David Bromberg leads his quintet in a performance at The Hamilton Live on Sept. 30, 2022. (Photo by Casey Vock)

There is a long list of notable musicians currently residing somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region.

But few likely have the resume of David Bromberg. The widely respected multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Philadelphia earned his keep back in the 1970s by recording on some of the most important albums by some of the greatest songwriters of all time before he embarked on what became his own successful career.

Fronting the current David Bromberg Quintet, the 77-year old storyteller, entertainer and storyteller charmed those in attendance Sept. 30 at The Hamilton Live in an evening lush with songs from his acclaimed songbook and colorful anecdotes culled from a life rich in music and relationships born from it.

Listen to David Bromberg’s 2020 studio album, Big Road, via Spotify:

Bromberg’s curriculum vitae is an impressive dive into the history of folk rock, roots and avant-garde blues music spanning six decades. David was a member of historic recording sessions, putting him alongside the likes of Bob Dylan, Jerry Jeff Walker, Carly Simon, and George Harrison, who co-wrote the track “The Holdup” with Bromberg back in 1972 and was featured on his self-titled premiere album released that year.

With his unique picking on the guitar and mandolin and a witty sense of humor that’s oftentimes right at the front of his songs, Bromberg’s only gotten better over the years — he earned a Grammy nomination in 2008 for the album Try Me One More Time. His show last weekend drew a playful pack of longtime followers and some newer ones too, many of whom seemed plenty lubricated by the time David and his crew took The Hamilton Live stage.

Having forged relationships with talented musicians throughout his career, Bromberg’s present five-piece outfit is comprised of gentlemen of various ages: renowned flat picker Mark Cosgrove, bassist Suavek Zaniesienko, drummer Josh Kanusky, and fiddler Nate Grower, who hails from Dover, Delaware, and is also the violinist for The High and Wides, the night’s opening act.

Now himself residing in Wilmington, Delaware, the influential veteran isn’t far from the potent bluegrass and roots music scene in Maryland, and he’s been no stranger to the area, including a memorable appearance at the Charm City Bluegrass Fall Throwdown II held last year in Dundalk. And while he’s not too far away from the nation’s capital, any time the decorated and beloved Bromberg makes his way into town is undoubtedly a special occasion.

Last Friday night, David was masterful in not just pleasing the audience, but also in showcasing the skill of his band, especially the seasoned and razor-sharp Cosgrove — who even was given the stage all to himself at one point for an unforgettable display on the acoustic guitar — and Grower, a rising star on the fiddle, who helped power a sensational opening set by The High and Wides.

Stream The High and Wides’ 2022 studio album, Blood: Family Harmony Classics, via Spotify:

Here are images of the David Bromberg Quintet as well as The High and Wides — featuring, in addition to Grower, Marc Dykeman on guitar, Sam Guthridge on banjo and mandolin and Mike Buccino on bass — performing at the Hamilton Live on Sept. 30, 2022. All photos copyright and courtesy of Casey Vock.

David Bromberg Quintet

The High and Wides