Mountain Drive

Bio:

"One of the top traditional bluegrass bands in Northern California." -Michael Hall, President of the Northern California Bluegrass Society

Founded in April 2007, Mountain Drive has steadily forged their way into the Bay Area Bluegrass scene, recognized by their tight harmonies, intense instrumentals, and an array of original tunes.

A classic quartet comprised of banjo, mandolin, guitar and upright bass, the boys of Mountain Drive pick fast and hard. When they’re not picking up a storm, they cozy up to the single-pole mic to belt out strong lead vocals accompanied by sweet two- and three-part harmonies in the traditional style. Their commitment to the traditional bluegrass sound along with a true passion for that classic style makes Mountain Drive one of the premiere Bluegrass bands in Northern California.



Mountain Drive can be contacted at: mountain.drive@yahoo.com

Member Since:

January 27, 2008

Members:

Bradley Richter (Mandolin, Lead Vocals, & Harmony Vocals)


Bradley Richter is the youngest member of Mountain Drive at 26 years old. As a piano student at the age of eight, he obtained a strong foundation in music theory. Years later, he discovered the joy of bluegrass and old-timey music, drawn by the breakneck tempos and haunting vocal harmonies. Since then, he has taught himself to play the guitar, mandolin and clawhammer banjo. He brings a musical sensibility to Mountain Drive informed by jazz, rock, folk, old-timey, and Irish music tempered in the red-hot fire of classic bluegrass. A dynamic performer, he is often seen dancing and kicking as the driving poly-rhythms of the music move him.



Jered Chaney (Banjo, Lead Vocals, & Harmony Vocals)


When Jered made the Santa Cruz Mountains his home over a dozen years ago he found himself surrounded by musical influences that quickly turned his attention to the unique sound of bluegrass music. In those days, he recalls listening to old and borrowed cassettes (partially melted from years pick-up truck dash-board wear) of Del McCoury, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, the Stanley Brothers, and the like. The sound of love sick and murder ballad bluegrass music took hold. It wasn’t long before Jered got a hold of his first 5-string, and the roll of the bluegrass banjo soon became a fond outlet of his artistic expression. He’s been pickin’ it ever since, and nope, it ain’t never gonna heal.



Mike Baroni (Upright Bass, Lead Vocals, & Harmony Vocals)


The oldest member of the group, Mike has more than fifteen years of experience playing the electric bass professionally in a variety of Country Western bands. There was a twelve year gap of not playing while starting an antique restoration business, but playing music is like riding a bicycle and for him, bluegrass is a sweet ride!



Rick Ednie (Guitar, Lead Vocals, & Harmony Vocals)


Originally from Pennsylvania, Rick grew up in the eastern Appalachians and began playing music on his mother's piano, spending many an hour playing and singing along with albums (remember those!) and songs on the radio. His guitar playing began in his 21st year when he "borrowed" his father's guitar and twenty years later he is still playing, singing, writing, and loving music. As well as being a member of Mountain Drive, Rick has written, recorded and produced a CD of Modern Folk, Americana songs.

Rick's myspace page: www.myspace.com/rickednie

His CD is available at: www.cdbaby.com/rickednie

Influences:

Well...we've got quite the list, but we'd like to thank: Bill Monroe (obviously, that almost goes without saying), Del McCoury, The Stanley Brothers, The Kentucky Colonels, The White Brothers, Pete Wernick, Flatt & Scruggs, The Johnson Mountain Boys, JD Crowe & the New South, Muleskinner, Old and in the Way, Doc Watson, Red Allen and Frank Wakefield, Open Road, David Grisman, Annie Staninec, Jethro Burns, Gillian Welch...and on, and, on....

Sounds Like:

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Record Label:

Unsigned