Even when you’re a mandolin player on the level of New Grass Revival co-founder Sam Bush, doctor’s orders are doctor’s orders.
As a result, foot surgery last November clipped Bush’s wings just weeks after the release of his seventh solo studio album, “Circles Around Me,” on Oct. 20.
Even though he was in the midst of performing a handful of dates with Dobro and bass masters Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer last week, Bush said he couldn’t be more excited to about ending his two-month hiatus from fronting his band.
http://www.sambush.comIF YOU GO* What: The Sam Bush Band with Slim Pickins.* When: 9 p.m. today.* Where: Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St.* Admission: $22.* Phone: 267-4644.* Venue Web site: www.rhythm-brews.com.* Related links at fyi.timesfreepress.com.LINEUPSam Bush — mandolin/vocalsByron House — bassChris Brown — drumsStephen Mougin — guitarScott Vestal — banjoDISCOGRAPHY1985: “Late as Usual”1986: “Glamour & Grits”1998: “Howlin’ at the Moon”2000: “Ice Caps: Peaks of Telluride (live)”2003: “Hold On, We’re Strummin'”2004: “King of My World”2006: “Laps in Seven”2009: “Circles Around Me”WHAT’S NEXTMandolin maestro Sam Bush said he recently recorded session work for a new album by Dierks Bentley earlier this month and will likely contribute more to the record soon. His band also has scheduled appearances this year on Mountain Stage Radio, the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Merlefest.
“I feel fortunate I do get to play in different musical situations, but really, the most fun I have is when I get to play with my own band,” he said, during a phone interview from Chico, Calif. “Getting to come back and romp and stomp with the Sam Bush Band is what I’m really looking forward to doing.”
Tonight, Bush and his band will perform material from “Circles Around Me,” when they take the stage at Rhythm & Brews. It will be their second show together after a scheduled performance last night in Frankfurt, Ky.
The straight-ahead bluegrass numbers of “Circles Around Me” were a marked departure for Bush, who has become well-known for taking bluegrass in many experimental, progressive directions throughout his career. The album features guest performances by Meyer and Douglas as well as the unmistakable vocals of the legendary Del McCoury.
Not many artists get to take another crack at making a first impression, but Bush said he’s looking forward to spreading the word about the album, even if it’s arriving two months late.
“I’m glad to be back in the saddle,” he said. “It’s as if I get to go out and have part two of promoting this record.”