Pinecastle Records has announced February 10, 2015 as the release date for Pray For Rain, the second CD project from Blue Mafia, and their first for the North Carolina-based label.
The Indiana band is anchored by the picking and singing of Dara and Tony Wray, a husband/wife team loaded with talent. Tony is a very strong bluegrass guitarist, of the sort that can carry a band on his back, and Dara is a fine singer and songwriter who plays mandolin.
They are joined by an equally skillful ensemble. Mike Gregory plays bass, and Cody Looper banjo, with Kent Todd handling fiddle and lead vocals. All had many years of bluegrass experience before joining up with Blue Mafia in 2011.
Dara told us earlier this afternoon that a single is due to be released before the end of the year, but that they haven’t finally decided on which track. There will 13 songs included, one being a banjo tune from Cody, and three from Dara, along with a Tom T. and Dixie Hall number that is special to the Wrays.
“The Tom T. and Dixie song was pretty fun for me. I worked for them a few years back, and Tony and I actually recorded the demo for them while working there. I’ve always loved the song, and was very happy to include it.”
The album will also contain what is sure to be a big song for the band, one Kent sings called He’s In Control. Blue Mafia’s performance of this one was recorded on video from a live set on The Bluegrass Connection radio program late in 2013.
Dara says that after the video got some exposure online, Pinecastle reached out to the band, ultimately leading to them signing with the label. Yeah… it’s that strong.
Nashville folks have to chance them live this Friday when they have a Halloween show at The Station Inn. Costumes are optional. The show starts at 9:00.
