Sammy Adkins: Rhythm Guitar & Lead Vocals
Jarrod Church: Banjo, Baritone Vocals
James Lowe: Bass, Bass Vocals
SPECIAL GUEST: Tom Isaacs: Fiddle
Influences
Stanley Brothers
Sounds Like
Here's what Bluegrass Unlimited magazine had to say about Sammy's latest CD, "What A Day That Will Be."
Listening to this gospel CD, I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't the Stanley Brothers, circa the RichRTone and WCYB era. The similarities are many, right down to that somewhat muted, cavernous sound and the overlapping blend of instruments out of which, it seems, the solos and fills of the banjo, fiddle, and guitar emerge like bubbles. Then there is the banjo player, Danny Davis, a man who has obviously spent considerable time studying Ralph Stanley, both vocally and instrumentally. It is his playing and his tenor harmony, perhaps more than any, that really makes you think of the Stanleys—try listening to the chorus of "White Oak On The Hill" and see what you think.
Now, I'm not sure how much Sammy Adkins & the Sandy Hook Mtn. Boys are trying for that Stanley sound. (Sammy was Ralph Stanley's lead vocalist for a short time.) I would say to some degree they are. I also get the feeling that they're using that sound more as a foundation on which to build a compelling gospel album. As a lead singer, Sammy Adkins has a wonderful bluegrass gospel voice—very soulful and direct. As a producer, he has chosen a fine mix of material. "Somebody Touched Me" and "The Old Crossroad" act as the anchors of familiarity, tethered to such lessercovered numbers as "Wings Of Angels," the rollicking "Heaven Light Is Shining," and the a capella "What A Day That Will Be," and such original compositions as "Look Me Over Lord," and "Voice From Above."
Stanley fans will love this, but then so will anyone who loves strong traditional bluegrass gospel. (Sammy Adkins, HC81 Box 465, Sandy Hook, KY 41171.) BW.
This site is maintained and managed by Alex Leach and Kelly McCoy, friends of Sammy Adkins.
A Little About Sammy
Living in Sandy Hook Kentucky all of his life, Colonel Sammy Adkins has performed the old time mountain style of Bluegrass Music for most of his life. Only living a couple of miles from the late Keith Whitley, Sammy grew up in the small town of Sandy Hook and was always interested in the "Stanley" sound since early days of childhood.
His big break came in 1986, when long time lead singer for Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Charlie Sizemore left the group to begin his solo career. Sammy was called to sing lead for Ralph, and with no hesitation, he took the job. Sammy worked with Ralph from 1986 - 1990 and is considered by many, one of Ralph's best lead singers. After recording many memorable albums, Sammy left The Clinch Mountain Boys to form his own band, The Sandy Hook Mountain Boys.
Sammy performs full time today with his group, playing many of the major festivals in the eastern region of the U.S. He continues to play the great old time mountain style of what they call Bluegrass Music.
Sammy has performed on the following albums. Like Father, Like Son Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mtn. Boys (1989) I'll Answer the Call Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mtn. Boys (1987) Sweetest Love Sammy Adkins (1979) You're Still To Blame Sammy Adkins, Ralph Stanley, & the Clinch Mtn. Boys (1986) Tribute to Keith Whitley Sammy Adkins & the Sandy Hook Mtn. Boys (2001) What a Day That Will Be Sammy Adkins & the Sandy Hook Mtn. Boys (2005)
Some Videos
SAMMY singing a Hank Sr. song in June, 2007 SAMMY with RALPH STANLEY, 1987 SAMMY with RALPH STANLEY, 1987
Sammy is a Daddy!
Read the blog for the newest updates on baby Sammiejo Belle!
Hey Sammy can You Put (CoonHunters Heaven) on your music List? i love that song first time i heard it i was coon hunting with David. hows hunting been?
