Tag: Tim Surrett

Tim Surrett and Papertown Roots Radio

A whole lot of us picked up new hobbies or pastimes during the pandemic shutdowns starting in 2020. Everyone was stuck at home, and we weren’t allowed to visit our favorite haunts. Some folks learned to cook, or garden, while others picked up musical instruments or other creative or artistic pursuits.

Bluegrass artists weren’t immune from this. They, most especially, felt stuck at home, as their normal life was traveling all over bringing the joy of music to people across the country.

One such is Tim Surrett, bass player, reso-guitarist, and vocalist with Balsam Range. During those restless months when everyone was locked down during the summer of ’20, Tim got to missing the music so badly that he reached out to a local radio station where he lives in Canton, NC, to see if they might be interested in him hosting a weekly bluegrass show.

They were very interested, and Papertown Roots Radio was born. From those humble beginnings, with 300 online listeners, the show has grown to a twice weekly program, reaching as many as 40,000 people each time, on both radio broadcast and online cybercast.

The show runs for three hours (Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00-10:00 p.m.), and can be heard over the airwaves at WPTY 101.7 FM and 920 AM in western North Carolina. It can also be heard by live stream from the station’s web site.

Surrett explained a bit about how Papertown Roots Radio got started…

“In August it will be four years. I started in the pandemic year, and we hadn’t played a note of music since March. I was driving home back from work one day, and had an idea. I had been affiliated with a local radio station here in town, calling high school and football games. Before that I had been sort of jokingly calling games in the band vehicle for the guys, and I really enjoy it.

We started out just playing music that I liked, and they told me to go for it, since people around here know who we are. I play a lot of bluegrass, plus some traditional country, and a lot of gospel. Plus old time music.”

The show is pre-recorded at Tim’s home studio the day before each broadcast, and he hosts a Facebook Live as he is putting the show together. Fans can make requests by commenting on Facebook, or just share their thoughts. The fidelity isn’t as good as when it gets played by WPTL, but lots of folks chime in. If you miss the show on the radio, you can always go back to listen and watch on Facebook.

He says that he likes to keep it simple, and avoids fancy programming tricks and big time radio glitz.

“I’ve tried to make this show hearken back to the old time, small town radio. Bringing small town radio to 40,000 people!

Though it’s kind of weird to hear Gid Tanner & The Skillet Lickers coming out of a MacBook.”

And you never know who might drop in and join Tim when he’s recording the shows.

“It’s mostly recorded music, but sometime we’ll do live music if someone stops by.

I also talk about the artists we play, and offer background from historical acts.”

He’s very proud to note that while high school football on Friday nights is #1 on WPTL, Papertown Roots Radio comes in just behind them.

You can find out more about the show, see links to listen live, and even pick up branded show merchandise on the official Papertown Roots Radio web site.

Well done, Tim Surrett!

Tim Surrett steps down as IBMA Board Chair

Tim Surret, Chairman of the IBMA Board of Directors, has resigned his position on the organization’s Executive Committee. Surrett, who also works as bass player with Balsam Range and as a studio musician and producer with Crossroads Music, is recovering from a serious gastrointestinal issue that placed him in the hospital a few weeks ago.

Tim is recovering well, and expects to complete a full recovery, but has found himself with one job too many and has elected to step down from the Board Chair position heading into the organization’s big week in Raleigh later this month.

Vice Chair Ben Surratt will assume Surrett’s position until the Board of Directors meets in Raleigh the day before World of Bluegrass begins on September 26 to hold their regular elections. Ben is the owner operator of the Rec Room Studio in Nashville.

Tim expressed regret at having to give up his chairmanship, saying that he has enjoyed it very much, but that he gets very tired and breathless easily when stressed. His doctor told him in no uncertain terms to reduce his responsibilities to duties that were required to maintain his livelihood.

“Your body is #1, and until I get my blood levels back to where they belong, I just have to slow down. I went back out with the band last weekend, and I felt fine onstage. But the guys wouldn’t let me do anything else. After the show, they started up the van, turned on the AC and stuck me in there to watch a ball game.

This is a great Board of Directors, and they have done such a fine job while I’ve been on. I have no doubt that they will continue to make the best decisions for the IBMA.”

Tim will be in attendance at World of Bluegrass, where he plans to host the Mountain Home showcase and perform with Balsam Range, but he’ll be keeping his other contributions to a minimum.

The IBMA has also announced today the results of the recent Board elections, which saw the re-election of current members Jamie Deering (Merchandisers/Luthiers), Regina Derzon (Associations), and Stephen Mougin (At Large). Jeremy Darrow was elected to fill the open seat for Artists, Composers, and Publishers recently vacated by Alan Bartram.

 

Tim Surrett recovering at home

Tim Surret, bass player with Balsam Range and IBMA Board Chair, was released from the hospital on Friday afternoon after spending two days in for observation and testing. The band worked a man down this past weekend, giving Tim some time to get his sea legs back under him.

He told us that he’s feeling well, but is “weak as a cat,” and that doctors tell him it could be three to four months before he is back to full strength. Tim will rest up this week, and hopes to return to the stage with Balsam Range on Saturday.

Apparently a bleeding ulcer led to Surrett loosing half of his total blood volume, not good for anyone. But doctors plan to keep a close eye on Tim this next few months, and expect him to make a full recovery.

Let’s see how well he does taking it easy over this period. Maybe his wife, Hope, will need to hire a chaperone to make sure he gets some sleep during World of Bluegrass!

She shared this heartfelt message over the weekend to thank all the friends who had shared warm wishes while Tim was in the hospital.

“We want to take time to say how blessed we are with the outpouring of thoughts, prayers and positive vibes sent our way. It was amazing to know that during his stay we remained covered in prayer by you all. Unfortunately words can not begin to explain the gratitude we feel toward each and every one of you but this is what we will do until we get to see you all in person to thank you. Please continue to pray and send positive vibes for us as we continue on this journey.”

Get well soon, Tim!

Tim Surrett hospitalized for testing

Tim Surrett, bass player with popular North Carolina band Balsam Range, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Bluegrass Music Association, has been hospitalized near his home in western North Carolina.

He was taken to the emergency room after complaining of lightheadedness yesterday, and the doctors there discovered that he is suffering from internal bleeding from an as yet undetermined gastrointestinal problem. Further testing is ongoing today.

Surrett is said to be feeling better following a blood transfusion and his doctors hope that x-ray tests today will reveal the root of his illness.

Tim is also involved with the Mountain Home Music Company in Arden, NC, a subsidiary of the Crossroads Label Group, where he serves as a producer for many of their studio sessions.

Hopefully this will be a brief skirmish and Tim will be back in the saddle with Balsam Range right away. They have a busy schedule leading up to the IBMA World of Bluegrass convention at the end of next month, a super busy week for the organization’s staff and leadership.

Having A Coffee with … Tim Surrett 

This is fun series in which we ask bluegrass music personalities, some famous, some not so famous, about some of their interests as well as about the music that they love.  

Joining me this morning is Tim Surrett, a member of the award-winning bluegrass band Balsam Range with whom he plays bass and is occasional resophonic guitar player.

Having learned to sing as a youngster, Surrett has been a professional musician since he finished high school. He is a Southern gospel singer of some renown, singing lead and baritone during a decade with the Kingsmen Quartet. During his years with the group, the quartet received the Singing News Fan Award for Favourite Band of the Year for seven straight years, from 1989 to 1995 inclusive. He had a second spell with Kingsmen from 2002 to 2005.

Surrett was voted Favorite Musician by the Singing News readers in both 2004 and 2005.

In 1991 he assisted friend Mickey Gamble in the formation of The Mountain Home Music Company recording label, now a premiere bluegrass music label with global distribution.

For a while in the mid-1990s Surrett sang and played Dobro with the Isaacs.

In 1999 he released the first of two solo albums Mountain Home (Mountain Home MH 0780-02). That was followed in 2006 with a self-titled CD (released by Crossroad, CR06732), a collection of bluegrass, Gospel, and bluegrass-Gospel songs, including compositions by Albert Brumley, the Louvin Brothers and Ralph Stanley.

That diversity is also shown in the list of musicians with whom he has performed or recorded – Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks and Tony Rice; with the Primitives; and with Country music stars Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.

In 2007 Surrett helped to found Balsam Range.

In 2014 he was honored with an IBMA Mentor award and in 2015 he was named IBMA Bass Player of the Year.

Last September (2015) Tim Surrett was elected to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors of the IBMA.

 

What would you like to drink?

“Black, strong coffee!”

Do you want anything to eat as well?

“I’m good, thanks.”

What’s your favorite food?

“PF Chang’s kung pao shrimp!

Followed closely by chocolate.”

And what would you have to drink with that?

“A lot of diet cokes.”

What’s the nicest meal that you have ever had?

“The steakhouse at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I enjoyed a very special anniversary dinner there with my wife, Hope, last December.”

Let’s talk bluegrass….. Where/when did you first hear bluegrass music?

“My dad played bluegrass and country music when I was growing up. In my teenage years, I played with some of the same folks, including Marc Pruett!”

Which of your own songs do you have a particular liking for?

“I’m not really a good songwriter. I’m better at arranging, I think. But as for the band (Balsam Range), I’m partial to our version of John Denver’s Matthew and, of course, Moon Over Memphis which won IBMA Song of the Year. I really enjoy putting songs together.”

What about a song written by someone else?

“I really love Trains I Missed. It’s got a really good message. The song was written by Walt Wilkins and Gilles Godard.”

Which particular album do you like best and why?

“Probably The Kingsmen’s Live Naturally, or the band Kansas’ Leftoverture. The Kingsmen introduced me to Gospel music with drive and passion. Kansas had a sound that just absolutely captured me. I still love both albums.”

What’s your favorite bluegrass project of all time and why?

“It would have to be Bluegrass-The World’ Greatest Show. That’s the first time I heard the Seldom Scene;

Mike Auldridge, and especially, Tony Rice with the New South. Rice was the hook for me!”

You play a bass…What model is it?

“For recording, I play a 1945 Kay, and on the road, I use Buddy Melton’s Chadwick Folding Bass.”

Of all the instruments that you have owned what’s your favorite instrument?

“My grandfather’s 1945 Martin D-18.”

What’s your favorite bluegrass memory?

“Winning Entertainer of the Year with Balsam Range, and walking on stage with Tony Rice as a member of the Unit. I was proud just to fill in with him.”

How do you keep fit and healthy when you spend so much time on the road?

“That would be Waffle House!”

Are you a sports fan? Who do you follow?

“I LOVE football. My favorite teams are the Redskins and Panthers, and my seven year old’s pee wee team, the Junaluska Warriors!”

What hobbies do you have?

“I love to hunt and fish. In fact, I am chatting with you from a deer blind with my son.”

Favorite Hobby or Collection?

“After music, hunting, fishing and family time, there’s not much room for anything else, but all of those keep me satisfied and motivated.”

What is the last movie film that you watched?

“The Searchers is the last movie I watched AND it is my favorite. I watch it on my phone every time we fly!”

Do you get much time to watch TV?

“Not too much.”

What’s your favorite show?

“I like watching NFL football. I also enjoy Last Man On Earth.”

What would you be doing if you weren’t involved in bluegrass music?

“I worked for the Child Protective Services in my previous job. I loved it, but it was a hard job. You never feel you can do enough.”

 

Tim Surrett lives in Canton, North Carolina, where he was born and raised.

New IBMA Board officers elected

The Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association has elected a new slate of officers to lead the organization.

According to board members who asked not to be identified, previous Director Jon Weisberger, who was eligible for another term, did not stand for re-election and is succeeded by Tim Surrett, bass player with Balsam Range and producer/engineer at Crossroads Entertainment.

Ben Surratt, chief engineer with Rec Room Studio in Nashville, was elected Vice Chair. Surratt had previously served on the Executive Committee of the IBMA Board.

Further announcements are expected this afternoon relating to Board meetings held yesterday and today at their annual fall meeting, held in conjunction with the World of Bluegrass Convention in Raleigh, NC.

 

A chat with Tim Surrett, IBMA Board Vice Chair

We caught up yesterday with Tim Surrett, bassist with Balsam Range, producer and worker bee at Mountain Home Music, and the new Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the IBMA. He’s also a dedicated husband and father, and when we spoke on Tuesday, he was driving home eager to get outside and play some ball with his son.

First off, he caught me up with the IBMA Board and the new members who have been brought on to fill the slots of the directors who resigned in November of last year.

“There are three new at-large members, appointed by the Board: D.A. Callaway from Silver Dollar City, Leah Ross from Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and bluegrass radio host Steve Martin. Regina Derzon, with the DC Bluegrass Union, has been voted in as Secretary.”

But what he really wanted to talk about was World of Bluegrass 2015, scheduled for September 29 – October 3.

“I think this year is going to be great. My first IBMA Board meeting was at IBMA in Nashville – the last meeting there, during WOB 2012. I didn’t know anyone there but maybe Carl Jackson, and started on the ride towards Raleigh, wondering what it would be like.

The first time I walked to the top of the escalator in Raleigh, looked down on the exhibit hall, and saw all the picks and strings and capos and everything… That was my first proud board member moment.

I think Raleigh’s awesome, and it’s been fun for me to be involved with the folks there in town. It’s really great, and it’s a great relationship.”

Tim also mentioned the efforts to continue the evolution of The Bluegrass Ramble, the official showcase presentations held during IBMA week at venues that span the several blocks of downtown Raleigh. As we mentioned yesterday, this year will also include afternoon showcase performances for the first time.

He said that they are listening to what each year’s showcase artists, and the attendees at the various locations think of the changes being implemented, in an attempt to nail it down.

“We’re still tweaking on this, in an effort to get more bands in, and more good opportunities for these bands to play. We beg everyone’s patience as we continue to work on The Bluegrass Ramble.”

The weekend gig is really starting to pick up, as well. Surrett says that Balsam Range is busier than they’ve ever been.

“We’re in the midst of touring like mad, and starting on the ‘let’s make a new record’ process. April is the busiest month we’ve had for a long, long time.”

And during the week, he’s in nearby Arden, NC doing record label work.

“Everyday that I’m home I’m working with Crossroads. I’ve been involved with that label for the past 30 years, in one way or another. I work with Mountain Home, and produce albums for them.”

It’s good to see Surrett fitting in well with the IBMA Executive Committee.

But he had better watch out… Recent Vice Chairs have been elevated after a few years to the Chair. Tim may want to do some thinking about whether he wants that position in the future.

NewTown using pre-sale to help fund next CD

As NewTown prepares to start work on their first album for Crossroad Music’s Pisgah Ridge label, the band is taking a slightly different approach with the now-familiar crowd sourcing formula to ask fans to help with recording costs.

Pisgah Ridge is set up to assist artists with promotion and distribution, while the acts remain responsible for their recording budget.

NewTown is based around the husband/wife team of Kati Penn Williams and Jr. Williams on fiddle and banjo, respectively. They are joined by CJ Cain on guitar, Terry Poirier on bass, and Clint Hurd on mandolin.

They are set to head into Crossroad’s studio in Arden, NC later this month, with Balsam Range’s Tim Surrett producing. The songs are chosen, and arrangements readied. All they need now is the dough.

But instead of working with one of the popular online crowd sourcing outfits, NewTown is offering pre-sale opportunities from their band site. A total of ten options are available, ranging from $10 for a download of the first single and a signed photo, to $10,000 for a private house concert, your name hidden in the cover art, a video shout out, and the chance to shave Jr. Williams’ hair on YouTube.

The last date to get involved is September 1, 2013, with the new project expected for delivery in December.

Cain put this video together to give folks an idea what the band is up to with this new album. The two songs you’ll hear are his contributions. Six of his originals are set to be included.

 

You can see all the CD pre-sale options online.

Blue Ridge Artist Agency

Michael Davis, founder of successful Southern Gospel artist representatives, The Dominion Agency, has launched a bluegrass division. Blue Ridge Artist Agency will be based within Dominion’s Waynesville, NC offices, with a number of bluegrass acts on board.

Davis and his team of affiliates will be working with Mountain Faith, The Snyder Family, Southern Raised, and Tim Surrett, who currently plays bass with Balsam Range.

Davis sees this move as a natural extension of his work with Dominion, and his other agency, Mountain Top talent.

“Bluegrass music reflects a worldwide mix of music styles; from jazz, to contemporary country, to rock & roll, to ‘newgrass,’ to Southern Gospel or any form of old time music. Bluegrass speaks to the souls of people everywhere.

I am excited to offer energetic, talented musicians and vocalists to the world through the Blue Ridge Artist Agency. The music of our artists is presented with professionalism that stirs the heart of the listener. Each artist has their own unique blend of vocalists and instrumentalists who will electrify your crowd with their exceptional presentation.

I am so grateful to finally be launching this arm of our company because the world needs to hear these artists!”

More details about Blue Ridge Artist Agency and their artists can be found online.

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