This mad group of string-plucking UC Davis alumni coalesced in 2003 and for the rest ensuing years honed their craft, keeping their rabidly enthusiastic Davis fans dancing to the Mad Cow brand of high energy string music. Somewhere along the way, the raw, youthful enthusiasm they poured into their music morphed into a highly skilled bluegrass sound. The band's tight instrumentation and soaring harmonies captivate the listener and conjure up images of a more perfect time in acoustic music. The boys draw from influences ranging from the slick bluegrass new guards such as Hot Rize, the energetic old-timey sounds of the contemporary Old Crow Medicine Show and the classic high and lonesome of the Stanley/Monroe era, and even the gypsy string swing of Reinhardt and Grappelli. All multi-instrumentalist and song-writing members Tim Delaney, Alex Roth, Danny Chavez and Andy Lentz share the stage and the microphone by swapping instruments, lead vocals and solos on guitar, mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle. Featured part-time member, Sean Feder (Rita Hosking and Cousin Jack), adds the fifth dimension on bass and banjo.

The 16 tracks document a period of time in the band's history where the boys could be found playing for approving audiences at coffee shops, weddings, dive bars, concert halls, and festival stages, including a tour throughout Europe. The album is made up of original songs, inspired adaptations and fan favorites.

Photo by Susie Delaney

Photo by Susie Delaney

The cure for Cowell

By Eddie Jorgensen
This article was published on 06.01.06.

If you're feeling a bit queasy after watching American Idol bastardize the music industry, perhaps a dose of real, acoustic jamming might do the trick. Davis' Mad Cow String Band has made great strides since its inception in 2003. Its sound, an amalgam of bluegrass and high-energy folk, may not cater to the masses, but at least it's not being covered by Taylor Hicks. A listen to the band's Live at the Delta of Venus LP will conjure memories of hayrides and old Westerns, and induce an indulgence in some sippin' whiskey. The Mad Cow String Band plays Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street, on Friday at 9 p.m. with the Devastates and the Devil Makes Three (who've been tearing up the Bay Area and Santa Cruz circuit for quite some time). The cover is $10. Say hello to Art Rodriguez, Old Ironsides' longest-running bartender, for me.

“Live at the Delta of Venus” – May 6th review by AltCountry

Hugo Vogel

Het is nog niet zo lang geleden dat Europa in de ban was van de gekke koeien-ziekte. Of wij op het oude continent ook zo van slag raken van de Mad Cow String Band, valt nog te bezien. Deze vijfmansformatie verbindt virtuositeit (fiddle, banjo, mandoline, gitaar en bas) met veel energie. Wat krijg je dan in ons "vakgebied"? Inderdaad: bluegrass en old timey country. Hun eersteling, Live At The Delta Of Venus (Crossbill), is, zoals de naam als aangeeft, een live opgenomen plaat in een club in hun woonplaats Davis, California. We horen een met veel enthousiasme gespeelde set met traditionals, covers en een paar eigen composities. Kundig, jazeker, maar niet heel bijzonder. Een pluspunt is wel een zeer fijne uitvoering van Mickey Newbury's Why Have You Been Gone So Long. En dan belanden de mannen ineens in een ruim 11 minuten durende jam, Whiskey Before Breakfast/The Sinners Have Come. Kijk, daar hebben dan iets te pakken waarin zij zich in positieve zin onderscheiden van de grote massa. Dit is gewoon een heel lekker stuk muziek. Alsof de Grateful Dead zich op bluegrass stort. Jammer is dan dat de plaat wordt afgesloten met het oervervelende All Of Me, jakkes. Enfin, volgende keer een gewone studioplaat opnemen en dan lekker in Europa komen touren. Ik ben dan van de partij.

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