Arkansauce & Mama Said String Band @ The Mousetrap – Saturday, March 23rd

Arkansas based Arkansauce is Tom Andersen on bass, Zac Archuleta on guitar, Ethan Bush on mandolin, and Adams Collins on banjo. Their music features improvisational string leads matched with complex melodies, intriguing rhythms, and deep thumping bass grooves. Each member sings lead and harmony parts as well as contributes to the lyrics, offering authentic, thoughtful songwriting with hard-hitting hooks.

Their 5th and most recently released album, “OK to Wonder” features melodies inspired by the Ozark Mountains’ rolling hills and raging rivers channeled through the progressive string quartet’s spirited playing that is contained within their distinct blend of newgrass. The 11-track album is filled with songs of revelry, wonder, insight, and whimsy—inspired not only from their home state of Arkansas, but from their various travels throughout
The band kicks off OK to Wonder with the upbeat, rowdy “Up on the Shelf.” The first of four instrumentals, “Big City Chicken” harnesses the creative insights gathered during the first few weeks of pandemic quarantine, setting a pulsing, contemplative feel until it reaches a breaking point mid-song and everything turns around into a delightful trip as they celebrate getting back on tour. “First Night of the Tour” recalls the “rules of the road,” a fun reminder that “Everybody knows that you don’t unload the very first night of the tour.”
Other songs include an ambitious and stimulating “Coldiron,” the Hartford-esque “How Time Flies,” and the hard drivin’ “My Home in Arkansas.” “I’ll Be Yours” gives encouragement to the underdogs of the world while the empathetic and anthemic “Early Bird” shines and welcomes you to join in.

“Bim Batta,” with its 80s electro/hip-hop flair, is the first of three instrumentals on the album composed by Adams who says, “At some point, I became obsessively interested in how a four-piece bluegrass group might emulate various styles of drum grooves and rhythms.” ‘The Funky Gorilla’ leans into Stanton Moore’s New Orleans funk approach. “Air Bender” completes the album with its undulating banjo transporting the listener on a magical country western jaunt..

Delivering a refreshing reinvention of sounds once forgotten through their own brand of grassroots, Mama Said String Band has been making an impact on the Bluegrass Scene & beyond since their debut in 2016. Based out of Louisville Kentucky, Mama Said String Band is a four-piece collection of songwriters & players, David O’Neal, Katie “Didit” Caudill, Kaitlen Farmer, and Kris Potts. Each member brings a unique perspective with backgrounds spanning multiple cultures, genres, and styles. Together they draw influences from Bluegrass, Folk and Americana while focusing on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation to build an eclectic, eurythmic melody and tactfully delivered message.

During their time together, Mama Said has become an instant classic, made a notable impact on the Bluegrass State, grown a large fan base & received numerous awards and nominations such as “Bluegrass artist of the Year”. They have made & continue to make their imprint nationwide as they tour and take part in prominent music festivals.