Bluegrass

Appalachian Trail is one of the most exciting bluegrass bands to emerge on the national scene in quite some time. This dynamic Southwest Virginia group combines a reverence for the music's traditions with original material, fine singing and tasteful instrumentals - they may just be the next superstars of bluegrass music. Vocalist and bassist Linda Barker Lay has been a mainstay of Appalachian Trail since its inception nearly 15 years ago. Her superb voice is one of the finest in bluegrass, and is focal point of this group's sound. She has appeared as a featured guest with many bluegrass greats including the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Claire Lynch, the Osborne Brothers, Del McCoury and Vern Gosdin. Banjoist Carson Cooper, of Marion, Virginia, is also a founding member of Appalachian Trail; he contributes fine musical arrangements as well as baritone and bass vocals. Relative newcomer David Lay adds his strong rhythm guitar playing and excellent baritone vocals to the group's sound. The son of a Methodist preacher, he brings with him the influence of a family steeped in a gospel music tradition. Mandolinist and soulful tenor Tommy Austin is also a talented songwriter. He began his career, as many bluegrass musicians do, by singing in local churches, and was a member of groundbreaking bands Rising Wind and Tennessee Skyline. Fiddler Becky Buller brings her talents on the fiddle as well as in songwriting to the band. A native of rural Southern Minnesota, Becky comes from a musical family; at the age of 14, she had already joined her parents' bluegrass band, Prairie Grass. In 1997, Becky relocated to Johnson City, Tennessee, and joined Appalachian Trail in 1998.

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Music Sampler : Don't Pick Me Up