As a recognizable face in the old-time music scene/festival circuit, Thomas Bailey's sound and style expresses his deep love and passion for Southern string band music. Born and raised in Southwest Virginia, this die-hard performer's distinct baritone voice punctuates his multi-instrumental facility of guitar, fiddle, mandolin and string bass.
A journeyman of such bands as the Hogwaller Ramblers, Faster than Walking and The Forge Mountain Diggers, Bailey's earned his miles as a tireless traveller, enthusiastic band member, traditionalist and innovator. His music has brought him all across America, Sweden and the U.K. and upon returning from his 2007 Europe tour he worked with the newly revived, old time trailblazers, Rounder Records artists, the Freight Hoppers.
Spurred on in the late hours after respective gigs and old time music gatherings, Bailey's most recent project, "It's Always August," is a collection of notable fiddle and guitar tunes from the American song bag. Bailey's other recordings include "Brilliancy," his rendition of "Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow" on the CD "Songs from the Underground -The Best of NYC Subway Musicians," plus the critically acclaimed self-titled Forge Mountain Diggers CD. Bailey's vocal and guitar work on the album received accolades from The Old Time Herald magazine which raved," Thomas Bailey is simply one of my favorite singers" while Bluegrass Unlimited called the album "…a breathtaking collection of old-time music that deserves to be an integral part of any serious music library." Bluegrass matron, Lynn Morris says, "…a wonderful singer and a powerful guitarist."
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