Bluegrouse Launches Debut Album “Obscur Us,” Blending Genres

Local band Bluegrouse has officially launched their debut album, titled “Obscur Us.” The album showcases a blend of musical styles, reflecting the band’s self-description as “bluegrass adjacent.” Comprised of Carol Calkin on fiddle and vocals, Jonti Fox on bass and vocals, Laurie Swisher on guitar and vocals, and Jess Wilton on mandolin and vocals, Bluegrouse draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including Americana, roots rock, gospel, and classic rock.

The recording took place locally at Scooter’s Place, and features a diverse range of sounds that exemplify the band’s eclectic approach to music. Wilton, who joined the group shortly before the pandemic, recounted how the band’s lineup solidified in late 2019. “They needed a mandolin player, and I was the only other mandolin player they knew,” he explained. “The first practice I went to, I just laughed the whole time, and I said, ‘OK, I’m joining the band.’”

Collaboration and Creative Process

The chemistry among the band members is evident, as Swisher noted, “We have so much fun when we are practicing. It’s always a lot of laughter, but we also work hard.” Their dedication to hard work has resulted in a packed performance schedule during the summer months, where they have played a variety of venues from festivals to backyard parties and fundraisers.

As a collaborative group, all four members contribute to the songwriting process, while actively searching for new material to cover. They draw inspiration from various sources, including radio tunes and even background music from local grocery stores. The group has covered songs by notable artists such as Steve Earle, Eilen Jewell, and The Beatles. Swisher emphasized their diplomatic approach to selecting covers, stating, “If we hear something, we’ll say, ‘Wow, that would sound really good with our band.’”

Wilton added, “There’s no egos in this band; we all have a very open-minded way of listening to feedback.” This collaborative spirit ensures that their repertoire remains fresh and appealing.

Looking Ahead

With the release of “Obscur Us,” Bluegrouse aims to introduce listeners to their unique take on rootsy folk and bluegrass. While they may not conform to traditional bluegrass standards, their instrumentation remains a nod to the genre. The album serves as a gateway for audiences to discover local musical talent and the influences that shape their sound.

The band is eager to perform at various venues this year, having recently celebrated a successful CD release show. Swisher shared insights into the album’s creation process, noting, “It was kind of a long process. I think we started back in February because Scooter is pretty busy these days. We were in and out of the studio, and we finally got it completed.”

Now that they have their album in hand, the members of Bluegrouse are enthusiastic about sharing their music with the world. “We’re super stoked to have it out there,” Swisher concluded.

As Bluegrouse continues to develop their sound and expand their reach, they remain committed to enjoying the journey and fostering a vibrant musical community.