Fret Not

Fret Not plays what has been called American roots-gospel -- the blending of European hymns and African slave spirituals that served as the root that brought forth the rich heritage of American music like county, bluegrass, blues, ragtime, jazz, gospel, swing, rock and hip-hop. They've helped rediscover the depth and breadth of this style, which has been gaining steam with projects like Pentecostal Bouffant (of which Fret Not's Lori Arthur was integral) and the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack.

The five-piece acoustic band blends banjo, dobro, mandolin, and fiddle with acoustic bass and guitar. Their command of the style is best expressed through the incredible original songs they've recorded that feel a hundred years old and a thousand miles from Oakland.