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Updated: 23 April 2008

Whoa, has it really been three years since we featured the Boulder Acoustic Society at the Black Rose? There have been a few changes, however, their overall sound and groove lives on. Each member of BAS comes from a different musical world, and the resulting mix is what makes their music so special. Shredding guitar licks, soaring gypsy violin, a little ukulele and the thump of an old time bass bounce around with a jazz accordion and creative percussion to create a new sound. It is American Roots music with the edge of punk rock and the grace of chamber music. 

This joyful chaos has defined BAS for the last four years of relentless touring, recording and rehearsing. They have crisscrossed the country countless times building a following the old fashioned way: by making connections with fans one at a time. From festivals to rock clubs, dive bars to house concerts, BAS has spread the word. And who is listening? Hipsters and hippies, punks and grandmas, kids and pickers, folkies and yuppies all "get it" where it matters: deep down in that place that defies description.

Their most recent CD NOW was released in January 2007 and was produced by Greg Schochet. Brian Johnson of Marquee Magazine says:  NOW is the type of album that old time traditional artists would have made had today's technology been available back then. It's crisp, refined and gives brilliant credit to the instrumentation, all without sounding too slick or overproduced. The light bouncy tracks simultaneously pay homage to American roots music, while also kicking sand in its face by boldly saying, 'This is how we roll in Boulder.' The band's presentation is immaculate but loose, and it comes across as fun for listeners. Its rawness refined and it's mighty good."  Make sure you come out and see the new BAS on May 9.

Sam Broyles