Dierks Bentley Drops In On The Infamous Stringdusters At Nashville’s Station Inn

Thirty minutes before he joined the Infamous Stringdusters on stage, Dierks Bentley thumbed through chords in the lone, small back room at the Station Inn. He concentrated intensely, making sure every note sounded right and every finger was aptly placed. For aid, Bentley taped printed out lyrics to the side of his guitar.

The scene seemed unusual—if not surreal—for the country star. His head was a mere yard-stick from the low-set ceiling—a long way from the cavernous arenas that he typically adorns this time of year. It was probably more nostalgic than weird for Bentley. He got his start at the Station Inn as an observant 19-year-old student from Vanderbilt University.

“I probably sat in every seat in this place at one time or another,” Bentley said.

On this night, the Infamous Stringdusters set the bar almost unreachably high. In their first set of the evening, the ‘Dusters inspired loud hollers and shaking heads—in disbelief—as they tore through a hearty helping of foot-stompers and breath-takers. This was nothing new for them. The band is currently participating in a month-long residency at the historic venue, bringing along surprise guests each week.

When it was Bentley’s turn to take the mic, he did so with humility and graciousness. His own “Lotta Leavin’ Left To Do” and “Free and Easy Down The Road I Go,” got the Stringdusters’ treatment, but the real highlights came when Bentley shed his radio-friendly skin. Jon Randall joined the stage for a killer version of the Dylan via Tim O’Brien classic “Señor.”

Bentley’s admiration for bluegrass really showed on the standard, “Roving Gambler”—he didn’t miss one beat. As a preview of things to come, everyone meshed on “17 Cents”—a song that Bentley recorded with the band for their upcoming album, Things That Fly (April 20th).

While it was impossible to ignore Bentley’s presence—and the subsequently packed house—this night was more about the Stringdusters. As a testament to their crowd pleasing abilities, about 95 percent of the crowd stayed put when Bentley left the stage at around 11:15 pm. And those that did leave were jostled with some teasing from the band.

Regardless, it’s impossible not to admire the ‘Dusters—who have a Peyton-lead offense-like efficiency and an unparalleled versatility. They played everything from “trippy” instrumentals to a crowd sing along of “Get It While You Can.”

The Dusters are acknowledge their roots, but are also aware of just how far those roots can take them. It’s tough to think of a band better fit to reside at the Station Inn for a month.

And who knows who might show up next Wednesday?

“Next week, it’s Bono, Dolly Parton, and Elvis. So get here early,” bass player Travis Book quipped.