Russ & Ray w/ Grippo & Stevie Jones

By dictionary definition, Americana musically means “a genre of American music having roots in early folk and country music.”

With the Americana provided by Steve Jones and Ginger Cote, of the Coming Grass, with members of the extensively toured jamband Strangefolk, Luke Patchen Montgomery and Erik Glockler, contributing the “jam” you have Dirigo’s latest album Jamericana.

This of course is a simplistic way of looking at the lineup, as all four members are certainly diverse and dynamic musicians.

“We didn’t make up a new genre or anything, its jam mixed with Americana. Someone mentioned it jokingly as a possible band name at first,” said bass player and songwriter Erik Glockler.

“Strangefolk was pretty big. Having Luke [Patchen Montgomery] and Erik [Glockler] put us out there and got people paying attention right off the bat,” said drummer Cote of their quick popularity.

Glockler is quick to say he doesn’t want to “ride on the coattails of Strangefolk.”

“We’re a new band, it helps fans know who are in the out-of-state gigs,” he said. “We are getting our own identity.”

Dirigo is a great blend of folk and jam-oriented grooves with a hint of good country — Johnny Cash country, not Great American Country channel-type of country.

It has that alternative country sound, kind of like Wilco, except just a bit “jammier” as Cote puts it.

“It’s all just rock n’ roll to me, it’s just music,” said Cote, who says she has a hard time identifying specifically what genre Dirigo falls under. “Either way, these guys are great song writers.”

A trio of singers and writers in the band, each with a strikingly unique and recognizable voice, makes for an interesting listen. The opening three songs of the record each feature a different singer and writer.

It seems as though each of the writers has a cynical flare about them. “Sheep Without a Shepherd” by Glockler seems to be a slam to the everyday liars of the world. “Like You Said” has a great Montgomery melody. In a unique contrast however, the music remains pretty upbeat, and even happy most of the time. In an album touched with some cynical flavor, Montgomery comes up with the genuine “For Jenny (Sweet as Honey).”

“I tend to write songs that aren’t super happy,” Glockler admits. “We touch on some sad stuff, but the happiness comes out in the music.”

Jones, who is a masterful guitar player, chips in equally on the creative side himself with solid songs, “Before the Moment’s Gone” and “Movie In Your Mind.”

Perhaps my favorite tune on the album is Montgomery’s “Day Job.” He sings about the pressures and annoyances of everyday life. “Everything about me still depends on you/If you weren’t with me don’t think I’d make it through.” As a fellow musician working a day job and playing gigs at night a few times a week, I wonder if this tune is actually an ode to his night job.

The album ends with a dramatic seven minute jam by Glockler “The Scene Fades to Black,” a good tune to end things on. I look forward to the future of these four playing together.

Jamericana can be purchased at Bull Moose, cdbaby.com, or at a Dirigo show. After promoting their new album with several CD release parties, the band is taking a short hiatus. With gigs out-of-state between now and then, they will play in Maine next at Port City Music Hall on Dec. 7 with The Brew.

“The four of us took it seriously and got together and it was chemistry. We’re all having a great time in this band, it is musically gratifying,” said Cote.

“It’s been a really cool year for this band,” said Glockler. “Making the album was a lot of fun. We’re hoping to make another record soon.”