Arden, North Carolina (May 14, 2021) — With their second single for Organic Records, Acoustic Syndicate delivers “Bertha,” a down-home rendering of a 50-year-old Grateful Dead classic that ties together yesterday — both the Dead’s and the band’s — and today in a modest yet self-assured way, simultaneously paying homage to the original and making an undeniable claim on the present.
“‘Bertha’ is one of the quintessential feel-good, toe-tapping Grateful Dead songs that tells somewhat of a hard-edged story while helping us dance and boogie our blues away,” says Bryon McMurry, Acoustic Syndicate’s banjo player. Indeed, the song had been a staple of Dead setlists since its introduction some 50 years ago, and a near-inescapable part of the musical context in which Acoustic Syndicate developed its own strain of what would eventually become known as jamgrass.
In a deft, heartfelt performance, the western North Carolina roots icon uncovers the song’s bluegrass underpinnings, transforming the skittering, nervous energy of the original into a rootsy, steadier motion anchored less by singer Fitz McMurry’selemental drumming than by the chugging acoustic guitar of Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry and Bryon McMurry’s slow-rolling banjo — until fiery bass (Jay Sanders)and banjo leads kick the energy up a notch before sliding into a final verse and chorus that double down on the groove.
“The song still can bring a tear to my eye to this day, depending on the mood I’m in, and Fitz’s vocal is — in my opinion — tailor-made for the song,” notes Bryon. “I saw my first Dead show in 1983 and continued as much as I could until Jerry’s death. I still feel the same emotion to ‘Bertha’ whether hearing the Dead perform it or when we are on stage performing it ourselves! It’s a joy to play.”
Listen to “Bertha” HERE.
About Acoustic Syndicate
Acoustic Syndicate is a musical institution. Since 1994, their unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through 7 albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Always a family affair, the band is fronted by Steve McMurry on guitar and vocals, and his cousin Bryon McMurry on banjo, guitar, and vocals. Their signature three-part blood harmony is rounded out by Bryon’s brother Fitz on drums and vocals. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Sanders holds down the bass with deep pocket and style.
“Their modern take on traditional bluegrass and rock values culminates in a glimmering, driving sound rich with acoustic textures and glowing vocals,” said Paul Kerr, of JamBase.
If there was ever a band that could capture the universal truths of life from the roots up, it’s Acoustic Syndicate.