Here’s a bluegrass riddle for you: how do you change three pickers in your lineup, with only one new member? Blue Moon Rising has pulled off this amazing switcheroo with an announcement this morning.
OK… I may have overdramatized things just a bit. The first switch is not really a change at all. Rusty Ferrell has been “filling in” with the band on banjo for most of 2012, and BMR bandleader/guitarist Chris West is now pleased to define Rusty’s role as that of a full time member.
The second change is that mandolinist and vocalist Brandon Bostic is moving to a more supportive role, playing resonator guitar. Various new demands on his time have made it more of a challenge to make all the shows and, not wanting to be an occasionally absent lead singer, he and Chris worked out an arrangement that allows Brandon to stay in the group.
As Brandon tells it…
“I have enjoyed my time with Blue Moon Rising, but I found myself ready for a change. My recent marriage, the formation of The Likely Culprits, and an increase in business with my recording studio (Root Note Studios), had lead me to reevaluate my position in the band.
I am very excited about the lineup changes and I am looking forward to the coming year!”
So that leaves the mandolin spot open, and having West the sole lead singer in a group that has showcased two since their inception. What to do?
This was an easy choice as well, and it only took a single call.
Current bassist Tony Mowell is also a strong singer, and readily agreed to pick up Brandon’s role. And he just happened to have a younger, mandolin-playing brother, David, who recently graduated from the bluegrass program at ETSU, with a joint major in marketing.
West says that bringing a second Mowell in was a simple choice.
“David brings a lot to the table, he is a terrific mando player, good harmony singer, and brings another writer to the band. Over the last couple of years he has filled in on some dates and done an outstanding job, so the fit seemed perfect.”
The newly-reconstitued Blue Moon Rising will be recording this Winter, with a new look and a new album for the 2013 season.
