Post by Ptarmigan on Dec 20, 2007 17:21:49 GMT
The LEE VALLEY STRING BAND
The Lee Valley String Band have been playing old time and bluegrass music since they formed in 1968. Staying true to their original influences of the Carter Family and Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers, they have been a prominent presence in the Cork area for 35 years. On their 30th anniversary the band recorded 'Corner Boys', which was produced by famous Nashville producer Jim Rooney. This CD has received good reviews and much airplay on the national airways.
Chris Twomey: Autoharp & Vocals
For nearly forty years Chris has been at the heart of the music scene in his home town of Cork. He was a founder member of The Lee Valley String Band in 1968. In Nov 2005 Chris released his own solo album 'Midnight on the Water'. He was also a member of The Steam Packet Company and Jimmy Crowley & Stokers Lodge.
Pete Brennan: Bass & Vocals
Pete has been a member of the band for nearly 30 years. He is the resident Bass player but has also had stints on Dobro and Pedal Steel. He has played with countless bands over the years including Small Change and The Rusty String Band and is currently also playing with Dark Road & Hot Guitars.
Mick Daly: Banjo & Vocals
Mick joined the band in the first year of its formation. Equally comfortable playing Irish Trad or Bluegrass he also played with the Mary Black Band and was a founder member of Four Men & A Dog and Any Old Time.
Kevin Gill: Dobro & Vocals
Kevin has been playing Dobro with the group since 1995. Prior to this he's played Banjo with the Rusty String Band and the Last Chance Bluegrass Band. He has recently recorded with his wife Geraldine, and a CD: Kevin & Geraldine Gill / So Many Times is now available.
Hal O'Neill: Fiddle & Guitar
Hal's been with the band for the last nine years. Prior to joining this band he played guitar in many prominent bands and is presently playing with a newgrass fourpiece called Dark Road.
Brendan Butler: Mandolin & Vocals
Brendan joined the band nine years ago. Before becoming a member of the Lee Valley he was a founder member of The Last Chance Bluegrass Band & is currnently also in Dark Road.
Mick 'Tana'O'Brien: Guitar & Vocals
Another member of the band who has been there since the very early days, having joined in 1968. Tana has been involved in many of the acoustic bands in Cork over the years.
The LEE VALLEY STRING BAND - Ireland