Andy Leftwich’s “Highland Rim”: A Whirlwind of Bluegrass Virtuosity
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Following the poignant release of “Talk About Suffering,” a soulful instrumental response to the devastation of Hurricane Helene, four-time GRAMMY®-winning instrumentalist Andy Leftwich returns with a burst of springtime energy in his latest single, “Highland Rim.” This track, released through Mountain Home Music Company, showcases Leftwich’s unparalleled skill and reaffirms his position as a leading virtuoso in the realm of roots music.
“Highland Rim” is a high-octane instrumental that seamlessly blends the raw energy of classic bluegrass with the dazzling technical prowess of contemporary masters. From its rapid-fire opening arpeggios to its exhilarating conclusion, the song is a testament to the sheer talent of Leftwich and his exceptional ensemble.
The track opens with a captivating guitar introduction by award-winning guitarist Cody Kilby (Travelin’ McCourys), setting the stage for a whirlwind of instrumental brilliance. Matt Menefee’s banjo, alongside Leftwich’s mandolin and fiddle, weave intricate melodies that captivate the listener from the very first note. The driving bassline provided by Byron House (Nickel Creek, Robert Plant) anchors the song, creating a solid foundation for the furious solos that follow.
Kilby, Menefee, and Leftwich each deliver breathtaking solos, showcasing their exceptional technical abilities and musicality. The cascade of notes and intricate harmonies maintain the essence of Leftwich’s melody throughout, demonstrating a remarkable level of control and precision.
“I’ve always loved the intensity of a fast paced instrumental,” Leftwich explains. “and we hold nothing back on this one. Named after a raceway close to home where I grew up, I thought this one perfectly described the rush that you get from going fast! I wanted a song on this new project where we can go absolutely bananas, and I feel like we captured it on this one!”
The song’s title, “Highland Rim,” evokes the thrill of speed and adrenaline, mirroring the energetic nature of the music itself. Leftwich’s desire to create a track that allows his ensemble to “go absolutely bananas” is evident in the song’s unrelenting pace and virtuosic performances.
“Highland Rim” is available for streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL, offering listeners an immersive and dynamic listening experience.
About Andy Leftwich:
Andy Leftwich’s journey as a musician began at the tender age of six, when he first picked up the fiddle. By seven, he was competing in contests, and at twelve, he won the National Championship for Beginners. His talent quickly garnered attention, leading to appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and “Music City Tonight” with Crook and Chase.
At 15, Leftwich achieved a significant milestone by winning the Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championship in Winfield, Kansas, one of the most prestigious fiddle contests in the country. He expanded his musical repertoire to include mandolin and guitar, and by 2001, he joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
In addition to his solo album, “Ride” (2005), Leftwich has released two critically acclaimed albums with Three Ring Circle (featuring dobro player Rob Ickes and bassist Dave Pomeroy) and has established himself as one of Nashville’s most sought-after session players. His four GRAMMY® wins stand as a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry.