Eric Marshall to The Country Gentlemen Show

Well, it looks we have the first trade of the 2025 bluegrass band season.

The Country Gentlemen Show and Carson Peters & Iron Mountain have swapped bass players. Taylor Parks, the young bass man with the Gents Show is going to Iron Mountain, and Eric Marshall is jumping over to play with the Gentlemen Show.

Mike Phipps is the leader of the Show, formerly known as the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, who sings the Charlie Waller part in the group. They’ve recently changed the name to represent the fact that while the bulk of their show is faithful reproductions of classic Gentlemen songs, they have begun to include new and other material in that style.

He explains how the switch was made.

“Taylor came on board with us early last year when our previous bass man, Kyle Windbeck, left to rejoin Sideline. At first, Taylor filled in with us when his schedule allowed, due to the fact that he was playing banjo with Jeff Parker. Eventually, Taylor made a full commitment to The Country Gentlemen Show for at least a year.

Taylor is an extremely talented, multi-instrumentalist, has a remarkable vocal range and is a great all-around guy. Dave, Lynwood, Darren, and I have always realized that, one day, he would be able to find another band that would broaden his horizons even more, and we have encouraged him along the way. We wish him all the best in this new journey.

Taylor’s last tour with the band will be February 27 – March 10th as we perform shows in Arizona and southern California after which, Eric Marshall will join us on bass.

Eric is a resident of Mt. Airy, NC and was an original member of Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, having started out on banjo before switching to bass. Eric is a great singer and bass man, and a prolific songwriter.

Actually, prior to Taylor joining us full time, we had sought out Eric to fill the bass spot but, like the gentleman he is, he declined due to his commitment to Carson. Like the rest of us, Eric is a big fan of Gents’ music, and will fit us like a glove. We look forward to him joining the band.”

Eric joins Mike on guitar, Dave Propst on mandolin, Lynwood Lunsford on banjo, and Darren Beachley on reso-guitar.

You can see where The Country Gentlemen Show is performing, and welcome Eric to the band, by visiting their web site.

Taylor Parks to Josh Grigsby and County Line

Josh Grigsby and County Line, a rising traditional bluegrass band from Virginia’s Northern Neck, has announced the addition of Taylor Parks on banjo.

The group is centered around the singing of the husband-and-wife team of Josh and Crystal Grigsby, who grew up around bluegrass music along the Chesapeake Bay. They have a pair of self-produced albums to their credit, and a busy schedule of performances between Richmond and the DC region.

Parks, only 18 years old, has been playing banjo for the past 10 years. Like Josh, he grew up in a bluegrass loving family, and hails from a spot on Virginia’s Eastern Shore called Modest Town. Taylor’s father, Wes Parks, played with bluegrass band No Spare Time, so young Taylor was able to absorb the music as a child. As a teen he began exploring his own interest in the music, and has become a fine picker.

He says that he feels fortunate to be given this opportunity.

“Josh’s vocals are top of the line and everyone in the band has made me feel welcome.”

And Josh feels the same.

“Taylor fits the band like a glove and his style of playing will complement our music well. Seeing young people dedicated and in love with bluegrass music is always encouraging, as they are the future of the genre.”

Taylor joins Josh Grigsby on guitar, Mark Baker on reso-guitar, Ryan Holder on bass, David Lewis on mandolin, and Crystal Grigsby on harmony vocals.

Here’s video of the group earlier this month in Powhatan, VA on a Flatt & Scruggs classic.

You can learn more about Josh Grisgby and County Line by visiting them online.

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