There’s legacy, and then there’s living legacy. Cole Quest, grandson of the folk immortal Woody Guthrie, doesn’t just have the burden of carrying a huge torch, he throws kindling on the flame. We first introduced you to Cole Quest and the City Pickers when they released Self (En)titled back in 2021, a debut that hinted at their deep respect for tradition and willingness to stretch its boundaries. Their inspiring new album Homegrown further taps the deep roots of Americana and bluegrass with a communal, celebratory spirit that’s all heart and hope.

Homegrown is exactly what it sounds like - a record born of porch jams, pickin’ circles, and the kind of musical friendships that weather all storms. But don’t mistake its downhome vibe for simplicity, the tone here is much deeper. Quest’s voice may lead, but it’s a team effort with multiple bandmates taking turns at the mic, harmonies tumbling out like fresh creek water, and the band’s instrumental chops, from rollicking banjo runs to soulful Dobro slides and harmonica flourishes, are pure Appalachian gold.

The City Pickers have already earned their stripes, sharing bills with the likes of Billy Strings and Sarah Jarosz, and lighting up fests from Brooklyn to the Bavarian hills of Germany. On Homegrown, they distill that live energy into something even stronger, a blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass that tips its hat to the past while dancing into today.

American Songwriter hailed Quest’s “care and compassion,” calling him a worthy heir to Guthrie’s mantle. And Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show offered high praise as well, saying “What a crack team of pickers and voices you have put together.” He’s not wrong because this is a band firing on all cylinders, wielding both skill with soul. From barnstorming breakdowns to wistful ballads, Homegrown captures the warmth of community and the power of purpose. It’s not just music made in the American tradition, it is the American tradition, Woody would be proud.