As part of our ongoing series highlighting musicians playing this year’s WinterWonderGrass festival, we had the great pleasure of visiting with Ben Morrison of The Brothers Comatose for the Steamboat Sound Check podcast, presented by McCreight Progressive Dentistry. Together, we explored the band’s journey, their influences, and what fans can expect from their upcoming performance at WWG.
Formed in San Francisco, The Brothers Comatose have built a reputation as one of the most exciting and genre-blending string bands in the modern Americana scene. While rooted in bluegrass, their sound is infused with rock, folk, and an undeniable energy that sets them apart. We explored how the rich and eclectic Bay Area music scene has shaped their sound, from the legends of the ‘60s to the present day.
Ben shared stories from their 2018 cultural exchange tour with American Music Abroad, where the band traveled through Asia, experiencing new sounds and traditions that left a lasting impact on their music. We also talked about the recent addition of multi-instrumentalist Addie Levy, how she’s reshaping the band’s dynamic, and what it’s like for a founding member to welcome fresh creative energy into an established group.
Of course, we couldn’t chat without touching on the band’s knack for putting their signature twist on classic songs. Their latest release, a stunning rendition of Jackson Browne’s “These Days” featuring AJ Lee & Blue Summit, is just the latest in a long line of well-loved covers, including Neil Young’s “Harvest” and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie”. Ben gave insight into how they choose which songs to reimagine and what it was like collaborating with AJ Lee.
With WinterWonderGrass on the horizon, we discussed the festival’s uniquely collaborative spirit, the bands Ben is most excited to jam with, and what fans can expect from The Brothers Comatose’s set on Saturday, March 1st.
Tune in for an engaging conversation about music, evolution, and the power of community in the bluegrass world.
