Welcome the Dukes of Drive

Is there anyone more beloved inside bluegrass music than Terry Baucom? His banjo style is plainly definitive of the link between Earl Scruggs, through J.D. Crowe, and on to modern 1-4-5 drive.

On top of that, he is among the kindest, wisest, and funniest people you will ever meet, whose economy with words matches his minimalistic approach to the five. Just ask anyone who knows or has worked with him.

Now after decades as a sideman, Bauc has assembled his first band under his leadership, The Dukes of Drive. Richard Bennett is on guitar, Matt Wallace on bass, and Joey Lemons on mandolin. They’ll be performing music from Terry’s two solo projects, and from Richard and Matt’s records. You can bet there will be solid, hard-core bluegrass from start to finish.

At the onset, the Dukes will be working a limited schedule, but are already booked this year at the initial Five-String Fest, the Strawberry Festival, the Dailey & Vincent Fest, and the Wayne Taylor Homecoming Festival.

Terry sounds like he is ready to get out there and pick.

“I really do look forward to being on stage with these guys.  I have always found it a lot of fun to put together great sets of music and then present it to bluegrass audiences. We all have a real passion for the same style of grass. Even though each one of us does other things, it will be a fun time and we’ll just see where it takes us.”

Baucom is handling dates himself for the time being. More information can be had by contacting him by email or phone (336-262-4020).

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.