Rocky Top String Band to release new CD, Tall pines

Thanks to Hubie MacEvilly for news of this coming release:

The Rocky Top String Band have drawn on the deep love of bluegrass music from the band collectively, comprising the following members:

· Mr Tommy Lyons – Prizon, Balla (never done time, done a few crimes on the 5-string, but never harmed an instrument in his life)
· Mr Rob Thornburgh – Carracanada, Swinford (went to school in Boone, North Carolina, and picked up a few classic tunes on the fiddle from the Appalachian States).
· Mr John Flatley - from the Partry Mountains (drives a long-wheel base for the upright bass, and has lower voice range than a crawlin' gear)
· Sarah & Hubie MacEvilly – From MacEvilly's pub originally, Killawalla provides the songs & harmonies on autoharp & guitar respectively.

While some of the songs may give the hint of sadness and heartbreak, the vibrant and uplifting melodies and harmonies balance the heart strings, and generally bring about a longing for more.

The band are drawing a loyal Bluegrass and Old Timey following from the region, and of course in June every year the eagerly anticipated Bluegrass Festival provides a reserved spine-tingling excitement for all Bluegrass musicians alike.

At their gigs the best of Bluegrass is being churned out, covering all the great classics from Bill Monroe, the Stanley Bros, Del McCoury, Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, together with Old Timey music being rejuvenated, bringing it back into the public domain.

With Sarah pulling in some old Carter Family classics on the autoharp to keep the songs and tunes alive from that era, this opens up a whole new audience, and by providing their own twist, give the songs a new edge, and an excitement that makes people want to 'shake a leg'. The sound encompasses a well rounded sound with all stringed instruments and well entwined harmonies.

The making of the CD (Tall pines) which has been a very fun project to work on with the other band members, and together with the culmination of the launch night - planned for Saturday night 1 June in the Clew Bay Hotel - and the upcoming Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival (14–16 June), this could well become the 'Month of Bluegrass Music'.