Moonshine Still

With an emphasis on lyrics and vocal harmony combined with restrained, well-crafted instrumental passages, Moonshine Still doesn't initially seem to be cut from the typical jam-band cloth. But the group's swirling keywork and Byzantine guitar figures layered over repetitive reggae-tinged beats verify that at least one of its feet is planted in the land of hemp and goatees. Moonshine's sound ranges from glossy moments reminiscent of the Talking Heads to less-varnished interludes recalling, well, jam bands. In addition to wowing audiences at roots festivals like Kansas's Wakarusa, California's High Sierra and Florida's Magnolia Fest, the act has toured with Leftover Salmon frontman Vince Herman -- and even joined the Salmon on stage for some of that group's final Southeastern shows in 2004.