David Bass/ fiddle, footwork
Thomas Bailey/ guitar & vocals
Allison Williams/ banjo & vocals plus the all-star string bass auxiliary: Meredith McIntosh, Tammy Sawyer, Joe "Bass" Dejarnette, Ben "Super-dooper" Cooper, Carey Fridley, Benny Gould, Andy Edmonstone, Abby Ladin, Andrew Norcross, Jason Sypher
Influences
The Pine Ridge Boys,
The Coon Creek Girls,
Doc Watson.
"Believe everything you see and only half of what you hear" - anon.
The Forge Mountain Diggers' were formed as a pick-up band for the contest at the 1994 Mount Airy Fiddlers' Convention (under the name, The Sidewinders). They competed throughout the season to win top finalists at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WVa.
Their self-titled debut CD brought critical acclaim as they toured across the US. The live show featured the signature white-heat fiddling and flatfooting of David Bass & the powerful vocal combination of Thomas Bailey & Allison Williams.
A lack of quality fishing time prompted the Diggers to take a very long break (or break up - whichever satisfies your curiosity). David Bass has rejoined with the award winning rounder Records artists, The Freight Hoppers. Allison Williams is touring in support of her recent solo release "Give Me The Roses" and can be found slapping the bass around Nashville with the Jake Leg Stompers. Thomas Bailey can be found traveling the world while slowly and meticulously working on a follow-up to his release "It's Always August".
They played their last show on Oct 05, '07 to a sold out crowd at Koordinaten in
Oxelösund, Sweden.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to the many kind folks who went out on a limb with us...and for us; you know who you are. Thanks again for everything, it was big fun.
The Forge Mountain Diggers's Friend Space (Randomized)
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Hey, Im posting new videos today! New pictures too!
And TUESDAY July 14, the band will be filming a performance for the tv show at SAXON PUB! Be in the audience for the tv show 4:30 to 5:30!!!!!!!! Ruby Jane
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane. I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio... Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! New videos too!! Ruby Jane
After pre-release tours in Colorado and Georgia, Dehlia Low’s new full-length cd “Tellico” will be presented for the first time in Asheville this Thursday at the Grey Eagle ($8/10, thegreyeagle.com)! Several cuts off the new disk can be heard on at www.myspace.com/dehlialow and live takes of a few of the songs will be performed Thursday afternoon on WNCW 88.7FM. Thursday night’s show will also be a chance for those of you who didn’t make it to Merlefest to hear Lyons, Colorado’s own Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, who are also preparing to release a new disk next month. Dehlia Low will also be joined by “Tellico” producer Jon Stickley of the Shannon Whitworth band. We hope to see you out and thanks for supporting live, original, and local music.
Hey everyone from the Forge Mountian Diggers, I just stopped by to say hello and let you know that I just put songs up from my new cd "Chasin' the Timberline".. Take care, Josh
You know the people that say utopia isn't possible have already given up. Living sustainably in balance with our environment and food sources will bring us the freedom to live in harmony, and provide the opportunity for all to excel in their efforts, dreams and life path. Utopia is not only possible but it is the very essence that should guide our dreams and vision for ourselves and with each other. It is the horizon we should all strive for everyone and every nation. Anything short of that will lead us astray.
