A Masterclass in Modern Bluegrass: Andy Leftwich Captures Lightning in a Bottle with “Old Hickory”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a melody arrives unbidden, fully formed and ready to play. For four-time GRAMMY® winner Andy Leftwich, that lightning struck recently in the form of his new single, “Old Hickory.” Released via Mountain Home Music Company, the track serves as a high-octane follow-up to his chart-topping rendition of “Tom and Jerry,” proving once again why Leftwich remains one of the most formidable forces in the instrumental bluegrass scene today.
The Song: Where Celtic Roots Meet Nashville Precision
“Old Hickory” is a rarity in the world of instrumental music: a song that feels both meticulously crafted and effortlessly spontaneous. Though Leftwich is primarily celebrated as a fiddler, he reveals that the song actually began on six strings.
“Even though it’s a fiddle tune, I actually wrote it on my guitar,” Leftwich notes. “After a few small changes to the melody, I finally landed on something that flowed well under the fingers—not only for the fiddle, but the lead guitar part as well.”
Named after the town near his home, the track carries a distinct Celtic flavor woven into a classic fiddle tune structure. From the moment the spirited fiddle-and-guitar opening kicks in, the listener is swept into a whirlwind of “sizzling” technicality. The melody is undeniably “sticky”—the kind of tune that feels like it has existed for decades, yet possesses a fresh, contemporary energy.
An Ensemble of Virtuosos
While Leftwich is the architect, he has assembled a “murderer’s row” of acoustic talent to bring the architecture to life:
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Cody Kilby: The two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year handles the lead guitar duties with a fluidity that justifies Leftwich’s decision to write the tune with the guitar in mind.
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Matt Menefee: The banjo phenom (known for his work with Mumford & Sons) adds a percussive, driving brightness to the arrangement.
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Byron House: A veteran bassist who has played with everyone from Nickel Creek to Robert Plant, House provides the grounded, sophisticated low-end that allows the soloists to soar.
Despite the song’s brief runtime, these masters find ample space to navigate the “twists and turns” of the composition, injecting their own creative flourishes into the mix.
About the Artist: Andy Leftwich
To understand the brilliance of “Old Hickory,” one must look at the pedigree of the man behind it. Leftwich wasn’t just a child prodigy; he was a phenomenon.