Album Notes

The Gospel Creek Bluegrass Band has been praising God's Holy name in bluegrass for about 20 years. We are based in the Oakland Bay Area. The Cross 'N' The Creek project was professionally recorded by Grammy Award winner Jim Hawthorne at Spirit Wind Studios in Hayward California.

Rich Ferguson - banjo, dobro, vocals
I am a retired Firefighter and born again believer. One Christmas my wife bought me a banjo and my life hasn't been the same since. I am currently building a hot rod milk truck that the band will use. You can see us and the milk truck at www.gospelcreek.com.

Debra Ferguson - bass, vocals
Debra is the serious, but ditzy member of the band. However, she laughs easily and enjoys singing with all her heart. She also sings in the choir at church. She is a kindergarten teacher and is married to Rich, the banjo player. She has been walking with the Lord over 30 years and wishes to please Him in all she does.

Carol Lemos - guitar, vocals
Carol is Debra's sister so we had to let her be in the band. She is married to Gary, and they have 4 children. She has been playing bluegrass music for the past 30 years.

Ray Dawley - mandolin
Born and raised in the Bay Area. He has been married for 15 years to his wife Sue and has 2 children, Hannah 13 and Taylor 5. He has been in public education for 18 years both as a teacher and administrator. In addition to playing bluegrass, both Ray and Sue have been active on their church worship teams.

Jill Cruey - fiddle
Jill is a musician who started fiddling while raising three boys in Wyoming in the early 1980's. Inspired by a trip to the National Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho, Jill studied with Shelly Clark, a women's national fiddle champion. After moving to California, Jill co-founded the Alhambra Valley Band in 1986, and Just Kidding, a children's traditional American music program.

We hope Cross 'N' The Creek is a blessing to you and draws your focus to the Lord. We hope to reflect the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. All praise belongs to Him.