High Lonesome: The Colorado Bluegrass Band You Need to Hear
By Eric Frank
February 4, 2025
For that serene Sunday morning vibe, turn to Boulder’s High Lonesome
When I was younger, bluegrass wasn’t my thing. Grateful Dead wasn’t my thing either. The first cassette I purchased (we’re not counting New Kids On The Block) was Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, followed shortly thereafter by Off The Wall and Bad. Then came the grunge-era, which dominated my musical sensibilities for years until, with the aid of the Devil’s lettuce, jazz found its way into my musical palate. This led to fusion, which more or less circled back to the high-energy pop/funk of MJ and the like.
But there were times, particularly after a Saturday night out on the town, playing or seeing music, hungover and dreading the return to the toil and grind of a work week or college courses, that I let some sweeter sounds into my ears and psyche.
With me still are the sizzle of an omelette, the smell of bacon, and the taste of an obligatory Bloody Mary as I awaited sustenance at my brother’s college apartment. And accompanying those Sunday morning senses were often the sounds of Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, picking their way through my preconceived notions and judgement. Clearly, these vibes made their way into memory as today, I can say sincerely that these mornings impacted me profoundly in ways I hadn’t yet known. The sweet sounds of steadfast Americana have poured into my heart and indeed, have opened a musical door I didn’t even know was there.
This is a long way to say that one man’s journey to Bluegrass has been realized. It took time, perhps too much experience, fond nostalgia, and possibly the smell of bacon to get there, but I got there nonetheless. And while I can now appreciate the many varied styles of Bluegrass—from the psychedelic sounds of Kitchen Dwellers to the high-paced pickin’ of Billy Strings—there’s something about the sweet side of the genre that most keenly beckons.
Colorado’s Best Bluegrass Band?
Enter (after three rambling paragraphs) High Lonesome, a modern Bluegrass quartet from Boulder, CO that perfectly encompasses the sounds once heard over a Sunday morning recovery brunch. The band, while relatively new to the thriving (if not crowded) Colorado music scene, has already been named a “top-10 Bluegrass band in Colorado” by Denver Westword Magazine. And we can see why.
High Lonesome's strength lies in their high-quality songs. Well-crafted melodies soar through emotional terrain but always with a tender sweetness that leaves you smiling. The songs are catchy earworms, brain-companions you welcome with open arms and a warm heart. And while I have yet to see the band perform live, I’ll assume that shows are an ear-to-ear smile fest, a musical hug filled with joy, drinks, and dancing. The band's dedication to their craft and undeniable musicianship shine through every note.
Front-man Chuck Sitero brings a North Georgia quality to the band’s sound as learned and earned by way of Everett’s Pickin’ Barn in Suwannee—a traditional Bluegrass venue led by the old-timers in the region. Colorado-native Dylan Kober is a student of jazz and fusion, offering complexity, nuance, and a discerning sophistication to the music via the dobro and accompanying instruments. Fiddle player Neva Wilder's instrumentation rounds out the band, contributing to their signature sound, while her vocal harmonies add a rare beauty and serenity. The result is a band that is tight and disciplined, able to work together as an incredibly cohesive and competent unit.
High Lonesome on COjam’s Music Podcast, Eternal JamNation
Chuck was kind enough to sit down with me for an episode of our podcast, Eternal JamNation. Watch the episode to hear the band’s story, their plans heading into 2025, and what it takes to compete in the rocky landscape of the Colorado music scene.