Stoney Creek's Libby Files and Brett Smeltzer have announced that "West Virginia's Classic Bluegrass Band" is entering the 2015 season with two additions: banjo player Troy Stangle and guitarist Kenton Catlett.
Files described recent rehearsal sessions with the new lineup as "unbelievable."
Troy Stangle previously played banjo and dobro with All4Hym, who recorded on the Rural Rhythm Christian label. His stage and studio experience made Stangle a logical pick for Stoney Creek.
"Troy displays a vast array of versatility and uniqueness in his banjo skills," according to the band's mandolin player Brett Smeltzer. "He is a veteran with a musical talent that is not overpowering, but what audiences will appreciate and find very pleasing to the ear. It's great to have Troy on board with Stoney Creek."
The band is also bringing on board guitarist Kenton Catlett. Catlett had filled in with Stoney Creek throughout 2013 and 2014 when guitarist Ed Barney's job responsibilities kept him from playing show dates. In January 2015, Barney decided to step back from Stoney Creek, and Catlett was a natural fit.
"When I was first getting into bluegrass music nearly 30 years ago, Kenton was the first person that I started playing music with ... rather quickly focusing on both harmonies and arrangement," Smeltzer noted. Smeltzer and Files agreed that "over the past few years, Kenton has been a reliable source to help out Stoney Creek with his vocal and guitar skill on an 'as needed' basis. It is great to know that we have that same commitment from him now on a full-time basis."
"I would like to welcome the new members to the band," Files said. "I am excited about the upcoming lineup and the new opportunities that it will bring."
Longtime banjo and dobro player Darrell Sanders is on the band's injured reserve list. Sanders is facing surgery for a damaged nerve that has limited his playing ability.
Stoney Creek plans to announce 2015 show dates, as well as returning to the studio to finish work on a new album. The new project will be a follow-up to 2012's "Are You Ready?" album, which gained the band airplay in over 200 radio markets and a music video in national rotation on BlueHighways TV.
Stoney Creek's upcoming tour dates and contact information can be found at StoneyCreekBluegrass.net. Radio service, booking, and press inquiries for Stoney Creek can be made by contacting Calv'ry Booking and Management through CalvryBooking.com.
1 comment:
So excited to see the band this summer! It sounds like good things are in store.
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