Album Notes

Winners of the 2005 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition, The Badly Bent is a high-energy, traditional bluegrass band based in Durango, Colorado. The band features tight lead and harmony vocals, award-winning instrumental performances, and a warm, friendly stage presence. The Badly Bent is comprised of Patrick Dressen (guitar), Robb Brophy (mandolin), Jimmy Largent (bass), and Mark Epstein (banjo).

This self-titled CD is their first recording project. Although many of the band's members have recorded previously with other projects, this CD represents an effort that many feel captures the spirit and energy of their live performances, which are well-known in the communities in which they've played.

This project benefitted from the input from a number of well-known professionals in the recording/music industry. The project was recorded in Durango at Eagle Sound, engineered by Doug Eagle. The band's mentor, coach, and producer was Sally Van Meter, famous for her amazing playing on the dobro but even more for her production of a number of other famous bluegrass artists, including Open Road, Yonder Mountain String Band, and others. This project was mixed by Grammy-award winner Sally Van Meter and James Tuttle of Airshow Mastering. The project was mastered by David Glasser, Grammy-award winner also of Airshow Mastering.

"Spirited picking and vocals that manage to capture both the fun of the front porch and the intricacies of modern bluegrass.
The Badly Bent features several distinctive lead vocalists and clever arrangements, real assets for any bluegrass group.

This CD sounds great!"
Tim Stafford, Blue Highway

Our Story

The Badly Bent has its roots in a number of well-known bluegrass bands throughout the country. It's members believe that bluegrass music is a music form that appeals to a wide range of audiences, both in terms of age and demographics. The band prides itself on its ability to engage its audiences through solid, tightly played music and through the connection the band makes with audience members.

The Badly Bent has been performing for audiences across the West and continues to gain popularity amongst newgrass, jam band fans and traditional bluegrass fans alike. They are impressing audiences whereever they play with their picking finesse and style and their fabulous harmonies. You really shouldn't miss this project!