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.