Railroad Earth’s Spirit Warms The Wilma (Photo/Review)

Jamgrass titans, Railroad Earth, made their yearly trek back to Missoula to deliver a winter warmer to an eager crowd at the Wilma Thursday evening. Though hailing from New Jersey, Railroad Earth has a song book with a distinctly western accent that strikes a chord with Missoulians and the outdoor lifestyle that goes along with living in such a naturally beautiful place.  Being one of the first shows of the New Year, local “hobos,” as they call each other, were ready. Unfortunately, the opening band, Whiskey Shivers, experienced bus trouble and were unable to make their scheduled set, but that didn’t dampen the crowds spirits.

Railroad Earth at The Wilma 1/11/18

Highlights from the first set included a beautiful rendition of “Cuckoo Medley” featuring excellent guitar work from multi-instrumentalist Andy Goessling.  Soon after, “The Forecast” emerged with an expansive jam that saw fiddle player, Tim Carbone, switch between electric guitar and violin multiple times.  “Mighty River” closed out the first set with an impressive jam that served as an ode to the adjacent Clark Fork River.  At one point Carbone spotted an especially captivated fan and pointed his bow into the crowd, as if to say “this one’s for you.”  It was a special personal gesture in a particularly public moment that drew a road of appreciation.

After a brief set break the band launched a blissful second set. “The Good Life,” the title track and rare classic from their third album in 2004, was a thoughtful nod to the Missoulian lifestyle.  Another highpoint was a jam filled three song medley of “Captain Nowhere,” the title track of their new EP, followed by “Walk Beside Me,” a Tim O’Brien Cover that featured a hip shaking bass solo from Andrew Altman, and finally “The Berkley Flash” from their new EP.  Both songs of the Extended Play were first timers in Missoula and were certainly well received.

The band capped the night with an encore of the fan favorite, “Long Way To Go,” a song about personal growth. Railroad’s sound is soulful, warm and comforting, akin to sitting around a sonic campfire.  This band will always be a town favorite and we hope to see them return to warm bones and bob heads next winter.

–Written by Brandt McDonough

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