New Members for American Drive!

Rural Rhythm recording artist American Drive is happy to announce their two newest members.

Joining the group will be Adam McIntosh on guitar, while Shayne Bartley assumes the banjo duties.

"We took our time to find the right combination before making our decision", says mandolinist Dwight McCall. "In addition to being talented musicians these guys are also accustomed to the rigors of the road. They are both multi instrumentalists and quality singers that will allow us to enjoy even greater flexibility moving forward." McCall, also recognized for his banjo playing ability, looks ahead to being able to swap instruments on select songs.

Shayne Bartley is a veteran musician who has performed with several bands during a career that spans 25 years on banjo, guitar, and mandolin. Charlie Sizemore, The Lost and Found, Karl Shiflett, David Peterson, Dave Evans, and Beachley and Scott are among some of the many bands that have utilized his talents. He has also performed as a New South and American Drive fill in member. Bartley is no stranger to performing before very large audiences, having toured during 2003 with country superstars Brooks and Dunn.

An avid J.D. Crowe enthusiast, Shayne says "After filling in with American Drive last summer I knew this was the right fit for what I wanted to play on the banjo. I have been a huge J.D. Crowe and The New South fan over the years, so to essentially step into the spot vacated by J.D. is an honor."

Adam McIntosh plays both rhythm and lead guitar and will share the lead vocal duties with McCall and Matt DeSpain. After taking a year off the road to work in the retail end of the industry, he realized how much he missed the playing side. Adam most recently performed with Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers, with whom he recorded four albums and was an integral part of the band when they were named the 2012 IBMA Emerging Artist. Before that he performed with The Dry Branch Fire Squad.

"At the moment I realized it was time to begin performing again, God opened a door that led me to playing in an amazing band with guys that I've respected for a long time" says McIntosh. "I am truly blessed and very excited to hammer out some good driving Bluegrass with them."

The pair will compliment McCall, DeSpain (resophonic guitar) and Kyle Perkins (upright bass). American Drive fans should expect them to continue with their trademark driving sound and tight harmonies derived from their years of performing with The New South. The new configuration will debut at the Yeehaw Junction Festival on January 25th, followed by the Station Inn on January 31st. "After that, we're headed to the studio" says McCall. "We want to get some newly recorded material out there as soon as possible."

Artie Werner will continue as their booking and press representative and can be contacted at 513-200-2953 or artiewerner@aol.com.