String Therapy, a modern grass outfit in Lancaster, OH, has announced the addition of Brandon Shuping on mandolin.
Brandon was born into bluegrass, as the son of Garland Shuping, who played banjo for Jim & Jesse before starting Wild Country, which also featured his mom, Elaine, as a vocalist. He began his own bluegrass career with his parents’ band while still a teen, and has since toured with James King, Ernie Thacker & Route 23, The Bluegrass Strangers, Rarely Herd, and Jim & Valerie Gabeheart.
Until bringing Brandon on board, the group had been in a quasi-inactive status following the death of their founder, Jim Reed, at only 47 years old in January of 2014.
String Therapy bass player Josh Click says that Brandon has had big shows to fill.
“It’s been tough trying to replace Jim Reed, who can’t ever really be replaced. His memory will always part of the band, but Brandon is a great fit for the band and we are excited to have him on board.”
In addition to Click and Shuping, String Therapy consists of Dave Bond on guitar, Bob Kelley on reso-guitar, and Todd Sams on banjo.
You can keep track of the group on Facebook.
