Grooving, World-influenced Gyspy Lumberjacks

(a portion of this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)There’s a particular flair to Minneapolis-based Americana band Gypsy Lumberjacks, a name that more-or-less describes their sound well. Earthy percussion pulses varying grooves to a spattered melting pot of acoustic World beat, Flamenco, Caribbean, gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and folk. The band has been touring around the country for the last six years, most recently in support of the eccentric and danceable new album, Pulling Upon the Strap—exposing the band’s keen sense of song craft and harmony. A stripped-down cross between Rusted Root and Railroad Earth is perhaps the best analogy, though these fellas have their own thing with vocal improvisations to boot. Gypsy Lumberjacks, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Silver Dollar Bar. Free. 732-3939.