Lonesome River Band
Photography by Mike Kelly

We were invited by our dear friends at WDVX this past weekend to check out the Lonesome River Band. As always in the World Class Bluegrass series we were not disappointed.With probably the best collection of musicians we have seen together in one group Lonesome River brings the great Ole bluegrass into the modern age.Led by five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year Sammy Shelor and a discography that goes back 17 albums in over 30 years this band is the one to catch for any serious bluegrass aficionado.The current line up of Jesse Smathers on Mandolin and Lead & Harmony, Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman, Mike Hartgrove and Barry Reed all our world class musicians.We also had a chance to pick up the groups brand new disc Bridging the Tradition which has been spinning in the CD Player of my truck for the last two days. Its a fantastic album from the first song until the last. If you could only buy one bluegrass album this year this would be the one.The entire Twisted Hillbilly staff is hooked and we look forward to catching this band any and every chance we can get and we recommend that you do as well.The group is currently touring all over the south right now so go out and experience the knee slapping joy and look for them this summer in all the major bluegrass festivals!!!-Special thanks to Mike Kelly for the great photography and allowing Skip to take a night off and enjoy the music!!!Moe