Progressive Bluegrass Chamber Group EZRA Release Self-Titled Debut
I’ve been fascinated by Craig Butterfield’s playing ever since we posted his jaw-dropping “Donna Lee” video. He’s had a few groups over the years, and the latest is what I can only call an acoustic supergroup. EZRA is progressive bluegrass chamber ensemble comprised of the bassist with longtime collaborator Jesse Jones, banjo virtuoso Max Allard, and mandolinist Jacob Jolliff.
The group has just released their self-titled debut, which features nine original tracks by multi-instrumentalist Jones. Among the compositions is “Contrabuffoon,” which he wrote while playing in a duo with Butterfield.
“I was playing the mandolin part for Craig, and as he was trying out different bass grooves. I suggested he try one of those goopy Edgar Meyer-like pizzicato lines, like in ContraMonkey on Uncommon Ritual,” Jones explains. “Craig knew exactly what I was talking about and came up with the opening bass line, which stuck. The character of the melody has always felt slinky and jokester-esque, so ‘Contrabuffoon’ seemed like a good name (it gives inspiration credit to Edgar, while also playing on the word contrabassoon).”
Check out the group performing “Contrabuffoon”:
EZRA is available now via Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon MP3.
EZRA Track List:
- Smoke in the Valley
- Jarrah
- Garden Gate
- Contrabuffoon
- Banjaleena
- Cowboy Walks
- The Jolly Jolliff
- Beedabumbum
- Dix-Neuf
