Since their arrival on the scene in 2015, Nefesh Mountain has been hailed as one of today’s formative boundary-pushing bluegrass Americana bands. They’re among the first to truly give voice and openly represent Jewish American culture, tradition, values and spirituality in the world of American roots music.
In a testament to the unbridled imagination and extraordinary grace of their musicianship, each track on Songs For The Sparrows ineffably evokes the sensation of roaming through the unknown. True to the album’s spirit of loving inclusivity, Lindberg and Zasloff have created an elegantly wayward sound by melding elements of everything from Americana and Appalachian bluegrass to Celtic folk and Eastern European music. Not only a reflection of their vast musical knowledge, that open-hearted embracing of so many eclectic genres also speaks to the joyful curiosity that animates every aspect of their artistry.
Writing 13 of the 14 tracks, the duo looked back on a life-changing trip to Eastern Europe in 2018.
We tracked down the towns where our families are from, and it was devastating to see the destruction of the Holocaust firsthand, and to know that we’re not so far removed from that time – Eric Lindberg.
Songs For The Sparrows ultimately came from that experience, and from thinking about the many groups of people who are horribly discriminated against in the U.S. To us, sparrows represent a small but mighty voice. That’s why we chose to name the album for them—they’re often overlooked, but they’re beautiful and everywhere – Doni Zasloff.
Lindberg and Zasloff are the heart of this eclectic band, alongside longtime bandmate and fiddle player Alan Grubner, David Goldenberg on mandolin, and Max Johnson on bass.
In addition to the core band, the album also features an all-star lineup of musicians including Jerry Douglas on Dobro, Sam Bush on mandolin and Bryan Sutton on guitar.
Jerry and Sam are part of this amazing group of bluegrass musicians who really blew the doors off the whole genre back in the ’70s and ’80s, and paved the way for folks like us to bring in all kinds of influences. So, while this record is in many ways a celebration of American music, it’s also our attempt to introduce some otherworldly elements that you may not get from pure Americana – Eric Lindberg.
In that spirit, Lindberg and Zasloff brought aboard Celtic phenoms John Doyle (guitar/bouzouki) and Mike McGoldrick (whistles) to help achieve this global sound.
Celtic music is such an integral part of our lives as American roots musicians. We wanted to share our love of Scots-Irish music in a number of these songs as a way to bring in a European influence, and for us was such an honor to record and collaborate with two of our favorites, John and Mike – Eric Lindberg.
Additionally, the album features stellar players Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano, dulceola), Wes Corbett (banjo), and John Mock (bodhran).
About Nefresh Mountain:
Both native New Yorkers with a lifelong affinity for bluegrass, Lindberg and Zasloff founded Nefesh Mountain in 2014 and released their self-titled debut in 2016. Bluegrass and acoustic music have always influenced their work. Indeed there is something about the sound of acoustic instruments that creates the perfect landscape for tjeir very truthful storytelling. Through the years, they’ve built a devoted following on the strength of that storytelling and their spirited live show.
This album is very much a celebration; it’s about adventure and endurance and pushing through the difficult times. We’re looking at some painful things in these songs, but it always comes back to the idea of persevering and letting love be your fuel – Doni Zasloff.
Nefesh Mountain will announce 2021/2022 tour dates soon. They will be performing at the iconic Merlefest on 19th September 2021.
Track List for Songs For The Sparrows:
| Wanderlust A Sparrow’s Song Somewhere On This Mountain Big Mountain (feat. Sam Bush & Jerry Douglas) Piece Of The Sun (for Anne Frank) Where Oh Where Suite For A Golden Butterfly |
In The Wide Open Air I’ve Endured Evermore (Hashkiveinu) In The Here And Now (feat. Sam Bush & Jerry Douglas) These Wayward Winds Tree Of Life David And Goliath (Bonus Track) [feat. Bryan Sutton] |
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