Leftover Salmon

Perhaps better titled Fresh Salmon, the new disk by the longtime festival favorites Leftover Salmon is a wondrously eclectic exploration of studio recordings that range from mellow, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-style country and electric-banjo-anchored “slamgrass” to bluesy, bass-driven Southern rock. Featuring a newly reconfigured lineup—in part in response to the 2002 death from cancer of co-founder Mark Vann—the new disk offers strutting room to each member, including producer (and Little Feat keyboardist) Billy Payne, who contributes gorgeous piano to a cover of Jimmy Messina and Alan Thornhill’s “Whispering Waters.” Highlights include “Delta Queen,” Salmon co-founder and mandolinist Drew Emmitt’s drowsy homage to riverboats; and “Just Keep Walking,” a growly, organ-infused injunction that recalls the Allman Brothers of Idlewild South. Too bad the lyrics aren’t as fresh as the music—mostly just leftover bluegrass and country clichés. But then there’s other kinds of poetry here.