See the Infamous Stringdusters, Nicki Bluhm’s Lively ‘Run to Heaven’
On the Infamous Stringdusters‘ 2016 album Ladies & Gentlemen, the venerable bluegrass jam outfit collaborates with a different female singer from the roots music world on every track. Crooked Still’s Aoife O’Donovan sings on the blues-influenced stomper “Run to Heaven,” but the group’s new live video of the song features Nicki Bluhm — who sang the album’s “Still the One” — handling the lead part.
Filmed when the Stringdusters shared a bill with J.J. Grey and Mofro at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the clip showcases Bluhm — who regularly tours with the group in addition to leading her own group the Gramblers — as an outstanding belter, backed by five gifted and supportive players. Capitalizing on the unique atmosphere of Red Rocks, the video also takes place right as the sun dips out of sight and dusk settles on the venue.
“The music for ‘Run to Heaven’ started as a guitar riff that was inspired by Stephen Stills’ style of playing,” says Stringdusters’ guitarist Andy Falco. “It was written a little slower and more like a dirty blues type of song but when I brought it to the band it took on more of an old timey mountain feel, which matched the lyrics really well. Nicki absolutely sings the hell out of this one, and really conveys the emotion of the character in the song.”
Next up for the Infamous Stringdusters is the 2016 Romp Fest, running June 22nd to 25th in Owensboro, Kentucky.