Crooked Still Band: Blue Grass & Biology

A bluegrass band that began life practicing in MIT’s biology building? Now that’s worth a listen on NPR's On Point—especially how that MIT connection came to be. The connection is Gregory Liszt PhD '06, who earned his PhD in biology while he plied his banjo with the other early members of Crooked Still. The band, founded in 2001, now plays major festivals and club gigs in the U.S. and abroad.

Crooked Still consciously weaves together genres such as improvised old time music, bluegrass, folk, and their own string band songs. The Boston Globe called it “the most important folk group to emerge from Boston since the early 60's.” They have been praised for their highly creative arrangements, funky rhythms, and brilliant musicianship.

Get some background on Liszt’s own musical style in an interview conducted shortly after he had toured with the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions band, an 18-piece group celebrating and modernizing Pete Seeger’s collection of original music.

Check the Crooked Still web site for upcoming gigs and how to find their music, including a new album, Crooked Still Live!