Adam Steffey

Adam Steffey, arguably the most influential mandolin players of the past decade, was a veteran of Alison Krauss & Union Station, with whom he reached unparalleled heights of success, earning multiple Grammys, Country Music Association and multiple IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year awards and makes frequent appearances on national television.

One night, I was watching the David Letterman show, and Adam Steffey was playing mandolin on the show with the Dixie Chicks. I called my father and said "Dad, turn on your tv, there is the man I was lucky enough to get to play mandolin on my CD. Pretty cool huh?"

In 1998, while Adam was playing with Alison, the group won an unprecedented four Country Music Association (CMA) awards. One of these was the Country Music Instrumental of the Year presented for Adam’s blazing mandolin version of Liza Jane on Alison Krauss and Union Station’s award-winning album, So Long, So Wrong. This marked the first time a bluegrass mandolin player has ever received the CMA’s Country Music Instrumental award. Steffey was drafted to appear with the Dixie Chicks on their performance at the 2001 CMA awards show.

Among the many recordings on which Adam has played mandolin are Heartsongsby Dolly Parton and Honky Tonk Angels with Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette. He's also recorded with Randy Travis, the Whitstein Bros., the Forbes Family, Jerry Douglas, Bill Frisell, Fernando Ortega and the Cox Family. Jerry Douglas has described him as "one of the greatest mandolin players on the acoustic scene today."

Adam went on to further acclaim as a member of the award-winning gospel group, The Isaacs. Since he first gained national attention as mandolinist with Alison Krauss & Union Station, Adam has been winning fans and admirers for his clean and tasteful playing. Serious mandolin students may recall his stints in Dusty Miller and The Lonesome River Band as well. Adam can currently be seen as a member of Mountain Heart and opening for folks like George Jones, Lee Ann Rimes, Patty Loveless at some of the biggest venues in all of music.

Never flashy or obtrusive, his solos are always carefully constructed compositions that are memorable for both tone, content & quality. His latest solo release, "Grateful," (which I really love), showcases both Adam's fine trend-setting mandolin work and his distinctive singing voice as well. A huge, long-time fan of his, I am very grateful to have Adam's creativity on my project. His notes are as clean and clear as a drop of rain or a burst of sunlight, and it is a fantastic experience to listen to him create music never heard before. Each note he plays is so full of tone it will give you chills! He helped my songs sound better, and made helpful and welcome suggestions in the studio. Adam is also very fun to be around, a willing participant in keeping a good laugh going.

Scott Vestal

For Scott Vestal, the older of two children, music was a constant from Scott's early age. His Grandfather, Famon Self, an old time country fiddler with lots of patience, showed Scott his first chords on the guitar. Scott and his brother, Curtis, would play and sing with their Grandfather at various events ranging from parades to nursing homes to bluegrass festivals. At age 13 Scott got his first 5-string banjo and began learning from the records his Father had around the house, ranging from Flatt and Scruggs to New Grass Revival. After a few years, and many hours of practice, he was playing in contests and touring with local bands across the U.S.

His professional career began at the age of 18 when he moved from Texas to the East Coast to work with Larry Sparks. After performing and recording with Larry for a year, Scott struck out on his own and helped form Southern Connection, which toured the Midwest and East Coast for 3 years.

In 1985, Scott joined Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver performing in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as a member of the critically acclaimed quartet. Four years and five award winning albums later, he once again struck out to broaden his musical knowledge with his own group, Livewire, spent six months touring Japan with an acoustic jazz ensemble, and had a starring role in Phyllis McBride's critically acclaimed original musical production, "Cowboy Cafe." I listened to him quite a bit when he played phenomenally with "Continental Divide."

Scott does a lot of session work in Nashville, TN, where he has his own recording studio, and lives with his wife Alice and their beautiful daughter, Rosa Grace. Alice also has a project out entitled "Haven't We Met?"

At his studio, Scott engineers and produces various projects including an award winning series of instrumental recordings for Pinecastle Records. Scott has worked with the likes of Bill Monroe, Sam Bush, Tim O'Brien, Jim Lauderdale, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, John Cowan, Ralph Stanley, and Tony Rice.

In addition to being an outstanding musician, Scott is also a composer, writing nine of the thirteen compositions on his first solo project, In Pursuit Of Happiness, and nine out of twelve on his latest release, Millennia.

Awarded Banjo Player of the Year in 1996 by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and 1998 Banjo Player of the Year by the Bluegrass Now Magazine Fan's Choice Awards, Scott is recognized as one of the premier banjo players in the industry today. I have been a huge fan of Scott's work and performances for many years! I am really spellbound by his ability, and the work he has presented on this project is nothing short of amazing. I had an idea of what I wanted my album (consisting of all original material).... to sound like prior to going in the studio, but Scott has contributed ideas and thoughtful combinations that really made it sound better than I even thought possible. Listening to Scott play is like taking a pleasant roller coaster ride on the musical notes. You never know where the melodic journey will go next, but it sure is cool. It has been a true inspiration, and an honor to work with Scott.

Clay Jones

Clay Jones was an original member of Lou Reid and Carolina. Clay performed with Carolina from 1992 to 1994. He was on the first two recording efforts for the band.

Clay recorded an album for Pinecastle Records, along with Wayne Benson, Aubrey Haynie, Adam Steffey, Barry Bales, and Scott Vestal. The recording was entitled Bluegrass 95. This album won "Recorded Event of the Year" at the IBMA awards that year. Clay returned to Lou Reid and Carolina during 1996-98, until his departure to join Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. He's also performed with The Gena Britt Band and Marty Raybon band. (Marty Raybon, the former lead singer of the famed award-winning country band, Shenendoah is one of my all-time favorite voices in the world.)

Clay is currently playing alongside Adam in the band Mountain Heart. He has no doubt added a lot to the wonderful group that often play the Grand Ole Opry, and in some of the most popular venues of all of music, along with stars like Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and George Jones to name a few.

Some of Clay's musical compositions on this project, leave speechless many who study guitar. Clay is for sure one of the top acoustic guitar players in all of music today. It is truly an honor to present his abilities on this album. Clay has contributed a great deal on the instrumental arrangement and production of the entire project as well, providing me with the best quality possible, and I am sincerely thankful.

Clay now lives in South Carolina with his wife Jill, and their two adorable children Caleb and Cassidy.

In 2005, Rural Rhythm Records released Clay's solo album, Mountain Tradition.

Greg Luck

Greg Luck's musical journey around the age of seven, when his father gave him a guitar for Christmas. While listening to bluegrass music on the radio during this time, he recalls a desire to play acoustic music. After honing his skills by listening and playing along with recordings by "Flatt & Scruggs," "Bill Monroe, the Bluegrass Album Band," and other national bluegrass acts, Greg began touring and playing the music that had become a part of him.
After touring with bluegrass groups "Redwing," "Lost & Found," the "Bass Mountain Boys," "IIIrd Tyme Out," "Lynn Morris," and the "Bluegrass Cardinals," Greg landed an exciting position playing guitar and singing lead with bluegrass legend and mastermind of banjo, "J.D. Crowe and the New South." While touring with J.D., Greg also became interested in the recording side of the business.

He stopped touring for a while and opened a recording studio in Mt. Gilead, N.C. called Riverside Audio. For about five years, Greg ran "Riverside Audio," recording popular acts such as "Lou Reid & Carolina," the "Chapmans," "Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen" and "IIIrd Tyme Out," among others. It was also during this time that Greg spent many hours practicing the fiddle, a difficult instrument that he had always had a desire to play.

Greg can be seen these days singing and playing fiddle with the "Circuit Riders." Greg not only has the reputation of a superior musician, phenomenal on any number of instruments, but that of a great songwriter as well. Greg's most recent recorded songs are: "Cold Kentucky Rain" on "Mountain Heart's" debut release, and "The Healing Kind" on Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance album. Greg is highly sought after as a studio engineer and musician. A guest on my first project as well, it was very delightful to again hear the outstanding work that Greg always contributes! He has some of the best equipment, and produces some of the best tone you can find in the world of recording studios. I have the most respect for Greg Luck as a musician and songwriter. He is simply an inspiring person. Check out their tour dates on their website at: www.CircuitRiders.com

Ashby Frank

Ashby Frank, a mandolinist from Lexington, North Carolina has captured the ears of his audiences wherever he has played. Heavily influenced by Mr. Bill Monroe, with whom he was fortunate to perform (at the ripe old age of 11 years), Ashby's music reflects a respect for the rich heritage, yet with just the right touch of his own style, blending a traditional and modern sound tastefully altogether. Ashby, a true perfectionist, tailors very colorful, clever and pleasing compositions, and has a lot to offer on any project he is a part of.

Once upon a time, fiddler's convention circuits in North and South Carolina and Virginia provided outlets for Ashby to refine his talent and win many awards (and fans). He was previously a member of the band, "Jeanette Williams and Clearwater," the "Gena Britt Band," and has been a guest performer with "Lou Reid and Carolina" at several venues.

Ashby is now a member of the "Marty Raybon Band" and has a bluegrass album on Doobie Shea Records. Ashby's noteworthy achievements include taking first place mandolin awards at the Galax Fiddler's Convention in 1997 and 1999 and winning the 1999 Merlefest Mandolin contest in Wilkesboro, NC. He has been featured on David Holt's Public Television's FOLKWAYS.

Ashby has a great solo project also entitled: First Crossing which received great reviews and has been praised by many. I listen to mine all the time! It was wonderful to showcase Ashby's incredible talent on this CD as well as on my first project. Ashby has also written some very impressive songs. He has become a recognizable name in bluegrass in just a few short years!

Zak McLamb

Zak McLamb was born in 1976 and raised near Benson, NC in a bluegrass-loving family. He started playing music at the age of 7, when his father, a banjo player, bought a bass for his mother. Soon Zak fell in love with the bass (lucky for us!) and his father taught him a few notes and encouraged him to play. Zak studied under a classical bassist once a week for three years and learned the fundamentals of playing, then took the formal knowledge that he gained and applied it to his true musical love, Bluegrass.

Zak started playing music with his parents in a local group, "The Tony McLamb Band," in 1988, and continues to play with them today. He joined the Raleigh-based band, "New Vintage," (which I loved!), in 1992 and played with them for two of his high school years. It was during this time that "New Vintage" won both the SPBGMA International Band Championship and the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown. Zak didn't play much bluegrass during his college years at NC State, but since graduating in late 2000 he’s been eager to be a part of a tight bluegrass group. He is part of a band called "Constant Change," SPBGMA 2003 winners. He plays primarily these days with "Kenny & Amanda Smith."

Zak and his wife Karen live in Benson, NC. I am very grateful any time I can hire Zak for a performance or studio work because of his amazing talent, precision, timing, and artistry on an instrument that is anything but ordinary when Zak is playing it. Zak is a very serious, punctual, hard-working individual that is dependable and learns fast. It is a true pleasure to display his magnificent talent on this project. His ability never ceases to impress all that hear him, especially other bass players. I could not be more pleased with the delightful work he has done on this album.

Alan Perdue

Alan Perdue began playing mandolin at age five, and made his recording debut in 1995 with a North Carolina Band called "After Five," a winner of the SPBGMA International Band Championship. He has excelled as one of the greatest mandolin players around. He is a regional legend and especially well-known and popular in his hometown of Asheboro, NC. He played in a band called "Rambler's Choice" in the late 90's with the likes of Junior Sisk, Elmer Burchette and Jimmy Van Cleve.

Alan finally received the national recognition and attention he so well-deserved when he became part of the award-winning band "Mountain Heart." He helped pioneer the group, and helped to lead them to the pinnacle of success they now enjoy. Although he is now a family man only lending his talent occasionally for local shows and studio work, Alan burned up the roads, darting across the map with "Mountain Heart" for over two years, making a permanent impression on all of bluegrass fans everywhere with his lively stage presence, and through the bluegrass airwaves on "Mountain Heart's" first two recordings. He reeled audiences in, making incredible mandolin work look very easy and simple, smiling all the while. It has been said about Alan that he contributes staggering speed & captivating lines in his playing, like on barnburner songs such as Vince Gill's "Midnight Train," and Paul Johnson's "Katy Cline." Although if you ask him, he claims he can't play fast songs well. Many will completely disagree.

I was happy to be able to add Alan to my team of studio musicians for this project. I couldn't be more pleased with his creative contributions and reliable rhythm. Having graduated from the same high school as Alan, Southwestern Randolph, I had always admired his talent before he became a mandolin legend for the record books as he is very popular in my hometown, and feel very lucky to be able to present his work on this recording. Alan is now playing mandolin for the legendary bluegrass band, IIIrd Tyme Out!

Joey Cox

Joey Cox, is only 19 years old. He grew up listening to bluegrass music with his family and playing it as long as he can remember. He started playing in a band situation at age 10 with his Grandpa's band the "Black Mountain Ramblers." Joey's uncle Freddie who played fiddle in the band taught Joey how to play with rhythm and timing. From the moment Joey picked up a banjo he was hooked. Inspired by banjo legends like Scott Vestal, Sammy Shelor & Jodi King, Joey began attending different festivals throughout
Virginia & the Carolinas. After placing at many local competitions, he joined the Hillsville-based group, "Fast Forward." He has also performed with a band called "Canyon River." Now at the young age of 19, he has proudly replaced Terry Baucom in the popular group "Blue Ridge," after a short stint with the band "Lou Reid & Carolina." and will be demonstrating his abilities now on a regional and national level as he graces a bigger stage with his banjo.

You will be hearing more about this young man in the future! The group is now working on a recording featuring Joey's fine talent. I was thrilled to be able to showcase Joey's fresh style on my album as well. He is very good in the studio, a fast learner and very respectful as he plays around the other instruments, and has a very good memory.

Gena Britt-Tew

Harmonies were also offered by Gena Britt-Tew.

Gena Britt grew up in a small town in North Carolina where she fell in love with the sounds of bluegrass music at a very early age. Gena has been a member of three critically acclaimed bands including Petticoat Junction, New Vintage, and Lou Reid & Carolina . She formed her own band in 2001, called The Gena Britt Band. Gena won an IBMA award for Recorded Event of The Year in 2001, for her work on Follow Me Back To the Fold, and has received two other notable nominations. These nominations include Female Vocalist of the Year in 2002 at the SPBGMA Awards, and the 2006 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year with Daughters of Bluegrass album Back to the Well.

Gena is currently playing acoustic bass with the Alecia Nugent Band. You can find out more about what's going on with Gena at GenaBrittband.com

I would personally like to thank all the musicians for their wonderful sense of humor, and their ability to maintain a relaxed, fun and comical atmosphere while in the studio.