There have been my major influences with the band over a period of thirty years. From Flatt and Scruggs to the likes of Sam Bush, Phil Ledbetter, Mike Aldridge, JD Crowe, Uncle Josh, Dan Crary, Frank Poindexter(who was a member of the band in the early 80's) And so many more that there wouldn't be enough room to name them all.
In the early years of the band, THE SELDOM SCENE(Starling, Duffy,Eldridge,Aldridge, and Gray) were the hottest thing imaginable. The harmonies truly were something that set the guys on fire. The Country Gentlemen also was a big part of the music that influenced the band. Roscoe Canaday, of the Then East Coast Boys was one of the key reasons that the band was organized. Bob Hatley who originated the band was in Scribbins Ga. at his first bluegrass festival and heard Roscoes unique style and decided he was going to start a bluegrass band. Although he had never played an instrument in his life he did just that starting out on the Bass Fiddle. After that the rest is history. And that was over 30 years ago now. Jimmy Farrington was greatly influenced by many banjo players. Foremost was Earl Scruggs. but Jim went on to learn many styles of different artist and has his own unique style of playing today.
Lynn started out on bass fiddle as his first instrument, and becoming accomplished in his own right. But his interest went on to the dobro. I guess it was like I heard Pop Stoneman told his kids, now you leave those instrument alone. They were there and they learned to play them. Lynn has become quite well known as a young up and coming dobro player today. Talking to every dobro player that he comes in contact with and giving so much credit to Frank Poindexter, for his patience to teach him the things we wanted to know, and Tom Langdon for also teaching but more than that telling him here I have an extra one that you can use.
Jimmy Burris was on guitar originally and has a unique style of finger picking as well as flat picking. Jim took interest in the Mandolin and now has his own style of Mandolin Playing. Jim says it is nothing fancy, but we keep telling him that it is his own style, and it is good.
Jeff Russell likes the sounds of many guitar players from Rice to Crary. He still enjoys the Seldom Scene, and still fondly remembers watching Flatt and Scruggs on the Martha White Show on Saturday afternoons. Gary Richardson
was greatly influenced by Carter and Ralph Stanly. Once a mandolin Player Gary is now on the Bass Fiddle and is as fine of man on timing that you could ask for. So you pretty much know a little more about the guys and who influenced them in the Bluegrass World.
Create Your Own!
This is a group that organized in 1976, in Albemarle NC In the past 32 years this group has played on many different venues locally, regionally, and the East Coast. This is a group of well seasoned musicians, with a second generation of the band being added now as well. This band was greatly influenced by the sound of The Seldom Scene from the early to mid 70's era. And the guys still consider them one of the greatest groups in the bluegrass field today.
With both cover tunes and original material the band has come together to form a quartet sound that has caught the attention of many listeners ears. With Jimmy Burris singing Bass and is considered one of the finest Bass Singers, in the business today. Jeff Russell singing lead Jim Farrington Baritone, and Lynn Russell on Tenor. At other times the guys will swap around some and put Ronnie Caudle the Bass Player in Bass and Jimmy Burris on Tenor. This guy seems to have the ability to sing as high as he equally does low when singing bass.
The band members instruments listing is Jimmy Burris on Mandolin and finger picking guitar, Jimmy Farrington on Banjo and finger picking guitar, Jeff Russell lead guitar, Lynn Russell Dobro, (Beard Mike Auldridge 6 String and James Resophonic Guitars D-mag Solid Madagascar and Koa) Ronnie Caudle Bass.
With many awards to their credits over the years, this is as fine of bluegrass band that you would want to hear. Playing a lot of uptown grass, they can step back and do the traditional numbers as well. Plus arranging other songs not thought to be grass into grass. Such as Unchained Melody, with 3 part harmony. With several CD's behind them, the band also has an original tune on Christmas in Carolina on Blue Circle records, entitled Chritmas This Year.
I am sure that if you get the chance to hear this band that you will not be dissatisfied. Agreat sound and a good show to match. Come out and see The Grass Strings at a venue near you.
Carolina Entertainment Complex Presents MOTOJAM GREAT AMERICAN MUD RACING SERIES PRO-MUD RACING WITH M.R.A. SANCTIONED BODY RULES HILL AND HOLE MUD RACE * ATV RACING* MONSTER TRUCKS * AND MORE NEW TRACKRaces June 13 & 14, 2009,July 11,2009,August 8, 2009,August 29, & 30,2009,September 12, 2009,October 10 & 11, 2009 For more information (pre-registration) visit motojam online at : www.motojam.com call (843) 617-3344 1548 South Highway 501 Marion, South Carolina 29571 Ticket Hotline: (843) 423-0077
Thanks so Much for having us as a myspace Friend.Look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Carolina Entertainment Complex Presents MOTOJAM GREAT AMERICAN MUD RACING SERIES PRO-MUD RACING WITH M.R.A. SANCTIONED BODY RULES HILL AND HOLE MUD RACE * ATV RACING* MONSTER TRUCKS * AND MORE NEW TRACK Races June 13 & 14, 2009,July 11,2009,August 8, 2009,August 29, & 30,2009,September 12, 2009,October 10 & 11, 2009 For more information (pre-registration.. visit motojam online at : www.motojam.com call (843) 617-3344 1548 South Highway 501 Marion, South Carolina 29571 Ticket Hotline: (843) 423-0077
Hello Grass Strings! You all sound great! My Father had a band back in the early-mid seventies call The Grass Strings. They were really great, and a big influence on us. Glad to hear of your longevity, and that sweet sweet Bluegrass sound. You all are great. All the best Mama Corn
Hye, this is Cassie, Ronnie's daughter. I was just stoping by to say hey b/c I haven't seen yall in a really long time. If dad has to play againg w/yall then I'm going to try to make it to see yall play. Talk to ya later ♥Cassie-Loo
Hey Jeff,
Thanks so much for finding me here on myspace....It's such a wonderful thing to reconnect with friends from NC....
I wish you all the very best....and hope to run into you sometime soon out on the bluegrass highway...
Karen Pendley
www.karenpendley.com
