Mighty Poplar : Mighty Poplar Review

by Steven Miller

In the vast forest of bluegrass music, a mighty poplar has emerged, firmly rooted in tradition while reaching for new heights. This self-titled debut from the bluegrass supergroup Mighty Poplar brings together five of the genre’s most esteemed musicians, each contributing their unique flavor to a harmonious whole.

Mighty Poplar consists of an all-star lineup: Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse on vocals and mandolin, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge of Punch Brothers on banjo and guitar respectively, Greg Garrison of Leftover Salmon on bass, and Alex Hargreaves, currently touring with Billy Strings, on fiddle. This constellation of talent coalesced through years of mutual admiration and impromptu jam sessions, leading to a project that feels both inevitable and refreshingly spontaneous.

As Noam Pikelny puts it, “There’s this beautiful thing about bluegrass, the amazing music and all the shared songs. There’s a great social component that can exist with the music if you let it, and it became a reason to get together and have fun.” This sense of camaraderie and shared history infuses the entire album, making it a joyous celebration of bluegrass tradition and innovation.

Mighty Poplar opens with a bang, delivering a spirited rendition of A.P. Carter’s “A Distant Land to Roam.” Marlin’s heartfelt vocals capture the song’s bittersweet essence, while Hargreaves’ fiddle and Pikelny’s banjo weave an intricate tapestry of sound. This track sets the tone for an album that balances virtuosity with emotional depth.

One of the standout instrumental tracks, “Grey Eagle,” showcases the band’s technical prowess. The musicians engage in a dazzling round-robin of solos, each player seamlessly handing off the melody to the next. Hargreaves’ fiddle sets the pace before Eldridge’s mandolin and Pikelny’s banjo take the baton, creating a whirlwind of intricate, interlocking lines that exemplify the best of bluegrass instrumentalism.

While Mighty Poplar excels at high-energy numbers, it also shines when it dials back the tempo. “Lovin Babe” is a prime example, where the band slows down to let the song’s poignant story unfold. Eldridge’s gentle guitar and Marlin’s delicate mandolin create a serene backdrop, allowing the song’s emotional weight to come to the fore.

Their interpretation of Dylan’s “North Country Blues” strips away the original’s starkness, instead revealing its roots in British folk traditions. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of American and British folk music, adding a layer of historical depth to the album. Marlin’s vocals, supported by the band’s subtle instrumentation, bring a new dimension to this classic tune.

The choice of songs on Mighty Poplar reflects a deep reverence for bluegrass and folk traditions, mixing well-known classics and lesser-known gems. By focusing on songs like John Hartford’s “Let Him Go on Mama” and Leonard Cohen’s “Story of Isaac,” the band showcases their ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into established material. From the foot-stomping energy of “Blackjack Davy” to the delicate interplay on “Lovin’ Babe,” Mighty Poplar has crafted an album that is as diverse as it is cohesive.

“We loved the idea of musicians banding together for a special project where you explore your common influences,” says Chris Eldridge. This philosophy is evident throughout the album, as the band members bring their diverse backgrounds and influences to each track, creating a rich, layered sound that honors the past while forging a path forward.

Recorded at the Tractor Shed in Nashville, the album benefits from the expertise of engineer Sean Sullivan and mastering by Reuben Cohen. The warm, organic sound of the recording captures the intimacy and energy of the sessions, making the listener feel like they are in the room with the band.

Mighty Poplars has been poised to make a significant impact on the live bluegrass scene since starting their tour in May 2024. Despite their busy schedules, the band members are optimistic about the future of this project, seeing it as a sustainable and joyful side endeavor.

Noam Pikelny likens their hoped-for trajectory to that of the Bluegrass Album Band, a beloved side project for many bluegrass legends. “It’s a celebration of our love for bluegrass. As long as it stays as effortless as this felt, I think we’ll keep doing it when we can.”

Mighty Poplar is filled with excellent bluegrass musicianship and the energy of collaboration between musicians with a shared musical heritage. Each track sounds of the band’s collective skill and passion, making this album a must-listen for bluegrass fans and newcomers alike.