I can’t say I saw this collaboration coming, but I’m sure not surprised it turned out this great.
Several months ago, the up-and-coming jamgrass outfit Mountain Grass Unit met up with legendary Texas songwriter Hayes Carll to write a song, and the result is a modern bluegrass classic that briefly unites two scenes that don’t typically overlap.
Titled “Railroad River Junction,” the Vance Powell-produced track is a fast-paced bluegrass tune that speaks to the importance of community and brings to life several entertaining characters along the way. And as always is the case with Mountain Grass Unit, their top-tier instrumentation is on full display.
In a press release circled by the team at Missing Piece Group, the industry-veteran Carll spoke very highly of the Birmingham-bred and Nashville-based bluegrass outfit, stating that “it was so much fun to write, record, and watch this song come alive with Mountain Grass Unit.
If I were a younger man and I knew more than four chords, I’d ask them to let me join the band. But given things as they are, I’ll just appreciate the chance to make music together.”
Drury Anderson of Mountain Grass Unit echoed a similar sentiment, mentioning that “working with Hayes was an absolute treat.” He continued, “This idea sprouted from Hayes’ fictional band ‘Railroad River Junction’ that he created with his high school friends years ago. We are super appreciative of his efforts to bring forward something so dear to him to record together.”
With Mountain Grass Unit’s string-fueled attack and Carll’s clever lyrical prowess, as well as the duet vocals of Carll and Anderson going back and forth, this is a fun tune that you won’t want to miss.
So, without further ado, checkout “Railroad River Junction.”
If you’re not familiar with Mountain Grass Unit yet, these guys are one of the preeminent bands in the fast-rising scene of jam-heavy bluegrass, and they put on on of the best concerts you can find on the road.
These guys tour non-stop too, so there are plenty of opportunities left to see them before the end of the year and into 2027. Check out their tour dates below.
Mountain Grass Unit Tour
11/4 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
11/6 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
11/7 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
11/8 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
11/4 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
11/9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall
11/11 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
11/13-11/14 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl New York
11/15 – Boston, MA – Royale
11/17 – Toronto, ON – The Drake Underground
11/19 – Detroit, MI – El Club
11/20-11/21 – Chicago, IL – Garcia’s
11/22 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
12/5 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns
12/30 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
12/31 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena*
1/19-23 – Puerto Aventuras, MX – Panic en la Playa
*Supporting The Avett Brothers
Hayes Carll is an industry veteran in the Texas country music scene, and as one of the best (and most underrated songwriters) in the game right now, his deft lyricism and clever wordplay has had him playing packed out rooms all across the country for decades at this point.
And he often has a full band with him that will melt your face when the song calls for it. One of those artists that is your favorite songwriter’s favorite songwriter, Hayes Carll puts on a captivating live show as well.
Check out his tour dates here:
Hayes Carll Tour
11/4 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle*
11/5 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre*
11/6 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn*
11/7 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall*
11/9-11/11 – Little Rock, AR – White Water Tavern*
11/12 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom+^
11/13 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge^
11/14 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall!
12/4-12/5 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater#
12/9-12/11 – Austin, TX – 04 Center#
12/12 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall#
12/18-12/19 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theatre#
1/7 – Nashville, TN – Birthday Bash Experience
1/8 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry
1/9 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
1/29 – Philadelphia, MS – The Ellis Theater=
2/26-3/5 – Miami, FL – Cayamo Cruise~
3/5-3/7 – Steamboat Springs, CO – WinterWonderGrass~
*w/ Joelton Mayfield
+w/ The Droptines
^w/ Lance Roark
!w/ Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson, Kelley Mickwee
#w/ Calder Allen
=supporting Lyle Lovett
~festival date
