West Virginia’s Crandall Creek is back with a new single, Court’n Katie, a somber mountain ballad with distinct overtones of foul play.
Greg Blake of Special Consensus, who recently collaborated with Crandall Creek for a duet on Lazy Sunday, offered high praise for this latest release, written by guitarist Jerry Andrews and vocalist Carly Greer.
“The haunting new single, Court’n Katie, by Crandall Creek, is another fine example of the band’s skill in collaborative writing, spearheaded by Jerry Andrews and the ability of their lead singer, Carly Greer, to make you stop whatever you’re doing and listen all the way to the end of the ballad, and leave you wanting more. This new offering from the band is a welcome addition to the category of Appalachian dark ballads depicting the hard life of the mountain folk.”
Performing on the track are Crandall Creekers Andrews on guitar, Greer on vocal, and Dustin Terpenning on banjo, with guests Andy Leftwich on fiddle, mandolin, and lead guitar, and Darin Vincent on bass.
Give it a listen…
Court’n Katie is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
Crandall Creek has released a new single today, along with a video where they discuss and demonstrate the process by which they go from a concept to a finished song.
Less Or More is the title of the new song, written within the band by Jerry Andrews, Kathy Wigman Lesnock, Carly Greer, and Dustin Terpenning. Watch how they work together to create it in this mini-documentary they call How An Idea Becomes A Song.
And here’s the finished product, with Carly singing lead, and support coming from Jerry on guitar, and Dustin on banjo. Andy Leftwich adds fiddle, mandolin, and lead guitar, and Darin Vincent is on bass. Kathy sings the harmony vocals.
Check it out.
Less Or More is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
Here’s a nice coincidence for you. West Virginia’s Crandall Creek has two new singles released this fall, and they picked up two trophies over the weekend at the 2024 Josie Music Awards Show in Nashville. These annual honors are presented to independent artists who submit to be judged by a panel of music industry professionals, and unlike many similar organizations, there is no cost to participate.
Dozens of awards were given on October 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House, and while bluegrass didn’t represent the bulk of the honorees, it did get a considerable amount of stage time.
Crandall Creek won awards in two categories, Group of the Year (Bluegrass) and Music Video of the Year for their song, Just 18. Founder Jerry Andrews, along with vocalist Carly Greer and banjo man Dustin Terpenning were on hand to accept.
So with laurels in hand, let’s look at the band’s two new singles before we dive into other grassers who won at the Josies.
First up is Color Me Blue, written by Jerry Andrews and co-founder Kathy Wigman. It’s a swingy bluegrass number sung by Greer, with Jerry on guitar, and Dustin on banjo, along with guests Andy Leftwich on mandolin and fiddle, and Darrin Vincent on bass.
Also new this month is a gospel track which Jerry wrote called Little White Church, recorded with the same personnel.
Also getting nods from the Josie Music Awards were:
John McEuen received a Musician’s Lifetime Career Award
William Goodwin won for Vocalist of the Year Bluegrass
Jonathan Goodwin won for Vocalist of the Year Christian/Gospel/Inspirational Male
Randall Franks won for Musician of the Year Violin/Fiddle
Edgar Loudermilk won for Musician of the Year Bass/Upright Bass
Daniel Grindstaff won for Musician of the Year Banjo
John Dennie won for Song of the Year – Bluegrass with The Legend of Cooter Brown
Congratulations and well done all!
Remember, you can’t win if you don’t enter. More information on the Josie Music Awards can be found online.
The Bluegrass Endeavors Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization managed by the members of Crandall Creek, announced this week that Lillyanne McCool of Mountain View, AR is the recipient of the 2024 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship. McCool, a student at the College of the Ozarks in Hollister, MO, will receive $5,000 to assist in the costs of attending nursing school there.
This annual scholarship, created in 2022 to honor the memory of the late bluegrass singer and songwriter, Steve Gulley, is given to a college student who best represents the future of bluegrass music. Lillyanne is a banjo player and vocalist who has been involved in the music since early childhood. At age 15, she won the National Old Time Banjo Grand Championship, and currently performs with Sylamore Special, who won the SPBGMA Band Championship this year in Nashville.
We lost Steve tragically in August of 2020 to an aggressive form of cancer. Prior to that sad day, he had been a dedicated bluegrass entertainer who played with a number of prominent acts. Gulley was a founding member of both Mountain Heart and Grasstowne, who had toured and recorded previously with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. His early training came as a regular member of the cast at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, and he finished his career leading his own band, Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle.
Lillyanne had been lucky enough to meet Steve prior to his untimely passing, and was a big fan of his music.
“He was such a wonderful person. Mom and I both loved him.”
In accepting the award at The Station Inn on August 21, she expressed her extreme gratitude.
“You don’t know how much of a blessing this is. I was surprised and thankful beyond possibility. Thank you so much.”
The presentation was made during Crandall Creek’s Nashville show on Wednesday by Jerry Andrews, guitarist with the band, Bruce Winges of the Foundation, and Debbie Gulley, Steve’s widow. McCool was also invited to sing a song with Crandall Creek on stage.
Andrews reports that it was a lovely evening.
“We were thrilled to have Lillyanne perform with us. Additionally, Debbie Gulley sang a beautiful Alison Krauss song. We had a wonderful and special night and appreciated everyone that joined us for this memorable event.”
Though she will pursue a career in nursing, Lillyanne will also maintain her love and interest in music.
“I want to continue teaching bluegrass music at camps and in schools, to hopefully inspire future generations to love and to play bluegrass music.”
She is adept at both three finger and old time banjo styles. Here she is with her Sylamore Special bandmate, Mary Parker, in a video they posted on January 8, 2024.
And with the full band earlier this summer.
Congratulations to Lillyanne McCool, and hats off to Crandall Creek for all their charitable endeavors!
Crandall Creek’s latest single is available, along with a music video of the song, Lazy Sunday, written by founding CC guitarist Jerry Andrews.
It’s sung by Crandall Creek’s primary vocalist Carly Greer, alongside Greg Blake, who is emerging as among the most satisfying and soulful male vocalists in bluegrass. Lazy Sunday is a slice of life story about taking advantage of a free day to relax, spend time at church, and with family and friends.
Greg, who currently plays guitar and sings with Special Consensus, described how he became involved in this track.
“I ran into fellow West Virginian, Jerry Andrews, at International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina a few years back and we became fast friends. Over this time, I’ve watched and listened, and I’m really impressed with Jerry’s songwriting, and the growth of Crandall Creek through its various iterations.
When I heard their current lead vocalist, Carly Greer, I heard a quality in her tone and an ability to deliver a lyrical phrase that really resonated with me. So, I called up Jerry and asked if he wanted to do something together, and he wrote a great song that gives Carly and I a chance to collaborate. I hope the fans enjoy it.”
Behind Carly and Greg are Crandall Creek banjo player Dustin Trepanning and Andrews on guitar, as well as studio guests Andy Leftwich on mandolin, guitar, and fiddle and Darrin Vincent on bass.
The video perfectly captures the spirit of the song, filmed at Jerry’s mountain cabin in Moundsville, WV. He says that the whole thing was a hoot.
“We had so much fun shooting the music video for Lazy Sunday. Greg Blake has a wonderful sense of humor, and the video was a lot of fun to make. Watch for a blooper video coming soon.”
Have a look/listen…
Lazy Sunday is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers at AirPlay Direct.
The Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation is now accepting applications for their 2024 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to a college student who best represents the future of bluegrass music.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization funded by and associated with the bluegrass band, Crandall Creek. From the time of their formation, Crandall Creek has set aside a portion of all proceeds from their performances and recordings for charitable causes. They set up this scholarship last year to honor the memory of Steve Gulley, a life-long bluegrass singer, songwriter, and bandleader who died from pancreatic cancer in 2020 at 57 years of age.
The initial recipient of the Gulley Scholarship in 2023 was Maddie Murray, a fiddler and student at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. In addition to her studies, Maddie performs with Lonesome Express, where she sings as well as fiddles.
Maddie said that receiving this scholarship was deeply meaningful for her.
“Although I never got the amazing privilege of meeting Steve Gulley, I would like to continue to honor his bluegrass memory and legacy through this scholarship with my bluegrass music. I’ve had the honor of hearing Steve Gulley’s stories through many amazing bluegrass musicians who got to work with him over the years, and knowing him through the memories he’s stamped on others’ hearts.”
Here she is with the band last fall.
The application for the 2024 Steve Gully Memorial Scholarship can be downloaded online. Completed forms must be returned by May 15 to be considered for this year.
Crandall Creek is next up with a new Christmas song for 2023. Their entry has the simple title of Christmastime, one written by founding member Jerry Andrews.
Jerry tells us that when he sat down with his guitar one evening to write a new Christmas bluegrass song, he started thinking back to the traditions that formed his childhood memories of the season, and had this song finished in half an hour.
“I thought about how simple things were in the late ’50s and ’60s, growing up in rural West Virginia, and remembering things like sled riding, bonfires, and celebrating the birth of the Baby Jesus. Christmastime was and is still important to my family.
I hope everyone enjoys this tune as much as I had writing it, and remembering old times and Christmas get-togethers.”
The band quickly got in the studio and came up with this track, sung by Carly Greer, with support from Jerry and Roger Hoard on guitar, Dustin Terpenning on banjo and mandolin, and Sav Nelson on bass. Andrews’ fellow founding member Kathy Wigman Lesnock sings harmony.
Crandall Creek publicist Penni McDaniel created this simple animated video to accompany the song for Jerry’s grandchildren to enjoy, and the band liked it so well they are using it to promote the single.
Check it out…
Christmastime from Crandall Creek is available now from popular download and streaming services online. Radio programmers will find the track at AirPlay Direct.
You can check out all the Christmas bluegrass we have covered at Bluegrass Today by following this link.
Copper Mountain Records has released a new single and accompanying music video for Crandall Creek, featuring the band’s newest member, vocalist Carly Greer.
Titled Just 18, the song tells of a young woman who leaves home with a dream of music stardom in Nashville. Greer sings the song, and is featured in the lead role for the video which follows the narrator on her quest.
It was written by one of Crandall Creek’s primary songwriters, Jerry Andrews, who says it was a breeze to compose.
“Just 18 came to me as I sat down to review a song for a show. I thought about all the people doing shows across the country, and those packing it all up and heading for Nashville. The song was finished in 30 minutes. It just fell out of my guitar.”
Jerry plays guitar on the track, along with Crandall Creek’s Dustin Trepanning on banjo. Guests in the studio were Darrin Vincent on bass and Andy Leftwich on mandolin. Andrews and Kathy Wigman Lesnock add harmony vocals.
Kathy’s home was used as the set for the opening of the video, and she and her husband, Doug, appear as the parents. Bruce Winges shot the video, which was produced by Hope River Entertainment.
Have a look/listen…
Just 18 from Crandall Creek is available now from popular download and streaming services online.
Last night in Nashville, during the Crandall Creek performance at the Station Inn, Madeline “Maddie” Murray was awarded the inaugural $5,000 Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship, to be given each year to a notable young bluegrass artist in honor of one of the best to ever play, sing, and write the music.
Crandall Creek made the initial endowment to fund this scholarship, and accepts donations through its affiliated non-profit organization, Bluegrass Music Endeavors Foundation. From its inception, the band has set aside part of its income from live shows and record sales to fund charitable efforts of this kind.
Maddie, a second year student at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, is from Clay City, KY, where she is a member of Lonesome Express, playing fiddle and singing lead and harmony vocals.
Steve Gulley grew up in Tennessee, the son of a bluegrass singer, and followed right in his dad Don’s footsteps. He toured as a singer with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Dale Ann Bradley, Mountain Heart, and Grasstowne following several years at Renfro Valley. Later he launched his own group, Steve Gulley & New Pinnacle, named as a tribute to his father’s Pinnacle Mountain Boys. Steve left many recordings of his songs and his singing when he died in August of 2020 at 57 after a short battle with cancer.
Tim Stafford of Blue Highway, who was a close friend of Steve’s and a regular writing and recording partner, was on hand to make the award presentation last night, along with Steve’s widow, Debbie Gulley.
Of receiving the scholarship, Murray said…
“Although I never got the amazing privilege of meeting Steve Gulley, I would like to continue to honor his bluegrass memory and legacy through this scholarship with my bluegrass music. I’ve had the honor of hearing Steve Gulley’s stories through many amazing bluegrass musicians who got to work with him over the years, and knowing him through the memories he’s stamped on others’ hearts.”
The actual scholarship award presentation was captured on video.
Here’s a look at Maddie in action with Lonesome Express.
Many congratulations to Maddie Murray, and hats off to Crandall Creek for funding this worthy scholarship program to honor Steve Gulley. Anyone who would like to donate to the furtherance and continuation of the Steve Gulley Memorial Scholarship may do so online.
West Virginia’s Crandall Creek is back this week with a new single, and a new lead singer.
Carly Greer has joined the band on mandolin and vocals. She has been singing country music since she was a girl, and made her first Nashville recording at only 14. Greer discovered bluegrass only recently through a producer she was working with, and is now all in on the genre.
This latest single, Love The Thrill, is a hard charging number co-written by the band: Kathy Wigman Lesnock, Jerry Andrews, Jamie Peck, and Carly Greer, who takes the lead.
Bandleader Andrews says that Crandall Creek has been revitalized by their newest member.
“We are so thrilled to have Carly’s energy, spunk, and distinctive voice that she brings to the band, and to bluegrass music.”
Helping out on the track are Andy Leftwich (guitar, mandolin, and fiddle), Darrin Vincent (bass), Mike Scott (banjo), and Josh Swift (reso-guitar).
Love The Thrill is a fast moving grasser about taking risks, just for the thrill of it.
Have a listen…
Love The Thrill from Crandall Creek is available now from popular download and streaming services online, or for download directly from the band.
Radio programmers will find the track at AirPlay Direct.
