Leftover Salmon is an American jam band that has been entertaining audiences for over thirty years with their unique blend of bluegrass, rock, country, and Cajun/Zydeco music. Formed in 1989 in Boulder, Colorado, the band has released several studio and live albums over the years. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the band called Leftover Salmon.
The Beginnings of Leftover Salmon
The history of Leftover Salmon can be traced back to 1987 when Vince Herman, the lead singer of the band, and banjo player Mark Vann started playing together in a local band called the Salmon Heads. The two musicians shared a love for bluegrass music and quickly became close friends. In 1989, they formed Leftover Salmon, adding a bassist, drummer and keyboardist to the mix.
The band quickly became a local favorite in Colorado, and by the early 1990s, they were touring nationally, playing shows across the United States. Their unique sound, which blended bluegrass with rock and other genres, made them stand out from other bands in the jam band scene.
Leftover Salmon’s Sound
Leftover Salmon’s music is a unique blend of various influences, including bluegrass, country, rock, and Cajun/Zydeco. They have been described as a “polyethnic Cajun slamgrass” band due to their eclectic mix of styles. The band’s sound is defined by the use of traditional bluegrass instruments, such as banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar, combined with electric guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards.
Their live shows are known for their high energy and improvisation, with the band members often switching instruments during a performance. This improvisational approach has led to many memorable shows over the years, with fans always eager to see what the band will do next.
Leftover Salmon’s Discography
Since their formation in 1989, Leftover Salmon has released a total of seven studio albums and three live albums. Their debut album, “Bridges to Bert,” was released in 1993 and featured guest appearances by Sam Bush and Bela Fleck.
In 1997, the band released their third studio album, “Euphoria,” which was produced by Jerry Douglas. The album featured a mix of original songs and covers, including a version of Neil Young’s “Powderfinger.” Their next studio album, “The Nashville Sessions,” was released in 1999 and featured collaborations with several country music stars, including Waylon Jennings and Lucinda Williams.
The band’s most recent studio album, “Something Higher,” was released in 2018 and marked their first studio recording in eight years. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike and featured collaborations with several prominent musicians, including Bonnie Paine of Elephant Revival and Billy Strings.
The Legacy of Leftover Salmon
Over their thirty years as a band, Leftover Salmon has become one of the most beloved acts in the jam band scene. They have influenced countless other musicians and bands with their innovative approach to blending genres and their improvisational live shows.
Their music has also helped to spread appreciation for bluegrass and other traditional American forms of music to a wider audience. They have been able to transcend traditional genre boundaries and appeal to a diverse audience of music lovers.
Conclusion
Leftover Salmon is an American jam band that has been entertaining audiences for over thirty years with their unique blend of bluegrass, rock, country, and Cajun/Zydeco music. Their influence on the jam band scene and beyond is immeasurable, and their legacy will continue to live on long after they have stopped playing shows.
FAQ
When did Andy Thorn join Leftover Salmon?
Andy Thorn joined the Colorado-based band, Leftover Salmon, in 2011. Before joining the band, Thorn had already made a name for himself as a skilled banjo player in the bluegrass music scene. He had played with several other bands, including Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, and The Emmitt-Nershi Band. Thorn had also collaborated with other musicians, including Keller Williams, Tyler Grant, and John Cowan.
Thorn’s journey to becoming a full-time member of Leftover Salmon began in 2010 when he was recruited to fill in the banjo spot on some tour dates for the band. The band was impressed with his talent and his ability to fit in with the group on and off stage. They continued to call Thorn as a temporary member for a year until he officially joined the band in 2011.
Thorn’s arrival in Leftover Salmon coincided with the band’s resurgence, as they had recently reunited after a hiatus. Thorn’s banjo skills complemented the band’s sound, which was a fusion of bluegrass, rock, and country. He brought a new sound to the band, and his arrival signaled a new era for the group.
Since joining Leftover Salmon, Andy Thorn has become an integral part of the band. He has contributed to the band’s sound and has helped to write some of their songs. The band has released several albums since Thorn joined, including High Country, Something Higher, and Brand New Good Old Days. Thorn has also toured extensively with the band, playing in many cities and festivals.
Thorn’s banjo performance and contribution to Leftover Salmon’s music have been well received. He has been praised for his technical ability, creativity, and unique style. His passion for music and commitment to the band have made him an important part of the Leftover Salmon family.
How long does Leftover Salmon last?
Leftover salmon is a delicious and healthy choice for meals, but it is important to know how long it can be safely stored in the refrigerator to avoid the risk of illness caused by bacterial growth. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked fish and seafood should be consumed or refrigerated within two hours of cooking or removal from the heat source.
Once refrigerated, leftover salmon will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any moisture loss or cross-contamination with other foods.
While refrigeration slows bacterial growth, it does not prevent it entirely. Therefore, it is recommended to consume leftover salmon within the recommended time frame before it spoils or becomes unsafe to eat.
If you have cooked salmon that you do not plan to eat within the recommended time frame, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. However, it is important to ensure that it is properly wrapped and labeled with the date of freezing to maintain its quality and freshness.
Leftover salmon can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored. It is advisable to consume it within this time frame to avoid the risk of illness caused by bacterial growth. Freezing is an option to prolong its shelf life, but it is important to ensure that it is wrapped well and labeled with the date of freezing to maintain its quality.
