Album Notes

This is the self-produced solo debut from multi-instrumentalist Aaron Ramsey. Long a mainstay of The Linville Ridge Band (and Gospel group Damascus Road, prior), he steps forth to offer his own brand of bluegrass and acoustic music.

Growing up and being immersed in bluegrass music has helped him to establish a solid foundation as he begins his own musical journey. Aaron displayed a bit of these hidden talents when he won the MerleFest mandolin contest in 2002 at the ripe old age of 17. Prior to that he had secured a mandolin endorsement after attending the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) for several years.

On this recording, he is joined by Adam Steffey on mandolin and lead vocal on “Dark Days and Desperation,” a song penned by his father, Mike Ramsey. Adam also takes the middle mandolin break on Bill Monroe’s instrumental, “Old Dangerfield.” Steffey’s influence can be heard on the rest of the mandolin tracks played by Aaron. Andrew Crawford, Aarons’ musical brother, plays guitar on “Dark Days and Desperation.”

Aaron is also joined by Randy Kohrs on dobro on Aaron’s instrumental, “Jumping the Gun” and the last cut “On That Shore,” another Gospel song written by Aaron's Dad. These two cuts also utilize the efforts of Brian and Maggie Stephens (on guitar and bass) and Patton Wages, currently of Marty Raybon and Full Circle, on banjo.

Mike Ramsey wrote “Lonesome Soul” the opening track and the final cut, “On That Shore.” Aaron’s father is also heard singing another Mike Ramsey song, “Photograph of You.” Aaron plays the remaining musical assignments and the rest of the vocals on the entire record, which was engineered, recorded, mastered and produced by Aaron himself.

It is hoped that this will be the beginning of what will be a long established musical career for this talented young man.