Localized – Staks O’Lee, Puddle Mountain Ramblers and Ugly Valley Boys

Puddle Mountain Ramblers
Beau Uriona – Banjo
Nicko Baron – Fiddle
Matt Ligman – Upright Bass
Nick Boyer – Guitar
Tara Shupe – Mandolin

Many people shudder at the word “bluegrass,” but I know in my heart that if these naysayers would just give bluegrass a chance, they’d hear that it has the virtuosity of jazz, and a soul as deep as the blues. The Puddle Mountain Ramblers walk a thin line between the alternative side of bluegrass and the staunch traditionalist side of the genre. Playing together for seven years, they’ve managed to forge a unique sound out of elements and traditions from music straight out of the hills.

With the bluegrass community being a small, close-knit scene, those interested in playing the music are bound to find each other. “We all had mutual friends. We got together one night and started jamming on someone’s front porch. We actually had a gig about two days later, and all we knew were a few bluegrass standards, and we played like shit,” says Uriona.

Each member of the Puddle Mountain Ramblers seems to have come to their respective spots in the band quite differently. Violin player Baron started by wanting to follow in the footsteps of his father (who happens to play for the Utah Symphony), into classical music, but has found a less structured approach to music more rewarding.

Upright bass player Ligman was burdened with an electric bass in a previous rock band when a new member ousted him as lead guitar player. After some time with the instrument, he grew to appreciate his new role, and once he joined the Ramblers, the move to upright seemed to be inevitable.

Although many members didn’t intend to play bluegrass, the draw is undeniable. “I like bluegrass music because it’s, comparatively, a more positive music. I see less drama going on—it’s just everybody out in the woods or at a festival having a good time,” says Baron.

The motivations behind playing bluegrass haven’t changed much since the first pickers in the hills of Appalachia. Those early boys played for their own enjoyment, and to raise the spirits of their friends and family. Interestingly enough, it’s similar motivations that keep this band going. “Beer and gas money is what we’re after,” says Uriona. “We don’t really take it that seriously. If we’re not having fun with it, we’re not interested in doing it. All of us are pretty busy, so we’re not trying to blow up, but we’ll keep going as long as it continues to be fun. Years ago, when we all didn’t have money, it was a cheap source of entertainment. Grab a few beers and sit around the living room playing music all night.”

Having been together for seven years now, that straightforward approach hasn’t changed—they still try to be better musicians, and have only gotten tighter as a band.

“The better we get, the more fun it becomes,” says Ligman. “We learn songs faster and we get people who appreciate what we’re putting out there. After playing this long, we read each other well and we’re making each other better all the time.”
 
Stellar musicianship in a bluegrass band is essential. Not only is improvisation a key element, but there is not a lot to hide behind onstage. 

“Because we’re an acoustic band, it’s all about the tone coming straight from our fingers––there are no effects or software. Not that I’m putting effects and electronic stuff down—it has its place, it’s just not what we do,” says Baron.

For many people, bluegrass is a tough pill to swallow, but the Puddle Mountain Ramblers have a way of making this seemingly ancient music come alive for an audience today.
 
“I’ve had conversations with people who tell me that they have never liked bluegrass,” says Uriona, “but they say they had a great time at our show. It’s pretty hard to not have a good time at a bluegrass show. It’s a very inviting scene. It doesn’t exclude anybody.”

The Puddle Mountain Ramblers have a passion for music that is infectious. Something about this band just makes you want to grab the nearest instrument and play right along. Check out their CD, Grandma’s Shotgun Stance, or better yet, check them out live, and you’ll know what I mean.