Most fans are familiar with Darrell’s work with Bill Harrell and the Virginians in the late 70’s through the early 1980’s, and this recording features the instrumental talents of the Virginians, including Harrell on guitar, Larry Stephenson on mandolin, Carl Nelson on fiddle, Ed Ferris on bass, and Darrell on banjo, supplemented by guest Mike Auldridge on dobro. While Bill Harrell and his band were firmly planted in traditional bluegrass, Darrell’s banjo style was, characteristic of the late 70’s, a blend of melodic and Scruggs-Reno traditions.
Red Haired Boy: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/red_haired_boy_darrell.mp3]
Double Banjo Blues: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/double_banjo_blues.mp3]
While Harrell, Ferris, and Nelson, have since passed away, Larry Stephenson and Mike Auldridge congratulated Sanders on the release, with Stephenson reminiscing…
“They were fun times for a couple of young guys, and Bill was so nice to let us record our own music. This record still sounds good today.”
In recent years, Darrell has been performing as a member of Stoney Creek, based in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, and he recently signed an endorsement deal with Deering Banjos. One or more CD release performances are in the works for Darrell and the group, and will be announced in the near future.
