Old School Freight Train, from Charlottesville, VA, serenely combines thought-provoking lyrics with captivating melodies, soulful vocals, virtuosic instrumentals and imaginative arrangement. Blending folk, bluegrass, jazz, soul, pop, Latin and Celtic, OSFT offers a unique musical experience the Boston Globe claims is "the Next Big Thing" and the Chicago Tribune claims is "accessible but uncompromising in creativity." Mandolin master David Grisman heard their music in the fall of 2004 and viewed the band as "an emerging force to reckon with in today's world of acoustic music." Grisman invited the band to record at his Dawg Studios in Northern California and manned the production and recording along with Dave Dennison. From these sessions came Run, OSFT's dynamic second CD and their first for Acoustic Disc, Grisman's acclaimed independent label. Their latest effort, Live In Ashland is a culmination of their experience through much touring and performing together. It's not in the studio, and there are no overdubs. What you hear is what you get. The soaring energy of the concert is undeniable. Old School Freight Train is comprised of the distinctly smooth vocals and songwriting talent of guitarist Jesse Harper, the ecstatic mandolin stylings of Pete Frostic, the poetic fiddling of Nate Leath and backbone upright bass of Darrell Muller. Their synergistic interaction and contagious musical passion has made them the new acoustic band to watch. Highlights of the band's vigorous tour schedule have included the Newport Folk Festival, MerleFest, Wintergrass, the Strawberry Music Fest, and backing David Grisman and opening for him on several tours in 2005 and 2006.