And we have another 2019 band scramble announcement to make today. Don’t worry… we have more.
The Becky Buller Band is sad to reveal that Dwayne Anderson is leaving the group. He had spent last year on the road with their crew, but is taking a different direction going forward. He has been a fixture on the bluegrass circuit since graduating from East Tennessee State University. There he took a degree in computer science, while also participating in the bluegrass program, in which he minored.
Dwayne was a member of the ETSU Pride Band, and studied directly under Barry Bales. He also did a stint with Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and taught bass at the school after graduating. He now teaches in the computer field in Bristol, TN.
To mark his departure, Becky ‘n them couldn’t be satisfied with just a simple announcement. So here is the video they created to share the news, giving Dwayne the big sendoff he deserves.
Look for a report in the near future when a new bass player comes aboard.
It’s the first of the year, and that means band announcements with personnel changes. Artist schedules typically slow down a bit in the wintertime, making it the ideal time to work in new members, so expect even more of these this week.
Of course, when making a change, it’s always difficult for your favorite groups to say goodbye to someone who has been out on the road with them for many months. And that’s the news coming from The Becky Buller Band who are saying farewell to bassist Daniel “Hulk” Hardin, and hello to new man, Dwayne Anderson.
In her inimitable way, Becky shared a tribute to Hardin, who is stepping down to relieve the stress on his young family from the constant travel in addition to a full time career as a machine operator.
“We’ve all been pretty blue since Hulk gave his notice. He brought so much punch to our sound. When it comes to the low four, Hulk is the brute squad. He would never, ever, EVER let us slow down. (Heaven forbid somebody gave him espresso before the show…)
He, Cortney and the kids are dear friends and I’m so grateful to them for making this work as long as was possible.
Daniel is an incredible musician. And I know you’re going to love his bass and baritone harmony work on the new record. The band and I wish him the very best in his next musical adventure.”
But the show must go on, and she is also pleased to welcome Anderson to the band. He is a graduate of the Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program at ETSU, where he studied bass with Barry Bales and played in their Bluegrass Pride Band. Dwayne also worked for five years with Darin & Brooke Aldridge.
Buller offers high praise for her new bass thumper…
“Dwayne is a bass stylist and I’m thrilled to have the chance to work with him again. He’s solid; he’s true. He will keep it where you count it off, so be warned! All he lacks are a band nickname and social media hashtag, but I’m sure we’ll come up with something for him before too long.”
And he sends the same sentiments back to the band.
“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be asked to travel with this awesome group of artists and I’m looking forward to many miles and tunes together.”
Look for Anderson on bass with the Becky Buller Band this weekend at the 42nd annual New Year’s Bluegrass Festival this weekend in Jekyll Island, GA, and wherever else they perform going forward. You can check their schedule online.
The Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music degree program at East Tennessee State University has announced three new faculty members starting this Fall 2014 semester.
Nate Olson has been hired as an Assistant Professor, a lecturer position. Growing up in the Western US, Nate has pursued contest fiddling on the competitive scene since he was a youth. Along the way he has picked up several Utah State fiddle championships, and has a recently published book with Mel Bay, Championship Contest Fiddling, which includes both transcriptions and interviews with top contest winners. In addition to classroom work, Nate will offer private fiddle instruction on campus.
His musical education includes a doctorate in music education from Columbia University, and he has a stint as the assistant director of the Folk Music Program at Brigham Young University under his belt. Several touring bluegrass groups in Utah have relied on his services over the years, including Cold Creek, Lincoln Highway, and Enoch Train.
Nate says that he “is very excited to join the incredible faculty at ETSU and to work with the talented students who attend. It truly is a unique institution, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the fantastic work they are doing to train the next generation of bluegrass, old time, country, and celtic artists.”
Also new this semester is Jason Davis, who is teaching private banjo lessons for students in the program. Jason is the banjo player with Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice, and is known for his crisp, traditional playing. He had also worked perviously with Grasstowne, Kenny & Amanda Smith, and Michelle Nixon. In addition to recordings with the groups listed above, Jason has a pair of solo CDs and a banjo tab book available.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the bluegrass program at ETSU. The school has a reputation as the best when it comes to their bluegrass department, and I’m honored to be involved. My main concern is to help students achieve their goals as banjo players any way I can. I’ve been teaching private lessons over the last few years and it’s something I really enjoy. There are a lot of really great players in the program so that makes teaching even more enjoyable. Theres nothing more rewarding than students absorbing what you teach them.
I also like that this job is flexible for a touring musician. I play around 100 days per year and the staff are willing to work with me when I have to be gone.”
Coming onboard to offer bass lessons this semester is Dwayne Anderson, who also works as bass player with Darin & Brooke Aldridge. He is a graduate of ETSU, where he studied with Barry Bales, and an experienced bluegrass performer having worked with both Blue Shadow and with Clearview before singing on with the Aldridges.
Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music Studies Director Dan Boner said that he welcomes these new members of the team, and is looking forward to a great year in Johnson City.
“Dwayne was the first recipient of our full-tuition ACMA/Leon Kiser Memorial Scholarship. He will draw from his experiences as a student at ETSU, as well as his professional musical career, to guide our bass students in the right direction.
Jason’s background as a Scruggs/Crowe-style banjo player will fit in perfectly at ETSU. His teaching ability is well grounded in traditional bluegrass – a style which attracts so many students to ETSU.
It has been several years since we have been able to hire a full-time tenure-track assistant professor for our program. Nate’s doctoral preparation in music education will serve us as we create new courses and modify Bluegrass, Old Time, Celtic, and Country Music curriculum. He’s also a darn good bluegrass fiddler!”
Full details on the program, which offers both a minor and a bachelor of arts degree, can be found online.
