Haas Kowert Tice, “Grandpa’s Cheesebarn”

The trio of Brittany Haas, Paul Kowert, and Jordan Tice released their first recording (You Got This) in the spring of 2014. The music draws from the bluegrass, Celtic, Swedish, old-time, and avant string band music that the individual members are known for (Haas played with Crooked Still, Kowert is a Punch Brother, and Tice is a go-to guitarist in the fertile Northeast genre-crossing string band community), but like all the best trios, the whole is far greater than the sum of the parts. In fact, this is some of the best music any of these musicians has made, and that’s saying a lot. The memorable compositions (two from Kowert, two from Haas, and five from Tice, including the tune in this video) suit their individual styles perfectly and the interplay between the musicians is intuitive, natural, and bracing. The best comparison that comes to mind is the Swedish trio Vasen, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Here’s to at least that many years for this new trio. (haaskowerttice.com)

Related Back Room Posts

Alisa Rose with Scott Nygaard, Jesse Appelman, and Mark Schatz: “Jill’s Waltz” Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays an original tune at our 10th Anniversary Showcase. Read More

John Reischman, Bill Evans, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Little Pine Siskin” The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a John Reischman original tune at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Party. Read More

Joe K. Walsh with Scott Nygaard, Alisa Rose, and Mark Schatz: “Clouds” Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original tune with a great crew of his fellow Peghead instructors. Read More

Bill Evans, John Reischman, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Sierra Blanca” The California Bluegrass Reunion band plays a Bill Evans original tune at the Peghead Nation 10th Anniversary Party. Read More

Alisa Rose with Scott Nygaard, Jesse Appelman, and Mark Schatz: “The High Road” Peghead Nation fiddle instructor plays a Tim O’Brien tune (with two O’Boys) at our 10th Anniversary Showcase. Read More

Joe K. Walsh with Scott Nygaard, Alisa Rose, and Mark Schatz: “Juneau What it Means to Miss Alaska” Founding member of Mr Sun plays an original tune with a great crew of his fellow Peghead instructors. Read More

Bill Evans, John Reischman, Chad Manning, Mike Witcher, Jim Nunally, and Mark Schatz: “Stoney Lonesome” A powerhouse group of Peghead Nation instructors plays a bluegrass classic at our 10th Anniversary Showcase. Read More

Charlie Torch: “Red Rocking Chair” Peghead Nation fiddle instructor Chad Manning plays a traditional song with his band that includes siblings Jasper and Jayda Manning, Tyler Stengall, and Mark Schatz. Read More

Peghead Nation’s 10th Anniversary | We Want to Hear from You We’d love to hear what you’ve learned on Peghead Nation. Record a video of your playing and share it with us on our social media channels to help celebrate our 10th! Read More

Mr Sun: “Blackbird” | Peghead Nation Exclusive The virtuosic four-piece that includes Peghead instructors Joe K. Walsh and Grant Gordy showcases their playful arrangement of a Beatles classic. Read More