Leftover Salmon is a jam band formed in Boulder, Colorado in 1989. The band is known for its unique blend of bluegrass, rock, country, Cajun, soul and other styles of Americana music. Some key facts about Leftover Salmon:
History
Leftover Salmon was formed in 1989 by members of two Colorado-based bands – Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman of the Left Hand String Band, and Mark Vann and Bill McKay of the Salmon Heads. The band was originally conceived as a one-time-only merger between the two bands for a New Year’s Eve show. However, the collaboration was so well-received that the newly formed Leftover Salmon decided to stay together.
Over the next decade, Leftover Salmon gained a reputation as talented musicians and an energetic live act, leading them to perform at festivals around the country. Their album Euphoria, released in 1997, increased their popularity and led to appearances at higher profile festivals like Bonnaroo.
Tragedy struck Leftover Salmon in 2002 when founding member Mark Vann passed away after a battle with cancer. The band considered disbanding, but ultimately decided to keep performing in Mark’s memory, adding new member Noam Pikelny on banjo. Over the past two decades, Leftover Salmon has continued touring actively and released several more studio albums.
Music Style
As mentioned earlier, Leftover Salmon’s music incorporates a diverse mix of Americana styles. Their bluegrass foundation shines through in their acoustic instrumentation, solos, and tight vocal harmonies. However, they incorporate elements from many other genres:
- Rock – Electric guitar, drums, keys, and a powerful rhythm section add a rock sensibility.
- Country – Their lyrics often reference rural life, heartache, and rambling.
- Cajun/Zydeco – Accordion and fiddle lend a zydeco feel at times.
- Soul – Gospel-inspired vocals and R&B horn arrangements.
- Funk – Grooving basslines and chords progressions.
This genre blending creates a foot-stomping, high-energy sound that is quintessentially Leftover Salmon. Their music will often seamlessly weave between a driving bluegrass jam, a bluesy ballad, and a funky New Orleans second-line beat within one song.
Lyrical Themes
Leftover Salmon’s lyrics touch on themes like:
- Life on the road and railways
- Nature and wide open spaces
- Love and heartbreak
- Having a good time and the party lifestyle
- Wild tales and colorful characters
Their songs often have a carefree, adventurous vibe paired with vivid storytelling. The band’s name itself is a reference to what musicians might eat while touring in vans. Lyrically, Leftover Salmon doesn’t take themselves too seriously, preferring tall tales and witty wordplay over weighty themes.
Members
While Leftover Salmon’s lineup has changed over the years, some “anchor” members have defined their sound:
- Vince Herman – Guitar, vocals. As one of the original members, Herman is the face and voice of Leftover Salmon.
- Drew Emmitt – Mandolin, fiddle, vocals. Another founding member, Emmitt is known for his incredible mandolin chops.
- Andy Thorn – Banjo. Joined in 2010, Thorn brings firey technical banjo skills.
- Greg Garrison – Bass. Garrison’s funky basslines give the band a solid groove.
- Alwyn Robinson – Drums. Robinson has been the drummer since 2012.
- Erik Deutsch – Keys. Deutsch lends piano and organ, filling out the band’s sound.
Other notable past members include late banjoist Mark Vann and keyboardist Bill Payne of Little Feat.
Best Known Songs
Some of Leftover Salmon’s best known and most-loved songs include:
- “High Country”
- “Sing Up to the Moon”
- “Down in the Hollow”
- “Mountain Top”
- “Zombie Jamboree”
- “Breakin Thru”
- “Light Behind the Rain”
- “Midnight Blues”
- “Hot Corn/Cold Corn”
- “Up on the Hill Where They Do the Boogie”
Conclusion
In the 30+ years since their formation, Leftover Salmon has cemented themselves as one of the most influential jam bands to blend bluegrass with other American roots music genres. Their unique sound and high-energy live shows have earned them a devoted fanbase. While their lineup has changed, Leftover Salmon has persevered through ups and downs – including the loss of a founding member – to keep making music and touring today. Their “polyethnic Cajun slamgrass” sound has left an indelible mark on the jam band scene.