"Crooked Tree" By Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway

Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway’s Crooked Tree is a masterful blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana, showcasing Tuttle’s exceptional talent as both a guitarist and a songwriter. As the title track of their 2022 album, Crooked Tree perfectly captures the essence of the record—a heartfelt exploration of life’s imperfections, struggles, and the beauty found within them. Tuttle’s prowess in fusing traditional sounds with a fresh, contemporary edge makes this song a standout in her evolving catalog.

The track opens with a rich, twangy guitar riff that immediately evokes the roots of bluegrass, setting the tone for the rest of the song. Tuttle’s acoustic guitar work is precise and intricate, yet full of soul, weaving through the verses with both grace and energy. The backing band, Golden Highway, provides impeccable support with tight rhythms, a steady banjo, and a melodic fiddle that complements Tuttle’s lead vocals perfectly. The instrumentation is a testament to the tight-knit synergy of the group, creating a sound that feels organic and lived-in.

Lyrically, Crooked Tree is a meditation on the imperfections that define the human experience. The metaphor of the crooked tree symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, representing how life’s challenges often shape us into something stronger and more beautiful. Tuttle’s lyrics are both personal and universal, reflecting themes of self-acceptance and the idea that we don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love and connection. The chorus, with its haunting line, “I’m a crooked tree, but I’m still standing,” captures the essence of the song’s message—finding strength in vulnerability.

Tuttle’s vocal performance is raw and emotive, effortlessly conveying the vulnerability and longing within the lyrics. There’s an authenticity in her voice that draws the listener in, making the song feel intimate and deeply personal. Her phrasing is thoughtful, and she knows when to lean into the song’s more tender moments and when to let loose with a burst of energy, making each verse feel dynamic and emotionally charged.

Ultimately, Crooked Tree is a beautifully crafted song that showcases Molly Tuttle’s extraordinary talent as a musician, vocalist, and storyteller. It’s a track that blends traditional bluegrass roots with modern sensibilities, creating a timeless piece that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. With Crooked Tree, Tuttle and Golden Highway deliver a song that is not only musically stunning but also deeply resonant, offering both a sense of comfort and a reminder of the strength found in imperfection.