Indeed, with Wingate, Thomas and bassist Mark Schatz on stage, Lynch just might have the best backing lineup of her career. That’s no small accomplishment, given Hurst’s abilities and the fact that Schatz’s predecessor on the low-end was seven-time IBMA bass player of the year Missy Raines. In addition to being a top-flight bass player, Schatz can pick the banjo, as he did on one tune Tuesday night, and dance a credible tap routine, as he did accompanied by Thomas on the fiddle on another. There was no time in the abbreviated set for two other Schatz performances that are standard parts of Claire Lynch Band shows – a bring-down-the-house hambone routine and a performance of one of the many songs he has written.
None of this is meant to shortchange the band leader, who is up for three IBMA awards Thursday, including female vocalist of the year. Indeed, by surrounding herself with fine players, she is positioning herself for continued success, whether she signs another deal when her contract with Rounder Records expires or whether she follows many others down the path of forming her own label.
