Pinecastle Releases CD’s by Ernie Thacker and David Parmley

The Hangman from Ernie Thacker and Route 23.

The release of the The Hangman is a monumental achievement for Ernie Thacker and Route 23. On April 18, 2006, in the middle of recording the album, Ernie Thacker’s musical career nearly came to an end when he was involved in a car accident.  He was left on life support and in a coma for two months. After 102 days in ICU, Ernie was transferred into rehabilitation where he spent an additional three months before returning home. As a result of the accident, Ernie is now paralyzed from the waist down.

Through the support of his band members, who have stuck with him throughout his recovery, and the support of the bluegrass community, Thacker was able to finish The Hangman and made his return to performing music in April of 2008.  The Hangman features Ernie Thacker on Lead vocal and guitar, Matthew Thacker on bass and tenor vocal, Dick Roach on banjo and baritone vocal, Brandon Shupping on Mandolin, and guest John Rigsby on fiddle.  Songs range from originals by Ernie and family members Matt, DD, and Dave Thacker to I Wish You Knew by Charlie and Ira Louvin and a cover of Dwight Yoakum’s This Drinkin’ Will Kill Me.

3 Silver Dollars from David Parmley and Continental Divide.

3 Silver Dollars marks the sixth release for David Parmley and Continental Divide with Pinecastle Records. The union began in 1994 when Parmley and banjo great Scott Vestal formed Continental Divide and went on to win IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in 1995.

3 Silver Dollars features David Parmley on guitar and vocals, Dale Perry on banjo and vocals, Ron Spears on mandolin and vocals, with special guests, Ron Stewart on fiddle, Kyle Perkins on bass, and Rhonda Vincent singing harmony vocals on Meadow On The Mountain.  Tom T. and Dixie Hall contributed the title track.  New band member and bluegrass veteran Ron Spears contributes his originals Carolina Rain and God Reached Down. Prior to forming Continental Divide, Parmley was a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Bluegrass Cardinals.