WILDFIRE

Bio:

WILDFIRE assembled in 2000 and quickly became one of the most talked about groups in the industry. With ROBERT HALE and CURT CHAPMAN leading the way, WILDFIRE is burning a path straight to the top. The band has many years of musical and performance experience and has proved it's longevity in a competitive market with their solo recordings and chart topping songs such as, "LORD KNOWS I’M DRINKING ". WILDFIRE has three CD's on BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED'S TOP 10.

WILDFIRE reaches into bluegrass and country's rich traditional catalog; having recorded songs by such diverse songwriters from Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, and The Stanley Brothers to James Taylor, Harley Allen, and Keith Urban. Their divine music and talented songwriting has set them apart from other bands. Individually, they are considered some of the greatest performers in the business. Together the band originates sparks that reminds the listener of their passion for bluegrass music.

WILDFIRE has performed on the GRAND OLE OPRY, was DOLLYWOOD'S 1 outside performing act, and has had IBMA AWARDS and NOMINATIONS. They definitely don't hold back when it comes to pouring their heart and soul into their music. Their artistic spontaneity and driving arrangements create a sensation that is unmatched. When you mix their original songs and telling ballads with their complete dedication and love for their music, you're sure to take a journey that will spur a sense of emotion and excite the soul. WILDFIRE promises a powerful show that will surely please everyone from traditional bluegrass lovers to the contemporary young fans of today.

Chart Hits include: “Can’t Have One Without The Other”, “Lord Knows I’m Drinking”, “The Last Song”, “Rough Edges”, “Maria (Love To See You Again)”, “I Beg You Little Darling Not To Cry”.


Discography:
Rattle Of The Chains; Pinecastle Records; September 2005
Where Roads Divide; Pinecastle Records; April 2003
Uncontained; Pinecastle Records; August 2001


..Profile modified by:The CricketSoda Myspace Profile Editor

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Members:

~ROBERT HALE~
Guitar/ Vocals

Bluegrass recording artist ROBERT HALE originates from Jolo, WV. He began his career in music at the youthful age of nine. He started by playing the mandolin full-time in his father's band CLAYTON HALE & the BLUEGRASS MOUNTAINEERS. By performing weekly television shows on WOAY and countless festivals promoted by his father, ROBERT was exposed to numerous luminaries of the bluegrass industry from an early age. Some of the artists he had the monumental pleasure of playing with included BILL MONROE, RALPH STANLEY and DON RENO.

Subsequently, ROBERT experienced the splendor of the GRAND OLE OPRY when BILL MONROE invited him to be a guest at the age of eleven. After graduating high school, he joined DALE and DON WAYNE, who are better known as the RENO BROTHERS. Soon following the RENO BROTHERS, ROBERT had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of one of his main influences, KEITH WHITLEY, when he joined J.D. CROWE in the 80's. After his stint with J.D. CROWE as lead singer and lead guitarist, ROBERT formed the band LIVEWIRE with fellow band mates ERNIE SYKES, SCOTT VESTAL and WAYNE BENSON. Together they recorded the electrifying album titled WIRED on ROUNDER RECORDS. LIVEWIRE would eventually come to be known as "one of the most influential bands of the 90's". Also in the late 90's, ROBERT performed with EDDIE and MARTHA ADCOCK, singing harmony vocals and playing the mandolin. For all karaoke lovers, ROBERT’S talents can be heard on over 300 tracks he recorded for CHARTBUSTERS in Seymour, TN. In 2000, ROBERT united with CURT CHAPMAN and together they formed and currently lead the nationally known band WILDFIRE. ROBERT’S engaging performances landed him at DOLLYWOOD where he received an invitation by DOLLY PARTON to record on two of her albums: HALO'S AND HORNS and "perhaps the most controversial album of DOLLY'S career" FOR GOD AND COUNTRY. In addition to DOLLY'S albums, ROBERT can be heard providing harmony vocals and guitar on DOLLY'S two videos “I’M GONE” and “WELCOME HOME” featured on CMT and GAC.

The accomplished musician is without a doubt a multi-talented artist. Not only does he have equivalent technique when it comes to playing all string instruments whether it be the mandolin, guitar (acoustic and lead) or banjo, he also specializes in a variety of styles ranging from bluegrass to country to even a little rock and roll. Combining his unforgettable vocals, distinctive instrumental style and admirable songwriting skills, ROBERT HALE is raving bluegrass and its audience of today!

~CURT CHAPMAN~
Upright Bass

A resident of Richmond, KY CURT CHAPMAN began playing bass at the tender age of 13. Formerly raised in Nashville, TN CURT debuted with COUNTRY OPRY COMEDIAN COUSIN WILBURN WESTBROOK. He obtained his first opportunities commuting down the eastern seaboard entertaining Air Force bases and NCO clubs. CURT’S style of music widely ranges from rock and roll, blues, country, to bluegrass.

For more than five years CURT performed with CHARTED COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH LOGAN. Later, he provided the band SOUTHERN BLEND with his accomplished artistic skills. He then devoted 15 years with a MASTER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC J.D. CROWE. CURT recorded and co-wrote two songs "WAITING FOR YOU" and CHARTED 1 "STILL LOVES THIS MAN" on the album FLASHBACK which was GRAMMY NOMINATED for COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR and ALBUM OF THE YEAR. CURT also participated on the highly acclaimed album COME ON DOWN TO MY WORLD. He joined with ROBERT HALE in 2000 to form the "SMOKIN' HOT BLUEGRASS" band WILDFIRE.

CURT CHAMPMAN is a noted talent and a loyal musician. He defines music at its very best!

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