Grasstowne will have a new look and sound for 2015. Mandolinist and bandleader Alan Bibey says that they will be going as a four piece, reuniting him with some of his old bluegrass buddies.
Justin Jenkins will remain on banjo, with Gena Britt coming in to play bass, and Jimmy Haley on guitar. All four will share in the vocals. This is certain to be a mighty powerful rhythm section, with all the drive you could want in a bluegrass band.
These four are heading into the studio in January to add three new tracks to what is already recorded for the Grasstowne 4 album project. Look for that in the Spring, with plans for them to start work later in 2015 on an all new project with this band.
Bibey said that he and Justin are psyched to get started next year, and wish their recently departed bandmates the best.
“We are really excited to have Jimmy Haley and Gena Britt in the band! They are some of our favorite people and
some of the best musicians ever in bluegrass. We all have the same vision for the band and that’s really
critical to keeping a unit together. Gena will still be doing select dates with their great
Sister Sadie Band, but her main focus will be with Grasstowne.
I want to wish Kameron Keller and Shannon Slaughter all the very best. They’re both top notch in our book!
Kameron is now with Junior Sisk, and Shannon fronts his own band, County Clare.”
You can get a first look at the new Grasstowne when they perform at the SPBGMA festival February 6-7. The full tour schedule for 2015 will be posted online.
http://bluegrasstoday.com/new-look-for-grasstowne/