Chris, from Huffman, TX, traces his lineage to a long line of rural musicians and is also the grandson of a prominent Kentucky fiddle builder. With a sharp ear for arranging harmonies, his original instrumentals give Spring Creek a dynamic and unique edge. Chris studied banjo with Alan Munde for three years and now passes on the tradition by teaching banjo at the Olde Town Pickin' Parlor in Arvada. Chris Elliott is the 2007 RockyGrass Banjo Champion. He plays an Alan Munde Signature Series Staghorn by Stelling.
Alex Johnstone mandolin, fiddle, vocals
Alex brings passion and energy to Spring Creek with his charismatic stage presence and expert musicianship. Hailing from Illinois where he grew up playing electric guitar, he soon unplugged his guitar and found himself drawn to bluegrass mandolin and fiddle. His original songs--favorites among the fans--keep Spring Creek's repertoire fresh and exciting. Alex found his way into the Spring Creek family one day when Taylor picked him up hitchhiking near Crested Butte, CO, and he hasn't looked back since. Alex plays a custom San Juan Mandolin made by Bobby Wintringham.
Taylor Sims guitar, vocals
Taylor started his career as a folk revivalist with a harmonica around his neck and a white "Elvis" guitar he bought at a pawn shop in Amarillo. He has studied under Joe Carr and Alan Munde at South Plains College where he received the Male Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year Award. Taylor's sentimental and poetic lyrics mixed with bluegrass instrumentation give Spring Creek their signature sound.
Jessica Smith bass fiddle, vocals
Jessica was born and raised in the small West Texas farming community of Shallowater. Growing up in a family of traditional shape note singers, Jessica could sing before she could talk and attributes her keen ear for harmonies to many years of family gatherings. Jessica trained as a vocalist throughout her youth and later graduated from South Plains College with a degree in Commercial Music. She was voted Outstanding Female Instrumentalist in Country/Western Swing and was the two-time winner of the Female Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year.
"Planet Bluegrass is thrilled to have a local Lyons band be the first to win both [our] bluegrass band competitions in the same year. We can't wait to have these fine musicians back at RockyGrass in 2008."
Steve Szymanski
Vice President, Planet Bluegrass
Telluride Bluegrass and RockyGrass Festival Producers
Spring Creek Bluegrass Band from Lyons, Colorado, is quickly gaining a reputation as the hottest young band in the Rocky Mountains. The quartet play a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals, and all four musicians are also accomplished vocalists. Spring Creek is built on the fundamentals of bluegrass, yet they create their own classic contemporary style.
The young band, whose members met in music school in Texas, have studied and performed together for several years, creating a tight, polished sound. Counting such bands as Country Gazette and Hot Rize among their influences, Spring Creek's members have a deep respect for tradition, as well as an innate sense of musical innovation.
"We choose songs that suit our style," says guitarist Taylor Sims. "I enjoy the pilgrimage--learning songs the way they've been played for years and years, staying close to tradition. But a lot of different kinds of songs can fit into the traditional bluegrass style if they are done really well. We try hard to do each song justice, with real bluegrass-style harmonies and arrangements."
Judges at two recent band competitions agree that Spring Creek have what it takes to deliver the high, lonesome sounds in the Appalachian tradition. The band won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest back in June, and won their second Planet Bluegrass title on July 29th at the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival held in Lyons.
"We won Telluride pretty exclusively based on the strength of our original material," explains Alex Johnstone, who plays both mandolin and fiddle in Spring Creek. "People are learning our tunes now and that's so exciting."
Though they clearly appeal to traditional bluegrass fans, the Spring Creek musicians mix in a little something for everyone at their live shows. Expect to hear an Elton John or Gillian Welch cover squeezed in between a blazing fast Carter Stanley instrumental and a rip roarin' Bill Monroe tune. Band mates agree that they want to have a hand in initiating younger audiences into the bluegrass fold.
“I’m into the idea of playing for general audiences where people might be exposed to traditional bluegrass for the first time,” says Chris Elliott, who in addition to his band's win at RockyGrass, also celebrated earning top honors in the Festival's banjo instrument contest.
“When I first saw younger people playing bluegrass, I thought, 'Wow, this could be really cool,'” says Elliott. "If more young people are exposed to bluegrass at the right time, they'll like it too."
"We really want all generations to appreciate bluegrass," agrees bassist Jessica Smith. "Some kids think it's just sleepy music for older people. We show them that we have real energy and passion; we show them that it's something special."
Following up on 2006's Rural & Cosmic Bluegrass, Spring Creek released Lonesome Way to Go in March of this year. This 12-track album of kickin' Colorado bluegrass has charmed fans, critics, DJs and festival producers alike with its expert vocals, instrumental work and impressive writing.
"Spring Creek has redefined what can be accomplished on acoustic instruments," says Chris Kelly of the Crested Butte Weekly. "They are an act not to be missed, as their constant live performances have allowed them to become a tight-knit musical ensemble."
"On stage, the band has real chemistry," says Kelly. "Through mutual stimulation and stage-fed adrenaline and energy, the band can thrust itself into an acoustic frenzy!"
I'm about 98% sure I saw you all play at Las Mantanas on Friday night. My credit card bill confirms that I was there. If indeed this is true, I bet I really enjoyed your music!
C-Bob. I know EXACTLY what you did with the Girls Gone Mild book. (I'm sure you read it cover to cover first). I love Spring Creek and I can't wait to see you all again. Love, k
Flagstaff for Pickin' in the Pines! Hurray! Sitting in Fort Collins right now after a 3 day slow trip to get here. Drove by Spring Creek and popped the album on. Listened to it again today. I'll be seeing ya on the 12th of September!
What up! I see you are playing in C Springs on July 9th. Please stop by the FRBBQ for some dinner and picking! We will have special guest the Murder Ballads. Everyone likes a good MURDER BALLAD It will be a great pre-Happy Ass Party! Dinner is on us! David Jeffrey
I wish I could make the show tonight but I'm taking the family camping. Chris, I'm excited for my next lesson. I'm rocking the clawhammer banjo, a kick drum and singing. I am now officially a one man band YEAH!
