The Old North is a self proclaimed “lively four piece folk band playing an upbeat style of traditional American music that blends the singer/songwriter genre with jazz, bluegrass, and blues.” We tend to agree, and the criss crossing influences of American roots music is evident in their songs and playing.

On their latest single “Caught”, lead singer Andrew O’ Keeffe’s vocals are like a rasp draw across the bark of a sugar maple. Gruff and weathered, but with something a bit more underneath. A sweetness and a soul that bleeds out once the scar heals and the heart of the song is pumped outward. Swinging country vibes with a dust caked and dirt blowing through the wind mystery that draws you into its instrumentation in a way that highlights the vocal even more.

Fiddles soar. Guitar notes trickle out and the space between the verses allows the song to breath and aerate. Moments of dreamy thoughtfulness ensue and then the words enter back in. There is a soaring nature. As the lead lines ebb and flow into the frame, excitement builds and falls.

The group will be playing two Northeast shows this month. The Stomping Ground in Putnam, CT on March 14, and one of our favorites Atwood’s Tavern in Cambridge on March 21. If you are in the area, go check em out and in the meanwhile, stream away.