Denver’s Oakhurst members list influences for their sound
Courtesy Photo
When the five members of Denver’s Oakhurst started thinking about what influences their music, they had no trouble looking past the updated bluegrass acts that have come before them.
The band looks to groups such as Leftover Salmon as a formula for playing rock music on traditional instruments, but their party vibe comes as much from a fuel concoction of citrus soda, beer and pizza than it does from listening to Earth, Wind & Fire.
To give Steamboat audiences an idea of what they can expect from the band’s three-night stay at The Tugboat Grill & Pub this weekend, Oakhurst mandolin player Adam Smith and banjo player Zach Daniels shared the many ideas and items that have affected the band’s stage presence and sound.
Musical influences
Compiled by mandolin player Adam Smith and banjo player Zach Daniels
1. Ween: Definitely taught us how to rock witty.
2. Wilco: Taught us how to rock with our feelings.
3. The Flaming Lips: Taught us not to be afraid to rock differently.
4. Pete Wernick: Broke down the philosophy of rock, along with the history of rock.
5. Leftover Salmon: Showed us the potential rock-ability of bluegrass instrumentation. Also, they’re neat.
6. Earth, Wind & Fire: Taught us how to rock it tight.
7. Dethclock/ Metalocalypse: Because they travel in a train that runs on dead people with a hot tub and video games! Now that’s green!
8. John Hartford: Because he was Ruff n’ Ready.
9. Bob Marley: Bluegrass is basically hillbilly reggae.
Nonmusical influences (mostly food-oriented)
Compiled by Smith and Daniels
1. Ramen Noodles: Because, like Oakhurst, the recipe is simple, yet it rocks.
2. Barbecue ribs: Everyone in Oakhurst gets excited about ribs!
3. Beer: It makes us smile.
4. Squirt: It is really refreshing in the summer after eating banana burritos with habanero sauce.
5. Pizza: It seems to be following us around the country. I think it’s our biggest fan!
6. Denver: It is the best home we could ever have.
7. New Belgium: Taught us green rock method.
8. Appaloosa Bar and Grill in Denver on the 16th St. Mall: There’s just no place like home.
9. Stelling Banjos: Got us a screaming deal on some rock.
10. Jameson: Shook up our inner cats really hard inside of a rock box.
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