Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth on The High Road Home’s 2019 UllrGrass Band Competition win.
Founded by songwriter David Allen Willis, the band crafts songs steeped in storytelling and raw emotion, drawing deeply from Dave’s roots in a family of railroaders and blue-collar workers. With lyrics that explore themes of wanderlust, generational resilience, and the pursuit of self-betterment, The High Road Home takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of life. Their music is a heartfelt celebration of breaking cycles and embracing a new vision of positive masculinity, anchored in vulnerability and self-awareness.
The band’s lineup features Dave on guitar and lead vocals, Adam Hines on banjo, Chase Marler on mandolin, and Lena Dow’s rich, grounding upright bass. Together, their sound is both timeless and contemporary, blending traditional bluegrass instrumentation with modern lyrical depth. Songs like “American Dream” and “Never Flown” speak to the restless spirit of a traveling man, while tracks such as “Lay My Burden Down” and “Gonna Make It” delve into the struggles of perseverance and redemption. Their music balances the tension between yearning for freedom and the pull of home, crafting a sonic landscape that resonates with authenticity and grit.
At its core, The High Road Home is about connection—between the past and present, between people, and between the open road and the comforting embrace of home. With evocative lyrics like “Take the next turn and try to get lost” and “Push on through to the other side,” their songs invite listeners to reflect on their own paths. Whether performing in a cozy mountain venue or under the expansive Colorado sky, The High Road Home captivates audiences with their emotive storytelling and intricate musicianship, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who hear them.