Album Notes

This Lexington, KY, band "came together accidentally" in a backroom of Crestwood Christian Church during a talent show in October 2000. The group realized it not only had the musicians for a bluegrass band, but also the chemistry, friendship, and experience as entertainers.

"We love the music and we love to perform and make people happy," says banjoist Bill Johnson. "We only hope our audiences have a quarter as much fun as we do."

The Backroom Bluegrass Band is comprised of six principal members: banjo player Bill Johnson, who plays several instruments in addition to banjo; bass player Jane Johnson, Bill's wife; Dobro and harmonica player and tenor Dan Pence; mandolin player Pat Soister, and guitarist and lead singer Walt Johnson, all of Lexington. In addition, on special occasions renowned folk musician and instrument maker Homer Ledford of Winchester, KY, joins the group to play fiddle and other instruments.

The choice of music has also been a natural outgrowth of the group's personality. The group's musical selections are a blend of their varied musical backgrounds from Jane Johnson's classical musical training, to Pence's Texas roots and western swing influences. When asked if they have a traditional bluegrass sound, the Band answers, "Sometimes, but mostly we sound like us. We play the music we love, the way we love to play it.

BBB's first CD, "Backroom Treasures," is a collection of traditional bluegrass, gospel, and unique arrangements of traditional and original songs. Their second CD, "Instruments of Your Peace," reflects the band's spiritual roots and their ties to down home gospel picking and singing. Their most recent CD, "Ghosts Along the Line," is an all-railroad song collection. It grew out of banjo player Bill Johnson's connections with a steam engine being restored in New Orleans. Bill is an engineer for the locomotive. The CD was the product of the excitement of seeing the engine's return to the mainline after 50 years. The CD's title song, "Ghosts Along the Line," was written by lead singer Walt Johnson and reflects the passion that the members of the Louisiana Steam Train Association have for the steam engine, SP 745. The CD offers traditional bluegrass sounds, but also throws in some "out of the box" arrangements of favorites like "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Included are two pointed, somewhat sad ballads written by the late R. M. "Pinky" Phillips, a former conductor on the B & O Railroad.

The Backroom Bluegrass Band's popularity is rising in Kentucky through word-of-mouth testimonials, keeping the group busy performing in a variety of settings. BBB has been blessed to perform at the International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, KY; The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, Renfro Valley, KY; and on West Virginia's Public Broadcasting Radio show, "Music from the Mountains." But its roots are closely tied to providing fun, lively entertainment for churches and public service venues. The band is equally at home performing for a church barbeque or worship service as it is for a large professional conference. Good music, good friends, and a desire to entertain people are a winning combination.