The Infamous Stringdusters Ladies & Gentlemen (CD)

(Compass Records) 12 tracks, digisleeve

The Infamous Stringdusters have built a career on breaking the rules of bluegrass and pushing the boundaries of acoustic music. With their sixth studio album, they not only play with their own formula, but also champion gender equality, at least within their own ranks. The title “Ladies & Gentlemen” refers to the album's concept: the all-male “Stringdusters” have invited a different female guest vocalist for each of the eleven tracks, each singing a song written especially for them. (The only exception is the last track “Hazosphere”, an instrumental piece with guest soloist Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet).