Annual pilgrimage to central Mass for a lo-fi smorgasbord of music known as the GRF. Set on the Franklin County Fairgrounds, this fest prides itself on the eclectic mix of artists.
Pachyman: LA-based Puerto Rican nerd PM was first up on the second stage. Legend has it he collects odd musical and recording gear to produce an Esquivel meets Prince Far I stew of old school reggae riddims. On stage with bass and drums, PM played guitar, melodica, and effects. Dub, echo, reverb, the reggae beat were all on display.
Bonny Light Horseman: Alt country trio consisting of Anais Mitchell, Eric Johnson, and Josh Kaufman. I’ve seen Mitchell in her early solo years at this fest. A confident singer and playwright, Anais is responsible for the Broadway hit Hadestown. Johnson was part of the excellent indie outfit the Fruitbats, and a capable vocal foil to Mitchell. Kaufman was lead guitar but they all played guitars or banjos. These artists have collaborated with the likes of The Shins, The War on Drugs, Bob Weir, Taylor Swift, Hiss Golden Messenger, and The Hold Steady. In your face vocals and vocal harmonies coupled with excellent songwriting made this group compelling.
Hannah Mohan: Not to be confused with Hannah Montana, Mohan is a local artist who I see listed on the newly re-opened club listing for The Iron Horse in nearby Northampton. Indie rocking quartet, HM had a good local contingent of fans to cheer her on.
Joy Oladokun: Nashville singer and guitarist Oladokun was next on the main stage. Well crafted folk tunes seemed to get lost on the crowd. She has a couple of hits that are recognizable, and the comparison to Tracy Chapman both in looks and sound were apt.
Mdou Moctar: Hendrix from Niger, Moctar has been positively reviewed here before. As a lefty guitar wizard, Moctar whirled the crowd dervishly with his desert assault. Singing in his native tongue, Moctar seems to have developed a confident stage presence since my viewing a few years back. The Greenfield crowd grooved and appreciated this exotic artist.
S.G. Goodman: Western Kentucky twanger had a powerful multi octave vocal range. She was supported by an expert crew of country musicians including a beautiful pedal steel sound. She told a hysterical story about a goodie bag she received playing a Willie Nelson fest (readers can do the math here), and played an excellent set including a Waylon Jennings cover.
Fleet Foxes: Seattle based indie folk outfit Fleet Foxes closed the day on the main stage. This group has some Grammy nods and had excellent vocal harmony flourishes reminiscent of The Beach Boys or The Zombies. There seemed to be at least six musicians onstage and they jumped around to various instruments. Guitars, brass, percussion augmented the vocal harmony piece. They pulled Mitchell and Johnson (from BLH) on stage for a ballsy cover of Joni Mitchell’s Hejira.
Given the current state of the climate, we were happy to wait out a 1.5 inch deluge that soaked a few opening acts. The food, the company, and the music will keep me coming back to this under the radar but expertly arranged regional showcase.
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