C.F. Bailey & Shadow Ridge on Best of Bluegrass

This report comes from Bob Mitchell, host of Best of Bluegrass on WCHQ in Louisville, KY. He is one of the reporting radio hosts for our Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart. Look for this show to be broadcast in the next few weeks.

C.F. Bailey & Shadow Ridge stopped by Best of Bluegrass last weekend. Formed in 2001, this five-piece band from East Tennessee specializes in solid hard-driving traditional and Gospel bluegrass. They are one of numerous unsung bands that has enjoyed success by sticking to the original sounds established in the 1950s. It’s a sound Bailey says, “Is the high lonesome sound as it is meant to be heard.”

The band performed at the 13^th annual Bluegrass 101 festival in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Between their 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. concerts, they hopped on I-65 and drove to Louisville to appear on my program, roughly 30 minutes each way. Such is the dedication of many bluegrass artists.

Band members include C. F. Bailey (lead vocals & guitar), Johnny Siler (banjo), Travis Sutton (bass), and Jonathon O’Neal (mandolin). The band has released 5 albums and C.F. Bailey also recorded an album with Monroe Fields.

Here are a few photos of Shadow Ridge at the radio station and at the festival. Looks like “C.F.” had a good time as he danced to the music of David Davis and the Warrior River Boys. The 2016 festival season is drawing to a close, so, if possible, get to a festival near you and support live bluegrass.