We had a chance to catch up this morning with notorious flatpicker Clay Hess, guitarist with Sierra Hull & Highway 111.
The band is off right now for the holidays, but will be back at it starting January 20 in New Castle, VA and DC’s Kennedy Center on the 22nd.
But Clay says he hasn’t been idle in his down time…
“I have been doing some recording over the winter, working on projects for several people including some new REALLY talented singers. Israel Crawford, Jesse Gregory and Scott Holstein are people to be looking out for.”
He is also putting finishing touches on a solo project of his own, and has recently launched a new web site that offers downloadable lessons and information about private Skype instruction online.
The Hess CD will include studio performances from Ron Block, Adam Steffey, Sierra Hull, Tim Crouch, Aaron Ramsey, Cory Walker, Jerry Salley, Austin Wilder, and Jesse Gregory. Clay plays guitar and sings on the project, which was co-produced by he and Randy Kohrs.
On top of all that, Clay is teaming up with Rick Hayes to open a recording studio and label in the Cincinnati area. He says that they will offer everything from jingles and demos to full album production.
Rick also built the signature model dreadnaught guitar that Clay uses on stage and in the studio.
You can keep up with Clay’s comings and goings at his new site: www.clayhess.com.
2011 looks to be a busy one for Sierra and crew, with her 2nd Rounder album, Daybreak, due out in the Spring, and heavy touring anticipated throughout the year. And they are auditioning banjo players early next month. Never a dull moment in the exciting and highly profitable world of bluegrass music!
