James Kee, founding guitarist, vocalist and a chief songwriter with East Nash Grass, has announced his intention to leave the group at the end of April.
People who have followed the band this past ten years have never known them without him, and he will be a tough piece to replace. Just as they are finally getting some traction makes it especially hard.
Kee shared his thinking in a note to fans.
“For nearly a decade East Nash Grass has been my musical home. Lots of folks have come and gone, but three other individuals have made it our brand. Maddie Denton, Cory Walker, and Harry Clark have become my musical brethren and accolades just won’t suffice how strongly I feel about them and what we’ve accomplished together.
I’m immensely proud of this band, but I will be stepping away from the stage to spend more time with my wife, family, and in Nashville. Gratefully, I will still be working with ENG behind the scenes, and I know that this band is moving on to incredible things. I want to say thanks to our fans who came to shows and those who listened. Thank you to my bandmates who went out on a limb with me to make something different together; I could not have done it without you and you each mean more to me than words could ever say.
I want all the folks who have come to know us to keep following us for that same brand of music we’ve provided and to believe we are building a musical institution committed to a great show and the best music we are capable of. I would love to see y’all at any of the remaining shows we have through April.”
Cory, Maddie, and Harry likewise shared their thoughts.
“For those of you that have followed ENG since the beginning (and even if you haven’t), you know that James Kee has been the backbone of this band, and of this entire organization. In fact, many of you have expressed hesitancy in bringing your wives to shows for fear that our beloved, buttery-voiced, smooth crooning guitarist might just sweep your ladies right off their feet!
It is with love in our hearts and tremendous gratitude for his endless contributions, that we announce the departure of our dear friend James from touring with East Nash Grass. Fortunately for us, he will still be involved with ENG, but we will miss his character, steadfastness, his laugh that fills up a room, his musicianship, creativity, and his unwavering companionship and optimism.
We love you, James, and we wouldn’t be here without you!”
All things must change, as the aphorist says, and we will all miss James with East Nash Grass.
He promises to keep us updated with his next musical adventure, and we look forward to his ensuing chapter.
No word yet on who will be stepping into his shoes with the band.
