The Runaway String Band brings together four long-time Williamsburg-area musicians to produce a wonderful variety of bluegrass, old time, and swing music. With lush vocal harmonies and hot instrumentals, the band captures the feel of the early string bands but with a strong New Acoustic edge.
Doug Austin, formerly with the acclaimed bluegrass ensemble Virginia Rail, plays the mandolin for the ensemble, and adds strong lead and harmony vocals. Five-string banjoist Dave Paddock sings both harmony and lead, and creates many of the Runaway String Band's vocal arrangements. He brings years of experience in a variety of vocal ensembles to the task. Rounding out the group are Barry and Lynn Trott. Both are long time performers of 17th and 18th century music in Williamsburg. Barry plays both guitar and mandolin, and as the Runaway String Band's primary lead vocalist, Barry is responsible for much of the band's repertoire. Lynn holds the distinction of being the only viola de gamba player in all of bluegrass music. Her virtuosity with this baroque instrument leave even the most seasoned bluegrass listeners wondering if the gamba wasn't Bill Monroe's first choice to hold down the bass. Together as the Runaway String Band, this quartet delights audiences with its tight harmonies, driving rhythms, and unique arrangements of bluegrass, old-time and swing music.
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