New faces with Cumberland Gap Connection

Cumberland Gap Connection has two new members: John Messer on mandolin and Albon Clevinger on fiddle, both of Kermit, WV.

They join Mike Bentley on guitar and lead vocals, Rod Smith on banjo and Bryan Russell on bass. A debut album, A Whole Lotta Lonesome, was released in January, 2011 on Kindred Records.

It’s a terrific project, noteworthy for several reasons, most particularly their tight, driving sound, Bentley’s strong voice and the band’s vocal harmony, and the fresh material they’ve chosen. Check ’em out online.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.