Rhode Island-based High Planes calls itself “a messy blend” of country, bluegrass and blues music. The band of “anxiety folk purveyors” is led by singers Christian Caldarone and Annie Jaehnig.
The band’s 2016 debut, mayday was bluegrass-inspired effort, complete with banjo and mandolin parts. The band took a hiatus when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and recorded “Ghost Town” in 2022. The group is preparing to release its latest album, “Sweet Vacancy.”
In addition to Calderone and Jaehnig, the band includes Greg Johnson on viola, Jason Layne on piano, Frankie “Ranks” Moniz on guitar, Jeremy Sencer on bass and James Toomey on drums.
Here is a conversation with the Calderone. The full interview can be found here.
Christian Calderone says the process of recording a new album is “exhausting” because of balancing schedules and logistics.
“And I think any musician can identify with that,” he says. “In terms of the process for this album. You know, an example of a week will be Frankie (who) would come in on Mondays and he would do a song or two.”
Calderone calls Jaehnig a brilliant musician who has “an amazing ear for harmonies.
“I love singing with Annie and she makes me much better,” he says.
Calderone said he will feel relieved when the album is finished.
“Will I like the album? I, yeah, I hope so,” he says. “I don’t take for granted if anybody listens to it. I love anybody listening to it. And I have some close friends who are able to do this with me and it’s done with gratitude.”
