Adkins & Loudermilk Branching Out

Adkins & LoudermilkPromoters will have an unusual choice in 2016: They can book Adkins & Loudermilk or they can book Adkins or Loudermilk.

Both Dave Adkins and Edgar Loudermilk will release solo albums early next year, and will book their bands as well as the duo.

“We’re both just stretching our legs a bit,” Loudermilk said. His unit will tour as the Edgar Loudermilk Band featuring Jeff Autry, who also plays with Adkins & Loudermilk. Loudermilk, already well into the recording process, said fans can expect to hear more instrumentals and “some swing influence.”

Adkins heads into the studio in early November. “I’ve got some really cool material,” he said. “I’m excited.”

Loudermilk’s project should be ready for release in the first quarter of the year. Adkins’ CD won’t be far behind, if at all, a timing that’s sure to spawn a good-natured competition between the two front men.

In the meantime, their debut album and several cuts are holding steady on the charts and will bridge the gap until the solo material is sent to DJs. Dave will also be teaming up with Larry Cordle on a project about the Hatfields and McCoys.

Both artists stress that the solo bands are meant to supplement Adkins & Loudermilk, not supplant it. The current plan is for a new duo record in 2017.

Meanwhile, Loudermilk said, budget-minded promoters who can’t pay the Adkins & Loudermilk fee can book one of the solo acts at a reduced rate.

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About the Author

David Morris

David Morris, an award-winning songwriter and journalist, has written for Bluegrass Today since its inception. He joined its predecessor, The Bluegrass Blog, in 2010. His 40-year career in journalism included more than 13 years with The Associated Press, a stint as chief White House correspondent for Bloomberg News, and several top editing jobs in Washington, D.C. He is a life member of IBMA and the DC Bluegrass Union. He and co-writers won the bluegrass category in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in 2015.