Artists

Fast Track on the Right Road

19 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Fast Track is a band formed following the recent announcement of the retirement of long time Cardinal Tradition band leader, David Parmley. Three of the four members decided to form the band and sought out to fill the remaining spots, mandolin and guitar, seeking instrumentalists who were also strong vocalists.

The five members of Fast Track are not only all highly decorated in awards from the IBMA and SPBGMA organizations, but are also veteran players on the Grand Ole Opry stage, across the United States, up through Canada, and throughout Europe. Between all of the gentlemen, they have performed with, recorded on and participated in countless projects with bluegrass and country music royalty throughout their most impressive careers.

Who are they?

The Fast Track members are: Dale Perry on banjo, bass and vocals, Steve Day on fiddle and vocals, Ron Spears on bass and vocals, Jesse Brock on mandolin and vocals, and Duane Sparks on guitar and vocals. This band already has a list of music compiled from favorite songwriters, as well as original music they have written, that they will be choosing from for a project that is set to start immediately, with an EP to be released early next year. That highly anticipated release can not come to soon according to the overwhelming support and encouragement the band has already received from their fans in the bluegrass community.

When we found out David was retiring, our first thought was that he deserved it and we were so happy for him. Our second thought? We aren’t ready, and so Fast Track was born. From our three advancing members, Dale Perry, Steve Day and Ron Spears, we were privileged enough to add two more veteran grassers to our band family, with Jesse Brock and Duane Sparks. Together we have created an incredible sound that we can’t wait to share with all of you. We really enjoy playing music together and are focusing on original music arranged and performed in our own unique and traditional style. We look forward to seeing all of you on down the road and continuing to pick, grin and pick some more – Fast Track.

Wilson Pickins Promotions has been hired by the Fast Track band to handle all of their publicity and booking needs.

We have known and loved these guys for such a long time, musically and as friends. It is our privilege to work with each and every one of them and there’s really no question that the show and the music will be outstanding with these five musicians together on a stage. I am so glad that we are ready to move forward now and all the pieces are in place, it’s going to be amazing – Melanie Wilson.

Rick Faris – Breaking In Lonesome

16 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Today marks the official release of Rick Faris’s debut album Breaking In Lonesome, from the Dark Shadow Recording label. While his name may be unfamiliar to some, Rick grew up in a touring bluegrass family band (The Faris Family) and has spent the last decade picking and singing with Special Consensus.

After signing to Dark Shadow Recording in late 2018, he entered the studio in early 2019 with a pile of songs and a group of close friends. In a week of recording, Laura Orshaw (fiddle), Harry Clark (mandolin), Justin Moses (banjo/tenor vocal), and Eddie Faris (upright/baritone vocal) joined Rick and producer/engineer Stephen Mougin to arrange the material and push each others musicianship. Special Consensus – Greg Cahill (banjo), Nick Dumas (mandolin, tenor vocal), and Dan Eubanks (upright, baritone vocal) – dropped in to add a couple of fantastic tracks, and the album was complete.

It was inspiring to see my friends stretching out with their feelings, and playing new things they’ve never played before– Rick Faris.
This album not only highlights Rick’s captivating vocals and blistering guitar work, but showcases his depth in artistry through eleven (of twelve) original songs. In a very short time frame, he rose to the challenge and curated a collection of thoughtful, fun, and moving material – Stephen Mougin producer.

With a number one single on Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Chart, number one song on Roots Music Report’s Weekly Top 50 Bluegrass Songs, and a number one album Roots Music Report’s Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart, this project has already gotten a lot of airplay. DJ and founder of World Wide Bluegrass–

Fresh and delightful… I’m totally impressed with his new album – he’s got the vocal chops and the great instrumentation that he displays on each tune, like a baker offering his delicious wares to taste. Lots of variety is keeping it interesting. His time spent with the group Special Consensus has added to his polishing as a top-notch performer. I really like his overall approach to arrangements just as well as his crafty selections of songs – a little happy, a little inspirational and a whole LOT of great stuff right here. Emotional prodding from the artist to keep you on your toes, guessing and feeling the messages, meant for the listener and his pure enjoyment. I give this a big fat “A” because it is an excellent offering for a debut project. Congratulations to Rick Faris – Gracie Muldoon.

Breaking In Lonesome, the chart-topping title track, premiers its official music video at Bluegrass Today in conjunction with the album release. Created by filmmaker Dalton Coffee for Bomber Productions, it is a film narrative complete with comedic twist.

The album can be purchased from Dark Shadow Recording, on your favorite music platform HERE, or directly from Rick Faris at a Special Consensus performance near you.

Australian Banjo Conference Meet the Faculty #1

14 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The 2019 Bluegrass Conference is just weeks away. This year’s conference has a wealth of teaching talent and musical dexterity. We will spend the next few days introducing you to this years faculty, with some background on their careers.

Jens Kruger banjo, song writer, composer:

We gladly welcome back to Australia the amazing Jens Kruger from North Carolina USA. Originally from Switzerland, Jens Kruger began playing North American folk music at an early age and was particularly inspired by recordings of Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and other originators of country, bluegrass and folk music.
Jens is a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2011. In 2013, he was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. Jens is the first winner of the award who resides in North Carolina and the first born outside of the United States.

(Jens Kruger is) one of the world’s most musically sophisticated and technically accomplished five‐string banjo players – Happy Traum.

Josh Goforth, fiddle, mandolin and guitar:

Josh resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He has been a member and road manager of Carolina Road for fifteen years. Josh attended East Tennessee State University where he majored in Instrumental Music Education. He is very active in the world renowned bluegrass and country music program at ETSU and also mentors upcoming fiddle players through residencies with universities including Colorado College, University of Georgia and University of Kentucky.

Josh teaches with the City of Asheville, North Carolina and has performed with Appalachian Trail, David Holt & Laura Boosinger, Open Road and The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band. He has also performed in 13 foreign countries and throughout the United States. In 2000, 2003 and 2005 he was named the Fiddler of the Festival as the nationally acclaimed Fiddler’s Grove Competition, and awarded the title of Master Fiddler after winning the coveted position three times.

Josh has been a finalist for SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year. In 2009, he was nominated for a Grammy for the album Cutting Loose which he produced and recorded on with David Holt. Josh also showed off his acting chops in the 2000 film Song Catcher where he was given a small role, was the vocal coach on set, and performed on the film’s soundtrack. Josh is a successful producer and coproduced Carolina Road’s latest cd. Josh enjoys teaching folklore and sharing his talents with others. Josh is proud to endorse Henderson Guitars, Kogut Violins, D’addario Strings, and Baggs Pickups.

Jenny Lester, fiddle, guitar, singer songwriter:

Jenny Lester is no stranger to Australia. Her gorgeous voice and fiddle playing graced our shores when she toured with Hungry Hill in 2009. Jenny is a dynamic Canadian bluegrass performer and recording artist who has established herself as an important singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her original songs are carefully crafted in the bluegrass convention while at the same time displaying a contemporary freshness and vitality that breathes new life into the fabled “high lonesome” sound.
Jenny is a veteran stage performer, beginning on the fiddle at age eight with her family’s Driftwood Canyon Family Band out of Smithers, B.C. After nearly a decade of touring West Coast festivals, Jenny won a musical scholarship to South Plains College in Texas, graduating with honors and three Golden Reel awards. The journey moved in the 1990s through Dark Horse based in Colorado, the Australian trio performing at Leo Foo Village in Taiwan, John Reischman and Bluegrass Signal in Vancouver, BC, and the Jenny Lester Trio. Music videos, telethons and documentaries were recorded in the 1980’s of the family band. As Jenny’s career continued she appears in Discovery, Disney and PBS movies. In 1998 Jenny released the internationally acclaimed debut album Friends Like You. The turn of the millennium brought together two new cds with the world touring, Yukon-based band, Hungry Hill. Her love of music has been paralleled by her love of horses and Jenny devotes her life to both.

Running over 4 days in December, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th and held at the Tranquil Park Resort in Maleny, this conference feature some 14 instructors in total.

Steep Canyon Rangers in Australia

13 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Steep Canyon Rangers are currently touring the east coast of Australia with gigs planned for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

One of the gigs planned for Melbourne will feature the Davidson Brothers as the opening act.

Nov 13 Wed: Brisbane Entertainment Centre with Steve Martin and Martin Short – Boondall, Australia
Nov 14 Thu: Spotted Mallard with the Davidson Brothers – Brunswick, Australia
Nov 15 Fri: Melbourne Arena Steve Martin and Martin Short Melbourne, Australia
Nov 17 Sun: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) Steve Martin and Martin Short, Darling Harbour, Australia

Darin and Brooke Aldridge Hit High on the Charts

6 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Darin & Brooke Aldridge. (Photo:Chris Hollo)

Bluegrass duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge have made their highest career chart debut as their new album Inner Journey, on Rounder Records, hits the #2 spot on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album Chart. The husband and wife team also debuted for the first time on the trade’s Top New Artist Album chart, Americana/Folk Album chart and Current Country Album chart. Their latest album Inner Journey was released on 18th October.

Darin & Brooke bookmarked their release week by launching the album in front of packed-house in their home state of North Carolina at the Don Gibson Theatre, and two stellar performances on the Grand Ole Opry. The first show (23 Oct) was held at the Grand Ole Opry House, and the second (24 Oct) was at the historic Ryman Auditorium giving them the opportunity to perform on two historic stages in as many days. They spent time before their performance with fans in The Circle Room and autographed copies of the new album following both shows.

Hot on the heels of Brooke’s third consecutive IBMA win for Female Vocalist of the Year, the Aldridges will be appearing on PBS’s David Holt’s State of Music which begins airing across the USA on 13th November. The duo will perform alongside their good friend and occasional touring partner John Cowan.

Fans can check upcoming tour dates on their website.

The Sonoran Dogs on Southern Style

6 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

The Sonoran Dogs will be guest artists on Southern Style on November 26th where they will perform and be interviewed by Jan Dale the program host.

Formed in 2011, the Sonoran Dogs have exploded upon the Arizona bluegrass scene, performing at the Sedona, Wickenburg, and Green Valley bluegrass festivals. The group is made up of seasoned veterans who have come together to enjoy bluegrass music and friendship. Mark Miracle – mandolin/vocals, Peter McLaughlin – guitar/vocals, Dick Brown – banjo/vocals, Bruce Packard – double bass/vocals. Dick Brown is replacing the injured Tyler James for their Australasian tour. They play a collection of traditional bluegrass standards, new-grass, and original compositions. Every concert is different, as they often improvise the set to follow the mood of their audience. It makes for a fun and dynamic show.

Jan Dale’s radio show, Southern Style, can also be streamed to your computer via the PBS website.
Recordings are archived for six months.

Southern Style with Jan Dale – PBS FM 106.7
Tuesdays 1:00pm to 3:00pm or online at www.pbsfm.org.au.

The Farm Hands – Memories of Home

3 Nov, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Critically-acclaimed group The Farm Hands are excited to announce the release of their upcoming album, Memories of Home. Set for release on 8th November via Pinecastle Records, the project will feature 12 new recordings, all showcasing the band’s Bluegrass sound which has catapulted the group to new heights over the last several years.

Fans can preview and pre-order Memories of Home from the website here, you will instantly be able to download the collection’s first two singles.

I think Memories of Home is our best effort yet.m The songs on this project will relate to everyone that listens to it. From Stop and Smell the Roses to Winds of Fall plus 10 other songs, everyone can get some enjoyment from this project. – Tim Graves.

The brand new single, Winds of Fall serves as the second official release from the record. The track was written by Farm Hands member Keith Tew, who also sings lead. The heartfelt anthem fits perfectly with the current season, while staying true to their signature sound which led them to a win earlier this year at the annual SPBGMA awards for Gospel Group of the Year. Winds of Fall serves as the follow-up to lead single, I Can’t Go Home Anymore, which was the inspiration behind the upcoming album’s title.

Musicians performing throughout Memories of Home include Tim Graves on resonator guitar and vocals, Daryl Mosley on bass and vocals, Keith Tew on guitar and vocals, Don Hill on banjo and vocals and Kimberly Bibb on fiddle.

Other standouts on the album include the opening track Stop and Smell The Roses which was written by Mac Davis and Doc Severinsen, plus the group’s unique spin on Southern By The Grace of God which was originally released by Charlie Worsham. The collection serves as the follow-up to the band’s Album of the Year winning 2018 release Good Things, which also spawned the Single of the Year winning song, Hillbilly Graham.

The Farm Hands are planning on bringing their live show to new audiences across thje USA as they continue their jam-packed tour. The road will see the chart-topping group traveling throughout North America for the remainder of 2019 and into 2020. While on tour, fans will have the opportunity to see the band perform songs from Memories of Home. They’ll also be treated to a more full sound, with The Farm Hands performing as a five piece band for the first time.

Check out their upcoming tour dates on their website..

Memories of Home Track List:

1. Stop And Smell The Roses
2. I Can’t Go Home Anymore
3. Winds Of Fall
4. You Never Gave Up On Me
5. Home Sweet Home
6. Mississippi Flood

7. One Last Tear
8. In The Garden
9. How You Make A Man
10. Baptism
11. Grand Pa
12. Southern By The Grace

Clawhammer Banjo Tips.

20 Oct, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Here is a great article from Josh Turknett over at ClawhammerBanjo.net. For those interested, Josh delivers a complete set of instructions for learning Clawhammer banjo along with a full set of demo tunes and songs on his impressive website:

In a typical Blues song, the words tell of the singer’s trials and tribulations, of run-ins with the law, of bein’ hungry, broke, cold, hot, hobbled, betrayed, forlorn, and altogether put upon.

But somehow, in spite of it all, we sing. And, despite our words of woe, the singing feels real good.

The music even makes it seems like maybe it’s all worth the struggle.

That’s how it is with this early Blues song, at least.

Goin’ Down That Road Feelin’ Bad was first recorded by Henry Whitter in 1924 under the title Lonesome Road Blues (another title it’s often referred to today). Since then, it’s been recorded by scores more under a whole host of other names.

You’ll note in this arrangement the use of a “bended” note, played on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string to bring it towards the flatted 3rd note of the G scale (you’ll also find one in the “up the neck” solo). It’s indicated by the curved line with the “1/2” next to it, indicating that we’re raising the string a half step in pitch with the bend.

You don’t hear bended notes too often in clawhammer, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t play em. Musically, they allow us to access notes not typically available on a fixed scale fretted instrument, providing a sound evocative of the slides on a fretless banjo.

Click here for the original page.

Darin and Brooke Aldridge – Inner Journey on Rounder Records

19 Oct, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Darin & Brooke Aldridge are set to make their debut with Rounder Records in their upcoming album, Inner Journey, available today.

The new record, produced by Darin Aldridge and Mark Fain, features an eclectic curation of songs from artists like Nanci Griffith Trouble in the Fields, Graham Nash Teach Your Children Well, and Richard Thompson Tear-Stained Letter; country and bluegrass royalty Charlie and Ira Louvin Every Time You Leave, Doc Watson Your Lone Journey, and Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, and Randy Scruggs I Found Love; Americana stalwarts Kasey Chambers This Flower, Gretchen Peters End of a Long Hard Day, and Swedish duo Johanna and Klara Söderberg, better known as First Aid Kit Emmylou. The record also features one original song from Brooke Aldridge titled, Someone’s Everything, a meditation on a mother’s unconditional love and the importance of home.

When selecting songs for this album, we chose ones that we remember made us reach for the volume dial in order to sing along or just listen a little closer to the lyrics,” says Brooke. “We like picking songs from the past that we feel will resonate with people and take them back to a moment in their lives – Darin Aldridge.

The husband and wife duo have topped the bluegrass and gospel charts and become Grand Ole Opry favorites over the course of a storied career.

There’s a lot about the new generation of bluegrass that surely is inspiring, and Darin and Brooke are two of my favorites of this great new generation. It’s even better to find out they are equally great as people – Vince Gill.

Brooke Aldridge made news in 2019 when she took home the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) award for Female Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive year. Relix magazine remarked, “Brooke asserts herself as one of the more powerful female vocalists on the scene.” In 2017, Darin Aldridge received the IBMA award for Mentor of the Year.

As artists, there aren’t words to describe the feeling when you realize you get to be a part of a label that has done such extraordinary things within the music industry and still continues to do great things – Brooke Aldridge.

Their TV appearances include PBS, Great American Gospel, Bluegrass Road, RFD-TV, Blue Highways TV, Songs of the Mountain, Woodsongs, Larry’s Country Diner, and Music City Roots. Music videos Wildflower and Tennessee Flat Top Box, and most recently, Every Time You Leave, were heavily featured on outlets including CMT, CMT Edge, GAC, Bluegrass Ridge TV, and The Bluegrass Situation.

The duo celebrated the Inner Journey release with a concert in their hometown of Shelby, North Carolina on Oct. 17. They are also slated to appear on the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 23 and 24, where they will perform and then sign copies of Inner Journey at a meet-and-greet for fans.

Inner Journey Track Listing:

I Found Love
Someone’s Everything
Tear-Stained Letter
When You Love Someone
This Flower
Sweet Companion

Trouble In The Fields
Teach Your Children
Every Time You Leave
End Of A Long Hard Day
Emmylou
Your Lone Journey

Inner Journey is available HERE.

Savannah Church Goes Solo

12 Oct, 19 by Greg McGrath Leave a Comment

Savannah Church, of the highly acclaimed band The Church Sisters, has announced the launch of her solo career.

For the last eight years The Church Sisters have toured various parts of the world showcasing their stunning sibling harmony. Hailing from the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Savannah and Sarah Church recorded four albums including their latest release A Night At The Opry on The Valory Music Co. label in 2018. They have also been a part of two collaborative albums including the highly acclaimed and star-studded Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited.

Savannah has decided to venture out and pursue the next phase of her career as a solo artist. Her incredibly powerful voice has already created fans around the world and the next round of music being created will take that sound to another level.

We’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world with our music and work with some amazing artists along the way. We’d like to thank everyone that has helped us: our fans for loving us and our music; our friends and family for being so supportive; our bandmates that have given their talent and time; the promoters that have hired us; and all of the people that have mentored and encouraged us to follow our dreams. We set out to bring joy to people through music and are extremely grateful for all the opportunities that we’ve been given. As much as we’ve enjoyed making music together for 11 years, we both just realized that we want to pursue different dreams and career opportunities. I will miss Sarah as she starts this new chapter of her life after choosing to step back from the music business. She will always have my full support in whatever path she chooses to take – Savanah Church.

The Church Sisters will perform two remaining dates together including:

Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Laurel County Public Library in London, Kentucky. Free event.
January 23, 2020 at the Frith Fine Arts Center at Averett University in Danville, Virginia. Free event.

The Church Sisters’ music is available at their website, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and more streaming and purchase sites.