Lou Reid- mandolin, lead vocals
Christy Reid-bass, harmony vocals
Trevor Watson- banjo, harmony vocals
Shannon Slaughter- guitar and vocals
Influences
Contemporary and traditional bluegrass with powerful vocals from one of the most dynamic lead singers in the industry, Mr. Lou Reid. The Carolina Quartet also lends a strong gospel influence to their live show. Shannon sings bass, Christy sings tenor..Lou and Trevor they join right in there!
Lou Reid and Carolina are riding high on the success of their album Time. The title cut stayed number 1 on the Top 30 Single Chart (Time) for 3 months. The album includes band members Lou Reid, Kevin Richardson, Trevor Watson and Christy Reid among a whos who list of guests including Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Ron Stewart, Jerry Douglas, Randy Kohrs and more.
Lou Reid was born on a tobacco farm in Moore Springs, North Carolina. He was surrounded by traditional music and took up the guitar at age seven. Lou held a youthful interest in rock and roll as well as country. Making music had a profound impact on the young Lou, and he found the combination of traditional tunes with progressive sensibilities a natural coupling. He made his home in bluegrass, bringing the best parts of these various styles of music with him. To this day, his music continues to mix the elements of bluegrass with the energy of rock and roll, offering a vibrant sound that still encompasses traditional values. As a musician, Lou is revered for both his distinctive high tenor vocals and instrumental prowess. As John Duffey once said, "Lou is the master of whatever you need done. There's just about no instrument he can't play. Lou was critical in bringing vocal harmonies to the forefront of contemporary bluegrass music as a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. He continued to earn acclaim with the Ricky Skaggs band. As lead singer and guitarist, he breathed new life into the already well-respected band the Seldom Scene (which he is still a full-time member as mandolinist). He recently became lead guitarist for the award-winning group, Longview, which plays select dates throughout the year. An able, if often overlooked, songwriter, Lou is the complete musician. With his band Carolina, Lou continues to further his reputation with his brand of driving North Carolina style music and stirring vocals.
Christy Reid was raised in prime bluegrass country, Union Grove, North Carolina. Her grandfather, Dewey F. Dowell, Sr. was National Fiddle Champion at the first Union Grove Fiddler's Convention. Her parents enjoyed bluegrass music, frequently taking them to bluegrass events to see cousin Kent perform with the Country Gentleman. Aunt Lois Shumaker and Uncle Franklin Rash eventually formed a family band with their children, nieces and nephews. Along with Lois and Franklin, Christy joined cousins Andrea, Dirk, Jason and Darren to form the Grass Vibrations. The band was a favorite at local venues, and eventually recorded two projects together. Playing and being around other groups soon led Christy to join the band, 220 Connection. The group was very successful at local conventions, and soon set their sights on the Pizza Hut Showdown contest. As the group Southern Drive, they went on to win the 2000 International Pizza Hut Showdown in Louisville, KY. Soon after that, former bandmate in 220 Connection and Southern Drive, Kevin Richardson, contacted her to try out for the new configuration of nationally known band Carolina. Carolina found a bass player and singer, but Lou found his wife.
Shannon Slaughter was born in rural North Florida; the small town of Chiefland to be exact. He was immersed in acoustic and country music at a young age by his family. He sang in church with his Mom and began playing on his own at age 14. He started his professional career with the Lost and Found in 1992; then joined the Larry Stephenson Band later that same year. After several years "off the road" he became guitarist and vocalist with The Lonesome River Band in 2005, staying there until 2007. Says Shannon, Now playing with Lou Reid and Carolina, I'm enjoying this music more than I ever have.It's great to stand next to 3 great musicians and great people..... great friends. I live now in Wilkesboro, NC and I teach history and coach football at St. Stephens high school in hickory, NC. I have great friends and an awesome labrador retriever (Big John). I enjoy U.S. history, Florida gator athletics, spending time with my buddies and Big John, golf, fishing, and traveling as well as playing guitar, singing and songwriting. I'm excited to be a part of Lou Reid and Carolina, I look forward to bringing a lot of energy to their stage performance.
Trevor Watson came from a musical family and was indoctrinated into the world of bluegrass at an early age. His dad and mom both played the banjo, along with other musical instruments and would have pickin parties. His dad would always say Trevor had no choice but to love bluegrass, because he had absorbed so much through osmosis.Trevor began playing banjo at age 8 when his dad built him a small-scale banjo.Before joining Lou Reid and Carolina, Trevor performed with Blue Night, Foxfire Unlimited, and was a cast member at the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach. Trevor makes his home in Austinville, Va with wife, Alison, and kids Brandon and Mahayla.
Hey Gang! I am lovin the new album!!!! I have just about worn the grooves off "Daddy Tried" - inspired stuff!!! love and best wishes Heather Robin "Australian Bluegrass..............full throttle and from the heart!"
Editing the interview went beautifully. I can't wait for Saturday nite and the airing of the ingerview. It sounds good if I do say so myself. I have a cd copy, will send one to you guys. Hope everyone tunes into Blue Ridge Country FM 98.1 on Saturday nite in the eight o'clock hour. On line at blueridgecountry98.com. Have a wonderful weekend. Judith
Listened to you on the Bluegrass Express on Sunday with Charlie Hall. Great new C.D. I talked to Charlie today, and he too said he loved the C.D. Straight at you grass.
Hey Christy! It was good seeing you too! The sets were great! Regan is so sweet, tell her I'll hang out with her anytime! myactually didn't even realize I didn't have any LR&C on my player, I'll have to work on that!=) Kendra
Just wanted to let you know I have some samples from my latest album on myspace and would love to here what you think. I had a blast recording it with some of the best in the industry, Like James Burton (Elvis Presley's lead Guitarist) along with many more. Please stop by and have a listen. Blessings Darin Warner
