, and help stamp the sound with a wholly individual imprint. As a result, Homegrown comes across as nothing less than a truly fresh and organic offering.
