Acclaimed contemporary bluegrass powerhouse Lonesome River Band has been delivering to audiences for 40 years. Teasing their upcoming record, Heyday – which drops July 22nd – the band continues to add to their legacy with their country-fried new ballad, “Mary Ann is a Pistol.”
Led by Sammy Shelor, five-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year and the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, the band has forged quite a legacy during their decades together. Formed in 1982, the band continues to release material and find ways to stay exciting and fresh in the world of a genre defined by tradition.
The quintet, composed of Shelor, new mandolin player Adam Miller, guitar player Jesse Smathers, fiddle player Mike Hartgrove, and new bassist Kameron Keller have infused bluegrass with a bold attitude in their unique approach to the genre.
Miller takes the lead on the fiery new track, “Mary Ann is a Pistol,” firmly cementing his place in the band with a stellar vocal performance. The song is characterized by the band’s signature polished sound and expert bluegrass musicianship. Written by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Dennis Linde, the song is a subversion of stereotypes that was reclaimed from the record collection of Shelor. In other words, it’s the band’s take on an old deep cut.
The band’s upcoming album, Heyday, is intended to be a record that showcases the band’s ability to remain in their prime, and highlights the transition into a new era with their new members. As the band’s prolific career shows no signs of slowing down, it’s only appropriate that the album is named the way it is. “After 40 years in the business, LRB is looking forward to many more years on the road bringing new music to our wonderful friends across the country,” said Shelor.
All in all, it’s safe to say the Lonesome River Band continues adding onto an already impressive legacy.
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