Following the loss of two founding members at the end of 2013, American Drive has announced today the addition of Adam McIntosh on guitar and Shayne Bartley on banjo.
Both are veteran bluegrass performers and are proud to become part of an outfit that traces its roots directly to the fabled J.D. Crowe & the New South. The original version of the band had been formed when Crowe retired at the end of 2012, and American Drive was born, with Josh Hymer in the banjo spot.
Mandolinist Dwight McCall says that Adam and Shayne not only fill their positions admirably, they offer some new opportunities to American Drive.
“We took our time to find the right combination before making our decision. In addition to being talented musicians these guys are also accustomed to the rigors of the road. They are both multi instrumentalists and quality singers that will allow us to enjoy even greater flexibility moving forward.”
McIntosh had previously worked with Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, and after leaving the band to pursue a more stable career for his family a year ago, has found that he misses playing music at a high level.
“At the moment I realized it was time to begin performing again, God opened a door that led me to playing in an amazing band with guys that I’ve respected for a long time. I am truly blessed and very excited to hammer out some good driving bluegrass with them.”
Prior to working with Mullins, Adam had toured with Dry Branch Fire Squad.
Shayne has had a long career in bluegrass, working at various times with Charlie Sizemore, Lost and Found, Karl Shiflett, David Peterson, Dave Evans, and Beachley and Scott. He is proficient at a professional level on banjo, guitar, and mandolin, and says that he was ready to go even before he joined the band.
“After filling in with American Drive last summer I knew this was the right fit for what I wanted to play on the banjo. I have been a huge J.D. Crowe and The New South fan over the years, so to essentially step into the spot vacated by J.D. is an honor.”
The “new guys” will be working with McCall on mandolin, Matt Despain on reso-guitar, and Kyle Perkins on bass.
You can follow American Drive online.
