Branded Bluegrass Archives - Bluegrass Today

Man Who Never Plowed video from Branded Bluegrass

Bell Buckle Records has a new music video this week for Branded Bluegrass, taken from one of the songs on their current project, Somebody’s Child.

The Indiana-based bluegrass group includes Larry Norfleet on guitar, his brother, Jesse, on banjo and res0-guitar, Jesse’s son, Tristen, on mandolin, and Mike Martin on bass.

The single is one written by Trey Ward called Man Who Never Plowed, on which Tristen sings the lead. He has only been Branded Bluegrass a short time, and says that the whole band is delighted to finally have new music to share after a long wait.

“The album has been in the works for eternity, but anything worth recording takes time and thought. It was released after five years since their last project, Most Welcome. I can’t explain how excited we are to release new music.”

Valerie Smith of Bell Buckle Records shot and edited the video near her home in Bell Buckle, TN, assisted by her daughter, Josie. Though they are not pictured in the video, the track features fiddle from Michael Cleveland and harmony vocals from Tony Wray.

Man Who Never Plowed is available now as a single from popular download and streaming sites online. Radio programmers can get the track via AirPlay Direct.

The full Somebody’s Child album can also be found from digital resellers online, or from the band directly as either a download or CD.

Somebody’s Child – latest from Branded Bluegrass

Indiana’s Branded Bluegrass has finally released their latest full-length CD for Bell Buckle Records, after nearly five years of work. Titled Somebody’s Child, it includes a dozen tracks of new bluegrass music from today’s top bluegrass writers.

Two singles from the record have been popular on bluegrass radio, and we are highlighting the title track today, an eerie song written by Ed Williams. It’s a story of revenge told by a man who exacts his vengeance over the murder of his son by shooting the killer. As the song goes along the narrator recognizes his guilt, and his likely punishment, but justifies his actions by saying that “somewhere somebody’s child is safe tonight.”

It’s sung by guitarist, Larry Norfleet, supported by his brother, Jesse, on banjo, and Larry’s son, Tristen on mandolin, with Mike Martin on bass. Michael Cleveland supplies the fiddle on the whole album.

Here’s a teaser…

The album, Somebody’s Child, is available now wherever you stream or download music online, and on CD directly from the band.

Branded Bluegrass to Bell Buckle Records, with new single

Branded Bluegrass with Valerie Smith of Bell Buckle Records

Bell Buckle Records has announced the signing of Indiana’s Branded Bluegrass to the label, with a new single and video arriving with the news.

The band is headed by guitarist and vocalist Larry Norfleet, and has been performing for several years in the central US. A number of their previous releases have found favor with bluegrass fans, including this year’s When Charlie Dreams, whose video was honored by the Telly Awards in June. Clayborn Studios, who filmed and edited the video, and Branded Bluegrass were named as Silver Award winners in the Non-Broadcast division of the General-Music category.

Larry and the guys have spent much of 2020 in the studio, completing their second album, which Valerie Smith of Bell Buckle Records says she was happy to snap up.

“It is a pleasure to have Branded Bluegrass on the Bell Buckle Records label. They add a new breath of fresh air in how they present their own style of bluegrass with energy and enthusiasm. They are the best to work with, and it’s always a joy to listen to their music.”

A single from this next album, Mama’s Kitchen Table, is now available. Written by Tim Morgan and Steve Dean, it tells of a humble wooden table that became the focus of family activity in a simple home, with precious memories associated with everyone gathered around stored in a whole family’s recollections.

Branded Bluegrass is a family affair, with Larry on guitar, supported by his brother, Jesse Norfleet, on banjo, his son, Tristen Norfleet, on mandolin, Michael Martin on bass. For the new single, Indiana’s own Michael Cleveland is on fiddle. Tony Wray provides vocal harmony.

Larry says that the whole group loved this song right away.

“From the first time we listened to the demo of Mama’s Kitchen Table, we knew this was a song that we wanted to record. It brought back so many memories from growing up. Memories of Sunday dinners with family, homework, and many late nights with board games and dominoes. Those times seem to be a thing of the past, and family time at the kitchen table just ain’t what it used to be. We hope this song touches others the way it did us and just maybe spark those memories up, so Mama’s Kitchen Table will be the family gathering place once more. Thanks for listening!”

Valerie Smith shot and edited the video, filmed at Greystone Farm near her home in Bell Buckle, TN.

Mama’s Kitchen Table is available now wherever you stream or download music online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.

When Charlie Dreams wins big at the 2020 Telly Awards

The video for When Charlie Dreams was a big hit with bluegrass lovers when it was released by Branded Bluegrass back in March. It was a great help to the band, generating a response that has helped put them on the map.

Written by David Stewart and Brice Long, the song tells the story of Charlie, a true life cowboy and rodeo writer known to the two of them. Performed by the band as a ballad, sung by guitarist Larry Norfleet, Charlie’s story unfolds on screen mixing footage of Branded Bluegrass set against some striking outdoor winter scenes.

And now the video has been recognized at the 2020 Telly Awards, winning both Silver and Bronze trophies during the ceremony in late May. Clayborn Studios, who filmed and edited the video, and Branded Bluegrass were named as Silver Award winners in the Non-Broadcast division of the General-Music category. A Bronze Award was given to Clayborn Studios and Wilson Pickins Productions, who oversaw the shoot, in the Non-Broadcast division for Craft Sound/Sound Design.

This was the 41st edition of The Telly Awards, given to honor video and television producers across all screens and types, including television programming of all kinds, advertising products, training films, live performance, and music. The awards primarily recognize excellence in the technical aspects of film and video, and have grown over the years to include a staggering number of categories.

Here’s another look at the video.

Well done Branded Bluegrass, Clayborn Studios, and Wilson Pickins Productions!

Bluegrass videographers should be submitting their work for consideration by The Telly Awards, at least until the IBMA begins to recognize music videos in their annual awards.

When Charlie Dreams video from Branded Bluegrass

Back in January we premiered the current single from Branded Bluegrass, When Charlie Dreams.

It’s a true story about a true life cowboy, written by David Stewart and Brice Long.

Now the guys have a music video to go along with the track, which finds them performing the song, set against real cowpokes going about their work.

When Charlie Dreams is available now in iTunes, and to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct.

True to the central Indiana band’s name, the song carries a cowboy theme. When Charlie Dreams is a true story written by David Stewart and Brice Long about a real-life cowpoke, a rough-and-tumble steer wrangler and rodeo writer known to Stewart.

Track Premiere: When Charlie Dreams from Branded Bluegrass

Branded Bluegrass has released a new single to bluegrass radio in advance of its independent retail release in mid-February.

Guitarist and lead singer Larry Norfleet says that the song is a natural for the band.

“When Charlie Dreams is an emotion al tribute song, a true story of a man loved by his community and family. When it was brought to us by the songwriter, Davide Stewart, we knew we had to cut it. We hope you enjoy this journey with ‘Charlie.'”

Larry is joined by Tristen Norfleet on mandolin, Jesse Norfleet on banjo, and Mike Martin on bass. Guest vocalist on this track is Shawn Lane, with Michael Cleveland on fiddle.

Radio programmers can get When Charlie Dreams now at AirPlay Direct. It will be available on popular download and streaming services in about two weeks.

Gil Benson to Branded Bluegrass

Central Indiana’s Branded Bluegrass has announced that Gil Benson has joined the band on fiddle. In truth, it’s more that they have made it official, as Gil has been performing with the band for several months now, and as their primary fill in fiddler for the past two years.

It was pretty close to decided when Benson tracked fiddle with the group for their 2016 album, Most Welcome, and when Gil garnered a SPBGMA nomination for best fiddler this year based on that record.

But he says he didn’t face the question squarely until band leader Larry Norfleet put it to him directly last month.

“I’ve been filling in on fiddle with Branded Bluegrass for nearly two years for gigs that Albert Swain couldn’t make. When Larry asked me to step in full time this past February at SPBGMA, I thought it was the right time to commit to their group. They’re (Larry, Jesse, Mike, Tristen) a fun group of fellas that bring a lot of energy and laughs every time we get together. I look forward to playing music with these guys each and every time out.”

Branded Bluegrass consists of Larry Norfleet on guitar, his brother Jesse on banjo, Jesse’s son Tristen on mandolin, and Mike Martin on bass with Gil on fiddle.

You can keep up with their comings and goings online.

Most Welcome – Branded Bluegrass

Wilson Pickins Promotions has been adding bands to its roster like wildfire throughout 2016, creating a lineup of up-and-coming groups whose sound falls mostly in the modern traditional vein. Branded Bluegrass signed on with Wilson Pickins earlier this year, just in time for the release of the band’s second album, Most Welcome. Produced by Clay Hess, the record offers up a mixture of original songs from guitar player Larry Norfleet alongside bluegrass and country covers.

The album opens with one of Larry’s songs, the banjo-heavy Ramblin’ Boy Blues. A working man’s wish for a little more time to do things he enjoys, it’s a nice introduction to the band and their traditional-leaning sound. Also from Larry’s pen is Come Back Little Darlin’, a mid-tempo number that’s a nice stylistic homage to bluegrass standards. Larry sings lead here, as well, with an earnest pleading in his voice as he as hopes for reconciliation with the woman he loves. Another original, Judgment Day, is one of the album’s highlights, with its dark feel and stark arrangement punctuated by Jesse Norfleet’s dobro and traditional mandolin from Tristen Norfleet. It’s a Gospel song with a slightly different flavor than what you hear on most bluegrass albums, reminding listeners that we shouldn’t judge others based on their outward appearance.

Of the covers, one of the best is perhaps also one of the most unlikely. Country artist Clay Walker took If I Could Make a Living Out Of Loving You to number one in 1994; his version is fun nineties novelty country. Branded Bluegrass transforms it into a strong, upbeat bluegrass song with bouncy banjo from Derek Dillman. I would have never really picked this song as one that would transfer well to bluegrass, but it does, and is probably very enjoyable live. Also a bit unexpected is All I Have to Do is Dream, made famous by the Everly Brothers and written by Boudleaux Bryant. The vocals are soft and serene, reminiscent of the original, but they’re set to a more progressive sound than most of the rest of the album, thanks to Jesse’s banjo playing. It’s not 1-4-5 drive by any means, but it’s a neat updating of the song.

Many bluegrass fans will recognize Dream of Me, perhaps from Vern Gosdin’s 1980s recording, or Josh Williams’ more recent bluegrass version. Branded Bluegrass sticks pretty close to Williams’ arrangement, though they’ve sped it up just a bit. It’s a well-written love song with sincere lead vocals from Larry. Tristen provides lead on Vince Gill’s All Prayed Up, a solid traditional bluegrass Gospel cut. This is the only four-part harmony on the album, and the band members’ voices mix well, sounding especially strong on the a capella chorus at the end of the song. Guest Gil Benson gives the song a little extra sparkle with his fiddle.

With Most Welcome, listeners are given a taste of a group that seemingly has a strong respect for traditional bluegrass but isn’t afraid to mix it up a little when the feeling strikes them. Larry Norfleet (guitar and mandolin), Tristen Norfleet (mandolin, bass, guitar), Jesse Norfleet (dobro, banjo), Derek Dillman (banjo), and Mike Martin (bass) obviously enjoy what they do here, and fans of modern traditional grass most likely will, as well.

For more information on Branded Bluegrass, visit them online at www.brandedbluegrass.com. Their new album is available from several online music retailers.

Tippecanoe & Bluegrass Too debuts in Indiana

A brand new bluegrass festival debuted this past Saturday, July 2nd, at Exploration Acres in Lafayette, IN. Tippecanoe & Bluegrass Too held it’s very first event on the grounds of Exploration Acres, a corn maze and u-pick pumpkin patch that operates mid September through October, now approaching its 9th season.

Steve Jackson, event organizer, approached Tim Fitzgerald, Exploration Acres owner, last Fall about considering the idea of hosting a bluegrass event on the grounds. After considerable thought and discussion, the idea became a reality.

Jackson offered this brief report…

“With lots of hard work and planning we held our inaugural festival this past weekend. We wanted to help celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial this year, so we decided to use only Indiana bluegrass bands. Our headliner band was Blue Mafia (Eaton, IN) and we filled out the rest of line up with Branded Bluegrass (Kokomo, IN), The New Balance Bluegrass Band (southeastern, IN) and Cumberland Gap (Muncie, IN).

We weren’t really sure what to expect this first year, but were more than pleased when the attendance numbers came in at around 600! With the support of sponsors and vendors, we were able to turn this into a very successful event. We will work on a few minor glitches, but overall most everyone was very happy and excited about our event and plans are already in the works for another one next year.”