Denver-based progressive bluegrass quartet Magoo have released their debut album, What A Life, now available everywhere. The record arrives after years of anticipation and is already making waves, with the band celebrating sold-out shows in Chicago and Denver, and a packed schedule of U.S. tour dates and festival appearances through 2026.
The album’s title track, described by mandolinist Courtlyn Bills as “a spiritual conversation,” sets the tone for a project that’s both reflective and ambitious. “Using the main character’s grandfather as an inspiration of thought, the main premise of this song is realizing that life comes to an end and when you see opportunities, you gotta take them,” Bills explains. The track sinks into gratitude and acknowledges life’s fleeting moments, capturing the heart of the record’s message.
Magoo’s debut is a concise ten-track collection, blending soaring instrumentals, heartfelt lyricism, and adventurous arrangements. Mastered by GRAMMY-winning engineer David Glasser (Grateful Dead), the album honors bluegrass tradition while pushing the genre forward. The group’s inventive sound has already earned praise from outlets like Bluegrass Today, Nashville.com, and Americana Highways.
The band’s journey to this moment has been marked by standout singles, including last month’s “Can’t You Hear That Train,” a fast-paced, acoustic guitar-driven song about acceptance and moving on. Guitarist Erik Hill recalls, “It started as a classic train song—your girl is leaving on a train and there’s nothing you can do about it. I wrote it about five years ago and just let it sit. When I pulled it back out last Spring and played it for the band, that’s when it really came alive and the jam found its way in. We always have a lot of fun playing the song live.”
Another highlight, “Angel of Telluride” featuring bluegrass legend Sam Bush, draws inspiration from real events and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Bills notes, “It’s a story about meeting someone and falling in love at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.”
Magoo’s lineup features Dylan Flynn (dobro), winner of the 2024 RockyGrass Dobro Competition; Erik Hill (guitar), runner-up in the RockyGrass Flatpicking Contest; Courtlyn Bills (mandolin); and Denton Turner (bass). Their dynamic live shows and strong festival presence—including WinterWonderGrass, Electric Forest, Northlands Music & Arts Festival, and many more—have cemented their reputation as leaders among the new generation of bluegrass artists.
With What A Life, Magoo take stock of life, honoring the roots of bluegrass while confidently forging new paths. The album is out now, with more tour dates and festival appearances ahead.