Magoo

On a Sunday at the end of July, a progressive bluegrass quartet from Denver, Colorado called Magoo was slated to play the Crazy Horse Saloon. In the lead up to the event, nary a single person in the area had heard of this band. How then can you explain that the show sold out and was instantly regarded as not only one of the highlights of the year, but one of the best shows many people had ever seen at this legendary venue? Phenomena such as this are becoming more commonplace along the meteoric path of this young band. Through hard work, unbridled passion and consistently mind-blowing performances, they are on a trajectory that appears to transcend any limitations.

Music aficionados at the Crazy Horse on that night were instantly taken by the dazzling dichotomy of the band’s reverence toward bluegrass roots and their futuristic approach to jamming. Their blistering instrumental prowess, high-lonesome vocal range and honey-drenched, three-part harmonies could harken back to Old and in the Way. Then it’s time to really have some fun when their wide-open, effects-laden improvisation orbits in the coveted galaxy of Billy Strings. When you merge these two worlds together on a burgeoning catalog of originals and curveball covers, you have a recipe for monumental magic.

One month before these shows go down, Magoo will have dropped its debut album, What a Life. It captures the group’s adventurous spirit and balance between heartfelt songwriting and soaring instrumental work. Reflecting the spontaneity of the band’s live sound, the album features a guest appearance from bluegrass legend Sam
Bush on fiddle and harmony vocals and mastering by two-time GRAMMY
Award winner David Glasser at Airshow Mastering.

Each member of Magoo brings a distinctive voice and musical strength to the band. Dobroist Dylan Flynn, winner of the 2024 RockyGrass Dobro Competition, adds soulful depth and melodic warmth. Guitarist Erik Hill, runner-up in the RockyGrass
Flatpicking Contest, drives the band’s rhythmic pulse with power and precision.
Mandolinist Courtlyn Bills injects fiery solos and inventive arrangements,
while bassist Denton Turner grounds the sound with groove, timing, and subtle
dynamics. Together, they form a sound that is rich, cohesive, and unmistakably
their own.

Magoo’s recent achievements include first place at UllrGrass Band Competition and Clash of the Strings, second at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition, and a sold-out
headlining show at Globe Hall in Denver. Their festival appearances at Winter
WonderGrass, Grand Lake Folk Festival, RapidGrass, and Huck Finn Jubilee have
solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting new acts in the
progressive bluegrass scene. This two-night run at the Crazy Horse
aligns poetically as a Spring Equinox Celebration and is inevitably destined to
hang a new constellation or two in the sky.