Bluegrass Bands of Western North Carolina

This 12 track recording has it all - tunes written in-house as well as songs written by well-known writers such as Larry Cordle, Dottie Rambo and Charlie Monroe. Caleb Smith, BR’s guitarist, demonstrates his writing skills with a lonesome ballad “Jack Diamond” and an instrumental piece, “Jaxon Point”. Millan Miller, the pen behind “Burning Georgia Down” and “Calloway County Flood” recorded on Marching Home, shows up again with Caney Fork River – a lively tune where the character comes full circle by the end of the tune. The driving track, “Julie’s Train” was a result of Buddy Melton and friends getting together and working through a tune in the living room.

A Greater Storm includes twelve tracks, nine of which were crafted by members of this five-piece group. Recognized bluegrass songwriter, vocalist and banjo player Patrick McDougal, contributes five songs to the project including a new version of his song The County Fool previously recorded by Alan Bibey and Del McCoury. Guitarist and vocalist Shane Lail, offers three original songs to the album and mandolin player Ty Gilpin also contributes an original track.

The album features six great Bill Monroe songs and seven original tunes written by band members and by today’s premier songwriters. Marching Home grabs your attention from the start with the rocking bluegrasser “The Train’s Ready” as well as “Calloway County Flood” and fan favorite “Burning Georgia Down”.

Strong playing and tight harmony characterize the second release by this Asheville, NC, band.

Check out notes about each song!

This is one of the best bluegrass projects I have been a part of in years! Buddy's tenor voice is one of the most exciting and purest voices I have ever heard and the rhythm is as good as I have ever played with.

Tony Rice

Their latest recording is contemporary in style and highlights some impressive original numbers like "Intent To Deceive," "No Time At All," "What Tomorrow Holds," "Red Tailed Hawk," and "The Man At The River." Fiddler Arvil Freeman makes a guest appearance on "Picker's Paradise" and "Cindy," while James Hembree plays mandolin on his instrumental "Rough And Rowdy."

Featuring: Lauren Talley and the Kingsmen Quartet

Original bluegrass and roots country

"I've been lucky to get to see some fine, young, talented folks through the years, and I've not heard a better mandolin player than my friend, Darren Nicholson! He is not only a great picker and singer, he is a kind, compassionate gentleman. I am truly proud of this gifted young man, and I recommend that folks, Take a listen to this boy...he's close on it!"

Marc Pruett

The band's second release. With twelve tracks and only one of them adapted, this album embodies the driving force behind the Biscuit Burners: innovative acoustic instrumentation tethered to fresh original material.

Much of the music on this recording draws inspiration from the music of Bill Monroe's band of the mid-forties. We have not tried to emulate or copy Mr. Monroe's songs, but have been influenced by his musical vision. Growing up here in western North Carolina, we have also been influenced by the music of Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers and their band mates George and John Shuffler, and other musical heroes, some of whom happen to be neighbors and friends.

Sometimes music should be like an old friend: Instantly accessible, without frills or fancy airs. If all you want to do is sing along, strum or dance to familiar tunes, then you've found a home.

The Biscuit Burners' debut release hit number 6 in the Chicago Tribune's Best Bluegrass Albums in 2004. With this album, the Biscuit Burners deliver a twelve song composition of Fiery Mountain Music,which combines the style of old country ballads with progressive bluegrass into a new, authentic sound.

"This is truly a sparkling effort that is desirable and alluring, a mark of great bluegrass that sparkles in overall sound quality and emotional impact. Be prepared to jump and dance, for the bluegrass of the Southeast is here to enlighten the listener."

-Performer magzine, October 2004