Article Contributed by Kevin Negron
Published on October 27, 2025
Good Trees River Band (GTRB) has released their third studio album, Blowin’ Smoke, now available digitally on all major streaming platforms via Gitcha Records. This dynamic fusion of psych, progressive southern rock, and Americana captures the band’s evolution through relentless touring and creative synergy. Recorded live over two days at Mojo Studios in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the album showcases the tightened chemistry of Evan Valentine (drums/vocals), Danny Circharo (guitar), Gavin Gebhardt (percussion/vocals), and Ned Brady (bass).
The album follows three singles: “Blowin’ Smoke,” a vintage blues-rocker written by Gavin and Danny, marked by harmonica and a moe.-inspired cowbell chorus; “Russian Dragon,” featuring Jim Loughlin of moe. on vibes/percussion; and “The Candle,” a piano-driven track penned and sung by Evan. “It’s one of the stronger ones on the record,” Evan says of “The Candle.” “I wrote it on piano and recorded the piano part – the first GTRB song with piano.”
Blowin’ Smoke reflects GTRB’s post-COVID journey, with songs born from cross-country treks – New England to Key West, Florida to Ohio. “Themes tie directly to traveling post-COVID with this lineup,” Evan explains. “Some songs were inspired on the road, like a line from ‘Obvious Fool’ about Asheville to Harmony, Maine – a 16-hour drive we had 18 hours to complete for our next gig.” Danny adds, “It greatly reflects our journey. Songs carved from the path we’ve been on. ‘Skiff’s Song’ shows evolved writing and chemistry.” The band’s grind forged standouts like “Obvious Fool,” a collaborative and explosive jam vehicle, and “Skiff’s Song,” a heartfelt acoustic tribute to their friend John Skiff, who saw it performed live in Maine this summer despite his health challenges.
The recording process marked a shift. “Past albums were with friends on limited budgets – scratch tracks, instruments one by one,” Evan notes. “This time, we recorded everything mostly live over two days for two albums’ worth of material.” Engineered by Anthony Cimino at Mojo, the sessions weathered a February snowstorm, creating a “winter wonderland vibe,” per Danny. Mixed by Dan Horne (Circles Around The Sun), whose Americana expertise fit the album’s vibe, Blowin’ Smoke leans into slide guitar, harmonica, and piano. “We’re also big fans of the band Mapache,” Evan says. “Dan mixed their albums, and his signature style was a perfect fit.”
“We’re maturing a lot,” Gavin reflects. “It’s our most instrumental record. It carries a theme of developing our lives as traveling musicians.” Ned emphasizes the introspective edge: “‘The Candle’ and ‘Skiff’s Song’ are more introspective than anything we’ve done.” Evan hopes the album evokes “the enjoyment of traveling America despite the current turmoil; it’s still beautiful.” Danny aims for a “feel-good experience,” blending their diverse tastes – blues, punk, ska, prog metal – into a sound that resonates with jam band audiences.
Album art by longtime collaborator Matt Minott features a psychedelic Americana fabric design. GTRB’s fall tour, which included moe. pre/post-parties in Providence, RI, amplified the album’s energy. Recent media highlights include Evan’s All Jammed Up podcast feature and a light-hearted collab with a prominent jam/psych influencer PHILM.
Good Trees River Band (GTRB) is comprised of Evan Valentine (drums/vocals), Danny Circharo (guitar), Gavin Gebhardt (vocals/percussion), and Ned Brady (bass). What started as a loose and fun jam band sound in their beginning years after forming in 2015, GTRB has recently evolved into a heavier, psychedelic sound with socially critical lyrics and nods to classic Southern Rock.
With their members scattered across New England and Florida, the band is often on extensive road tours, where their live performances showcase their ever-broadening stylistic landscape. In the studio, GTRB brings in a wide spectrum of ideas and sounds while collaborating with well-renowned producers and musicians with their own distinct sounds, including Dan Horne of Circles Around the Sun, Jim Loughlin of moe., and Ben McLeod of All Them Witches. Each GTRB album is in a world of its own, and the band’s grassroots gusto has bolstered their growing popularity heading into their second decade.
