The Bluegrass Brothers, super hard-driving traditionalists from Catawba, VA, will have a new look for 2017. Well, actually… it’s more a return to an older look for the group.
John Simmons, who had been playing guitar and singing with the Brothers, had to give up his spot due to conflicting demands at his day job. Chris Hart, who plays reso-guitar with the band, tells us that they are sorry to see him go.
“The band thanks and appreciates the contributions John made to our shows and latest recording, Lonesome Mountain Soul. We wish John the best and will miss him.”
Taking Simmons’ position will be Steve Dowdy, who had been a part of the band for some time. He is, in fact, part of the second generation of bluegrass brothers that gave the group its name. Steve’s brother, Donald, plays mandolin and their dad, Victor, is the bass player and band leader, who started the Bluegrass Brothers with his brother, Robert, some years ago.
The group also has the distinction of having two left-handed instrumentalists on stage. Both Donald and banjo picker, Jamie Sparks, play wrong-handed giving their show an interesting visual vibe.
But it’s the mountain-inflected singing that has won these boys a loyal fan base, with Victor, Donald, and Steve all adding their voices to the mix.
Here’s video of the Brothers from the last time Steve was with them.
You can keep up with The Bluegrass Brothers online. Their 2017 tour schedule will be posted there shortly.
