I don't know what stroke of fortune brought Eash Nash Grass to the Hudson River Valley in upstate NY, but last night I saw them play in a chapel converted to concert hall (seats around 100) in Saugerties NY.
I'd never seen this band up close and personal, I had only heard them at a distance at a big festival.
While their approach can only be described as progressive/jam band, and I of course am a hard core traditionalist, the show far exceeded my expectations. First they played acoustic, no pick ups except the usual doo dads on the bass fiddle. And MAN ALIVE could those people play, sing and ENTERTAIN. I've never seen anything like Corey Walker on the banjo. He played pretty much the whole evening with his eyes closed. Watching his left hand made my eyes hurt. He was doing things of which I had NO understanding. Some of his single string work reminded me vaguely of Fleck, but he played with such ATTACK and abandon, and bodily expression, I knew I was seeing something completely new to me!
Fiddler Maddie Denton and mandolinist Harry Clark with also just terrific. Hugely talented, enthusiastic singers, with close harmony trios on a single mike. The entire band was tight as a tick with not only arrangement and individual skills, but dynamics, and stage movement.
The crowd of mostly older folks LOVED the show. An honest standing ovation and encore. One older acquaintance did speak to me during the intermission, confessing that although the skills were admirable, this person did not like the show -- too progressive.
They're off to Ben & Jerry's land in Vermont for a gig tonite.
It's rare that banjo playing "stuns" me anymore. Corey Walker is stunning.
Edited by - Texasbanjo on 10/25/2026 11:08:15
Oh man! I was going to go to that show, but I had a different banjo-related event come up, so I didn't make it. I stand by my decision, but now I HAVE to make their next area gig.
Did they do Papa's on the Housetop?
Did you run into Mark C.?
They won a couple of awards at IBMA Thursday night and their ex-guitar player (James Kee) accepted for them
Had the opportunity to see them at LoveGrass festival @ Wilson lake, Wilson Ks this summer. The heat was almost unbearable but the music was fantastic. You’re right, that Cory Walker can really play that banjo. They didn’t play papas on the houstop here which I was hoping for(love that tune). They didn’t play Mountain bluebird either, but yea quite a show.
I've been watching Maddie Denton in Youtube jam videos for a few year now. She is an awesome player. Glad to see them get the rewards. The whole band works so well together.
I've know Maddie literally all of her life. For many years, I played in a casual bluegrass band with her parents, Marcia & Greg Denton. Maddie showed plenty of promise as a fiddler from a very young age. BYW: she is also a great golfer too having gone to college on a golf scholarship. It is awesome watching their success!
Edited by - jbalch on 10/24/2026 17:21:14
I saw them earlier in the year when they came through Decatur. I agree with everything you said! I talked to Cory after and asked him how he can play so much busy backup and not sound distracting or in the way. He said the key was to avoid the 1 note in the chord. I thought that was really interesting and I find it hard to execute.
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