Drive Time Archives - Bluegrass Today

Time – latest single from Drive Time

Central North Carolina’s, Drive Time, has released a new single, Time, an original composition penned by Samantha Coe, wife of guitarist Bailey Coe. Recorded at the East Tennessee State University bluegrass program’s studio, Troy Boone (Amanda Cook Band) and Sage Palser (Prairie Wildfire) served as audio engineers on the project.

The tune features the tuned-down hard-driving banjo picking of Tyler Jackson, who survived a brain aneurysm in 2020. Other highlights are Coe’s excellent lead singing, with the classic voice many fans will recognize from his time with Sideline, and smooth, warm harmony on the choruses.

“It’s our flagship song for our upcoming album. It offers a great message: we’re all moving to different stages in our life,” he shared.

“Time wears the body, but not the soul,” is a line from the chorus.

Coe stressed, “Everybody can relate. As time goes by, we are still who we are.”

The band consists of Austyn Howell and Coe on guitars, Jackson on banjo, the husband/wife team of Austin Koerner on mandolin and Katie Springer Koerner on fiddle, and Doug Young on bass.

This is Young’s first recording with Drive Time.

“It was exciting recording in a real studio. Gray Tuttle (DT’s former bassist) left some big shoes to fill,” Young shared.

Howell noted, “This is my personal favorite song that we’ve recorded. I thought about my grandpa and my dad. It makes you think of different people’s scenarios.”

Time is available now from popular download and streaming services online.

Tyler Jackson, Tori Jones wed

Music has brought another couple to the altar. Banjoist of North Carolina’s Drive Time, Tyler Jackson, married fiddler/mandolinist, Tori Jones, formerly of Sweet Potato Pie, on November 6 in Boonville, NC.

The couple officially met in Nashville while attending the 2020 SPBGMA gathering.

“We didn’t really talk much until right before I went in the hospital,” Tyler, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2020, shared. “The support she showed me throughout the time had a large part in my recovery. She has been the answer to countless prayers.”

Tori pointed out, “I knew I had found a keeper.”

Their wedding included current and former band mates. Former Sweet Potato Pie pickers, Katie Springer Koerner and Madeleine Baucom Carnes, provided music as the bridal party entered. One of Tori’s music students, Izzy Yarborough, played fiddle as the bride came down the aisle. Groomsmen included Drive Time’s Bailey Coe, Austyn Howell, Austin Koerner, and former member, Grayson Tuttle.

Tyler said, “We were so blessed to have so many friends and family there with us, both musical and otherwise. We are so thankful the Lord has brought us together, and we look forward to where this road will lead us.”

The Jacksons will make their home in Kernersville, NC. No doubt they will be making beautiful music together.

Congratulations Tyler and Tori!

Too Late For Tonight – Drive Time

Central North Carolina-based bluegrass band Drive Time has released a new project, Too Late For Tonight. Drive Time is comprised of Tyler Jackson on banjo, Austyn Howell on guitar, Austin Koerner on mandolin, Katie Koerner on fiddle, and Bailey Coe on guitar. The album includes Grayson Tuttle on bass, who has since left the group to better focus on his personal and professional life.

The album features 12 numbers, two of which are originals written by band members. Please Understand penned by Katie and Rum Running Queen by Tyler.

Jackson, who suffered a brain aneurysm in 2020 at the age of 24, demonstrates that he’s back in the groove with fast fingers and tasteful licks.

Just Get Up and Go is a heartbreak tune featuring Coe on lead vocals and hard-driving instrumentation by the band, shared the Drive Time banjoist.

“This is by far one of my favorite tracks on the whole album. This is a song Mountain Heart recorded a few years ago written by Josh Shilling and Jon Weisberger. Jason Moore told us back in 2021 we should do this song and I’m so proud to have it on this record!”

The second cut on the album features a familiar song sung by Katie.

She elaborated, “Snowbird was written by Gene MacLellan, and has been recorded by artists such as Anne Murray, Elvis, Loretta Lynn, and many others. It’s a well-written song about heartbreak, disguised with a happy melody. I really like our take on it. It’s one of my favorites to sing, and getting to do it with such great musicians makes it even more fun.”

Coe, who formally toured with Sideline, said of the new album, “I’ve always loved recording. It was great to get those creative juices flowing. It’s a good, solid project, playing good music with good friends.”

Coe used his graphic creativity to also design the album’s neon-lights cover.

The project also includes the first gospel recording by the group, Tedious and Tasteless, an a cappella quartet number which adds vocal parts one-at-a-time throughout the verses.

Two personal favorites are the hard-hitting tunes, In the Heat of the Night and Two Dozen Roses, led by Coe that demonstrate his vocals have returned strong and powerful.

“After leaving Sideline due to some vocal cord and throat issues, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sing full time again,” Coe had previously stated.

This song and record is proof that both Jackson and Coe have fully overcome their physical afflictions and offer powerful performances.

Drive Time welcomes Lee Sawyer on bass

Central North Carolina-based Drive Time has a new bassist. The band welcomes Lee Sawyer from Thomasville to their ensemble. Sawyer has performed and recorded with several touring bands including the Larry Stephenson Band and Grasstowne.

Grayson Tuttle, their former bass player, was instrumental in the formation of Drive Time. He elected to step away from the band to better focus on his personal and professional life.

DT banjoist, Tyler Jackson, stressed, “We can’t thank Gray enough for all he has done. A band change is always a bittersweet moment. While we are so excited to welcome Lee, it’s never an easy thing to see a life-long friend leave the band. I am so thankful to Gray for his work helping us start this version of Drive Time. He remains one of my best friends and is one of the best musicians I’ve ever known.””

“A huge thank you to Gray, we will miss him in the band,” Bailey Coe reiterated.

Katie Koerner, the only lady in the band, agreed. “I’ve really enjoyed playing music with Gray these past few years. He’s a great musician and knows how to have fun. I hope the best for him and Hallie in all of their endeavors, and look forward to seeing them down the road.”

Jackson continued, “Looking to the future, Drive Time is so honored to welcome Lee into the band. Anyone who has heard him play knows he’s about as rock solid of a bass as you can find in this business! I’ve jammed with Lee several times and he has filled in with Drive Time on occasion, so I’m stoked to have him officially join the band! Lee’s bass playing packs a punch and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with him!”

Sawyer responded, “I want to thank the good Lord above for opportunity to play music again, and with friends at that! I want to wish Gray the best in his future endeavors. I feel like this is going to be a good fun time with the band and opportunity to knock the rust and cobwebs off the ole bass and put it in the ditch as one of my mentors (Alan Perdue) told me. I’m very excited to be in this band. It’s going to be a good combo that everyone will enjoy listening to and seeing at shows!”

The upright bass player joins Jackson, guitarists Austyn Howell and Bailey Coe, fiddler Katie Koerner, and mandolinist Austin Koerner.

Howell stated, “We are thankful to Gray for his friendship, and the integral part he played in our band the last five years and through two albums. We are excited to add Lee. He’s seasoned and exactly what we need to continue building our sound. We’ve all known each other for a while, and jammed throughout the years, so we were able to yet again add a friend to band. That’s something we value and are thankful for.”

Coe added, “Lee is an absolute powerhouse of a bass player and is a veteran in the bluegrass world. We are excited to start picking with him.”

Katie echoed, “He never disappoints. I’m excited to have him there to hold us steady and teach us a few things about coonhounds while he’s at it!”

Their latest single is The Heat of the Night, from the band’s current project, Too Late For Tonight.

For more information on Drive Time, visit them online or on Facebook. As their saying goes, “Keep a Drive Time state of mind!”

Another Sweet Potato Pie/Drive Time wedding coming up

Another bluegrass wedding is on the horizon with more members from the same bands! Sweet Potato Pie mandolinist, Tori Jones, and Drive Time banjoist, Tyler Jackson, have officially announced their engagement. This comes just a month after Drive Time/Sweet Potato Pie fiddler, Katie Springer wed Drive Time mandolinist, Austin Koerner.

Jackson, who survived a brain aneurysm just about a year ago, shared, “Tori and I officially met on a group trip to SPBGMA in January of 2020. Katie Springer and Maddie Baucom (of Sweet Potato Pie) introduced us, but we really didn’t talk much until October of last year, right before I went into the hospital with the ruptured aneurysm. While I was still there we started talking just about every day, and the support she showed me throughout that time had a large part to play in my recovery, more than she realizes. I’ve told her this before, but she has been the answer to countless prayers and I’m so very thankful the Lord has led me to her.”

Jones added, “As Tyler mentioned, we officially met on a trip to SPBGMA in 2020 with our bandmates, Katie Springer and Maddie Baucom Carnes. However, we didn’t start talking until right before the aneurysm in October 2020. As he was in the hospital, we began talking more and realized how much we had in common. He played bluegrass AND was a big nerd…so I knew I’d found a keeper.”

“We started dating in early January 2021, and on September 17 while we were at MerleFest, he asked me to marry him. It’s been so cool to see how the Lord has shaped our lives this past year. Tyler and I balance each other out in so many ways…I am beyond blessed to get to marry my best friend.”

Jackson concluded, “We haven’t set a date officially, but we are looking at October of 2022.”

Congratulations Katie and Austin from Drive Time!

Katie Springer, fiddler, and Austin Koerner, mandolinist, with central North Carolina-based bluegrass band, Drive Time, are literally making beautiful music together after marrying on Saturday, October 2.

“The day was just perfect! We wanted a simple ceremony, good food, and to be surrounded by our closest family and friends. That was exactly what we got. They all made us feel so loved. I can’t express just how much I love and appreciate all of them,” shared Springer.

The private ceremony was held at Fine Family Farm in Denton, NC. (The venue also has different family friendly events throughout the year, sell their beef and other products, and rent out the farmhouse on Airbnb.)

“The owners, Missy and Andy Fine, were so sweet and helpful throughout the whole process,” Springer stressed.

The young fiddler, who also plays with Sweet Potato Pie, praised her family as well.

“It definitely would not have been what it was without the help of my mama, daddy, sister, aunts, cousins, friend Maddie, and my new in-laws, Lori and Patrick Craven and Harry and Karen Koerner. They put everything together from baking cakes, cookies, and brownies, putting together flower arrangements, and cleaning up after all of the festivities.

“My aunts, Sandy Whitley and Cassie Denison, and Grandpa, Jerry Scott, played and sang as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. It was officiated by Reverend Jeremy Blake, the pastor of my home church, catered by Steve and Louise Lisenby, and DJ Dean Scott kept us dancing until time to leave. Hailey Holbrooks of Through Hailey’s Eyes photographed the event. Afterward, we made our way to Troy to see our friend, Zach Smith, and the rest of Town Mountain play their set for the Jimmy-June Concert Series.”

After honeymooning on the east coast, the Koerners will make their home in Troy, NC.

The bride concluded, “It was a day we’ll always cherish.”

Congratulations Katie and Austin!

Bailey Coe to Drive Time

Bailey Coe at the 2019 Nothin’ Fancy Festival – photo © Susie Neel

Central North Carolina-based bluegrass band, Drive Time, has added a new member to their roster, Bailey Coe, formally with Sideline. He played his first shows with the band this past weekend at Lorraine’s Coffee House and Music in Garner on Friday, and at Recovery Road Bluegrass Festival in Albemarle on Saturday.

The Four Oaks resident stated, “I’m very excited to come on board with Drive Time. All of them have been some of my best friends for years, and I could not pass up the opportunity to play in a band with them. After leaving Sideline due to some vocal chord and throat issues, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sing full time again. Drive Time provides the perfect opportunity of playing a relaxed and light schedule to scratch some of that itch of being part of a band again. I am very excited and cannot wait to get started!”

Drive Time guitarist Austyn Howell elaborated, “Bailey has always been very close to Tyler, Austin, Gray, and me, playing in little variations of bands with us before he took the Grass Cats gig and then Sideline. With his voice problems, the doctor basically told him his vocal chords would heal if he went six months without singing or talking above a whisper and he did that. (Was the reason he came off the road). And there was no permanent solution as the doctor told him basically he wouldn’t be able to sing night in and out (100-200 shows a year) like he was doing or he would permanently damage his vocal chords. So it has been well over a year since all that transpired and a couple weeks ago we were together hanging out and we were talking about picking.”

“I said, ‘Look man, come play with us, we only pick 20-30 shows a year because everyone has full-time jobs. Sing a few tunes on our second album we’re recording right now, and just come and hang out and have fun.’ He agreed and said we were a perfect fit for his situation, being able to stay somewhat active performing, but not have the heavy workload on his voice. In addition, being best friends with us all, that was just a plus!”

This is not Coe’s first time on stage with Drive Time. He guested with the band at Doyle Lawson’s festival at Denton in 2020.

Drive Time consists of Austyn Howell on guitar, Tyler Jackson on banjo, Austin Koerner on mandolin, Grayson Tuttle on bass, and Katie Springer on fiddle. They are happy to welcome Bailey Coe to the band.

Tyler Jackson of Drive Time’s miraculous recovery from brain aneurysm

During a time of year when we reflect and give thanks, there is much to be grateful for even in the midst of a pandemic. Tyler Jackson, 24 year old banjoist with NC-based bluegrass band Drive Time who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm on October 31, is back home and on the road to a complete recovery!

“We’re HOME!” said Tyler’s dad, Ronnie Jackson. “Tyler has quite a few appointments coming up, but medically he’s good. Doctors are optimistic about his recovery. He will receive rehab and therapy as an outpatient.”

The young banjo picker spent 15 days in the ICU at Chapel Hill Medical Center, two days in a step-down room, and two more in a regular room before being released to go home last Thursday, November 19.

His dad expressed his appreciation for the medical care his son received. “We will always be grateful for the Neurological Science ICU at UNC hospital in Chapel Hill. When we entered, we didn’t know what would happen, and we were so scared. We had no choice but to put it in God’s hands.”

Tyler will begin the rehabilitation process this week. He will receive physical therapy to assist him with walking and balance. There will also be occupational therapy sessions to help strengthen his muscles.

“He can do everything that he could do before. He has full mental capacity with just some balance issues,” shared his father. “He is limited with weight (lifting) so he hasn’t played his banjo yet.”

But he is picking.

In a phone interview on Monday morning, Tyler stressed, “I played guitar Saturday and Sunday. I may start playing some mandolin.”

The Buies Creek resident was visited by some of his bluegrass friends and band mates on Sunday afternoon.

“It was nice to talk bluegrass and see my friends,” Tyler relayed.

One guest was Austyn Howell, Drive Time’s guitarist. “It was a good visit. He was in great spirits, joking and laughing. He has good dexterity in his hands and feet. In fact, he was playing some guitar Saturday. He was able to walk unassisted. He has some minor things to work through with physical therapy, but overall it was a testament to his will and God’s grace. He heard the prayers from every corner of the country and beyond.”

Another visitor was close friend, Bailey Coe. “It was great to see Tyler and his family. Seeing Tyler laugh seemed to uplift everyone’s spirits. We all know that he still has a ways to go, but it was great to see him interacting with everyone. Tyler is a strong person and will persevere. We love him and are so glad to see him heading in a positive direction.”

Drive Time band mate, Grayson Tuttle, agreed. “Tyler is one of my best friends and I am always proud to call him this! After the aneurysm, I was shaken but knew Tyler had the strength to pull through. I’m so proud of him and know there is still a road to recovery, but with his courage he will prevail. We will all be here to support and encourage him along the way. The band simply could not function without him, and I can’t wait to be back on the stage beside my right hand man!”

Tyler was moved by the response to his ordeal. “I appreciate the overwhelming support from friends, family, and the bluegrass community all over.”

The young musician is truly a miracle, beating the odds.

Ronnie explained the numbers. “Tyler is in the top 30%! We were told that (of individuals who experience aneurysms) 30% never make it to the hospital and 40% never make it out of a long term care facility.”

“I hope our testimony during the single scariest thing in my life touched someone in a special way. The Holy Spirit was surely with all of us, and we thank God for that. Lastly, Tyler’s faith has impressed me. He wanted the chaplains to come by every day. This will make all of us more faithful to the good Lord. Thanks everyone! Love you all!”

Tyler concluded, “I still have a ways to go. 2020 has not been my favorite year, but I am thankful for God’s healing grace and mercy.”

Looking ahead, Drive Time hopes to eventually resume performing with Tyler on banjo. There is much to celebrate this Thanksgiving season.

Drive Time’s Tyler Jackson suffers brain aneurysm

Tyler Jackson, 24 year old banjoist with North Carolina-based bluegrass band, Drive Time, was stricken with a brain aneurysm over the weekend. The tragic news spread quickly over social media and rocked the bluegrass community.

The Buies Creek resident became ill Saturday evening, experiencing severe headache, nausea, and dizziness. EMS was dispatched and Tyler was transferred to Central Harnett Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a brain bleed.

Air lifted to the Trauma Center at UNC Chapel Hill, Tyler was diagnosed with an aneurysm at the base of his brain. On Sunday, surgeons were able to insert a drain to relieve pressure, and attempted a catheter procedure to stop bleeding. Then on Monday, the young musician underwent successful surgery to eliminate the aneurysm.

Following surgery, Ronnie Jackson, Tyler’s father, relayed. “Tyler has been back to his room and down to CT and back. Now they will do a neurological exam and resedate him. The risks, according to Dr. Sasaki-Adams, are stroke and swelling of the cerebellum. She said the cerebellum looked relaxed during surgery which was good.”

“He is still in critical condition. Side effects include the possibility of stroke, swelling of the cerebellum, and other factors. Bluegrass fans from across the country and abroad have reached out with support. We, his parents, are most grateful for them, the skilled medical team, and an almighty God that has blessed us and Tyler in so many ways since Saturday. Prayer requests are still needed and very much appreciated. Prayer chains will need to be in place for days to come. We can’t thank everyone enough for the support, and like I said before, thank God for his grace and goodness and mercy. All things are possible through him.”

Drive Time’s mandolinist, Austin Koerner, stressed. “He is still critical. They will be watching him closely for any complications. He will be in Neuro ICU for 10 to 14 days. Continue to pray for Tyler that he may have a smooth and complete recovery.”

Former Sideline member, Bailey Coe, shared, “Tyler is one of my best friends, and like a brother to me. He and I have been playing music together for about eight years now. Not only is he one of the most talented banjo players I know, he is also one of the best men that I know as well.”

Attendees at this year’s Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival held in Denton, NC in September, may remember this powerhouse band and the drive of Tyler’s banjo during their Saturday performance.

“Music may have introduced me to Tyler, but it’s definitely not the reason we became friends. He and his family are such loving, caring people who would do anything for anybody. I have never been anywhere with them, whether it be just Tyler or his whole family, that I didn’t feel welcomed and loved,” stated Katie Springer, Drive Time fiddler. “Tyler has told me multiple times that Philippians 4:13 is his favorite Bible verse. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ That has been very important to me these last few days. I believe his strength from Christ will see him through this.”

Drive Time band mate, Austyn Howell, concluded, “Something I always say on stage when I’m introducing Tyler is ‘he’s a fine banjo player and an even better man.’ I know that is sort of cliché sounding, but I’ve always meant it and I’ve never introduced anyone else that way. It doesn’t mean I haven’t played with other great humans, but Tyler has a big heart, and he loves to see people happy. He’d literally give you the shirt off his back, and really cares about how other people feel. He and his family are like family to me, and if you know Tyler or his folks….you’re pulling for them.”

Pray for Tyler Jackson.

I Don’t Worry About You Anymore drops for Drive Time

North Carolina based Drive Time has released a new single, I Don’t Worry About You Anymore, from their upcoming album, Lonely Side of Goodbye.

Drive Time is an innovative bluegrass band from Roxboro, NC. Known for their hard driving sounds and sweet, high harmonies, the band consists of veteran sidemen (and woman) who have toured nationally with likes of Nu-Blu, Tyler Williams Band, and Sweet Potato Pie.

The band consists of: Tyler Jackson on banjo, Austyn Howell on guitar, Austin Koerner on mandolin, Katie Springer on fiddle, and Grayson Tuttle on bass. With diverse backgrounds in traditional, bluegrass, and country music, these five friends have ventured out on their own to create their own refreshing versions of the bluegrass music that inspired them (Boone Creek, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, and many others).

I Don’t Worry About You Anymore features Tuttle on lead, Springer on tenor and Koerner on baritone. The tune is a faster version of the 2011 Grasstowne song.

Have a listen…

The single is available July 3 on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube. They will be accepting preorders for their upcoming album then, as well. It is also available for radio broadcasters at AirPlay Direct, the premier online radio distribution service for labels and artists.

Release date for their album, Lonely Side of Goodbye, is set for July 20th.