John Cowan, hailed as the Voice of Newgrass, has been singing his heart out for more than forty years and his soaring vocals have only improved with time. A true innovator, Cowan applies his powerful pipes to genres from country, bluegrass, and gospel to soul, jazz, and rock – often within the space of a single concert. With his distinctive, rock-tinged tenor vocal and heart-thumping electric bass, Cowan along with fellow New Grass Revival bandmates Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson, and Curtis Burch, and later Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn, introduced a new generation of music fans to an explosive, experimental and ultimately, an eponymous brand of bluegrass.After New Grass Revival disbanded in 1990, John went on to record a series of critically acclaimed solo albums,including what many say is his most adventurous one yet, Sixty. Star packed with the likes of Bonnie Bramlett, Ray Benson, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Chris Hillman, John Jorgenson, Alison Krauss, Bernie Leadon, Huey Lewis, Jim Messina, Leon Russell, John McFee, and others, this album set a new standard of excellence.These days, John Cowan fans have to wait a little longer between shows and possibly travel a little farther to get to them. That’s because he’s working his regular gig traveling the world with the Doobie Brothers, laying down the low notes and singing the high ones.
Allen Shadd is a three-time National Flatpicking champion, winning his most recent title in 2019. He is also a three-time Wayne Henderson guitar competition champion, as well as Merlefest champion, Rockygrass champion and many other state and regional titles that are among his awards. Although he has excelled in his contest endeavors, he is equally at home performing workshops and concerts. He has performed or recorded with many artists, including Tom T. Hall, Claire Lynch, Jimmy Fortune, John Cowan, Peter Rowan, David Grier, Norman Blake, Barry Lee Harwood, T. Michael Coleman, Darin and Brooke Aldridge and many more. Allen was born and raised in north Florida and lived there over 40 years until moving to the Carolinas in 2005 where he has resided since.
Richard Smith is a British fingerstyle guitarist, renowned for his variety of styles and techniques, entertaining performances and engaging charisma. Inspired by iconic guitarists like Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, Django Reinhardt and Joe Pass, Smith's unique style blends country, jazz, classical and ragtime influences. In his very early years, he received mentorship from guitar greats, laying the foundation for his future success. In addition to being the 2001 National Fingerstyle Guitar champion, Richard's resume includes: Performing or recording with legends Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins and Les Paul; collaborations with Tommy Emmanuel, Joscho Stephan, Brent Mason, & Martin Taylor; as well as performing at prestigious festivals like Merlefest and Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention.
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