A warm summer’s evening in Small Town USA, and some of the best music you’ll hear anywhere. And that, my friends, is no exaggeration. There will be no bad video uploads from me to taint the amazing musicianship of this family. Look them up yourself. You know how do to that. Or take a look at Zeb’s take on Turkey in the Straw.
But they’re more than just another bluegrass band. Zeb introduced one number as a prog rock (progressive rock) that Samantha wrote, and you could definitely hear the classical influence. And Zeb’s got more than a little southern rock in his soul. I don’t know if the two write together, but their play together is so tight, even as they take turns with virtuoso solos. And there’s Dad – Bud – in the background, the glue that holds everything together as he puts down the bass line and keeps the rhythm. The star of tomorrow? Yeah, that’s Owen, who at twelve years old has a stage presence well beyond his years. Mom? She shows up onstage in some of the old photos on the internet, but she’s behind the scenes now, doing what all moms do, I imagine, and that’s keeping everybody in line as she manages the group.
In Small Town USA, they don’t care if you run all over the place taking pictures. And backstage is just behind the yellow caution tape, where I got a chance to talk to Zeb and Owen and tell them how much I appreciated their music. A great night, for sure. Check out my photos below.
Joseph E Bird 