Album Notes

Blackstone Valley Bluegrass is a four-piece acoustic bluegrass band from Central Massachusetts. Formed in 1998 BVBB consists of Bob and Dave Dick, Dan Nowlan and Ken Taylor. We consider ourselves entertainers primarily and musicians secondarily thus our performances are quite fun and dynamic. On our second CD release "Soulshine" each band member has brought varied material into the band resulting in a wide variety of styles. Yet as we widen our range, we also have evolved a unique style which runs through everything we do. From a uptempo rendition of Warren Haynes' "Soulshine" to an acapella version of the old classic "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad", to the crazy pace of Dwight Yoakam's "Stayin Up Late" to the sweet harmony singing of Rick Lang's "Lately" BVBB delivers a very satisfying musical experience for the listener. Many times audience members tell us, "I don't like bluegrass, but I LOVE you guys!". We attribute these comments to how we blend all of our varied musical backgrounds into a bluegrass context. Both Dan and Ken have roots in 60's rock and folk music and bring these influences into the band. Bob and Dave have a bit more traditional bluegrass in their backgrounds as well as jazz, classical and country styles. Combined, we are able to bring in original ideas and arrange them in a way that works successfully in a bluegrass band context. We look to bands such as the Classic Country Gentlemen, the Seldom Scene, and JD Crowe and The New South as examples of bands who were able to bring outside influences into a fairly traditional bluegrass presentation. And these groups were focused on entertainment as well. Blackstone Valley Bluegrass plays mostly in the Northeast region, although we have traveled to Canada in the past. We hope you'll consider giving us a listen and be sure to check us out online.
Thanks for reading. - dd