Claire Lynch is a multi-award winning performer/songwriter and a “singer’s singer” whose work has been heralded by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and many music journalists, all of whom have written about her with favor.
She paved the way for other women in a musical world that traditionally belonged to men – the world of bluegrass – and managed to set the bar a little higher for everyone who followed.
She now plans to blaze another new trail in her life and career. In 2016, she will wrap up full-time touring with her Claire Lynch Band – a much-adored staple of the bluegrass community – and focus on the next iteration of her music and creativity.
“I founded the ‘CLB’ in 2005 and it’s been a fun and rewarding, but not without challenges. Anyone who leads the band knows that learning all the ins and outs, and wearing all the hats just comes with the territory. It’s a lot of work beyond the music. But for me, a new season is approaching – one in which I downsize my focus and work on some new, varied creative things.”
Undoubtedly, Claire will have the support of one very special fan as she formulates her new plan ... husband Ian Gray, now living in Ontario, Canada. The couple married last July during a brief break in Claire’s hectic schedule and Ian’s summer reprieve from teaching for the Toronto District School Board. Part of Claire’s new story will include plenty of time enjoying this new chapter in her life as a happy newlywed and integrating herself into the Canadian music community. “In point of fact, I’ve been discovering the wealth of great songwriting from the land to the north. My plan is to have the next (and perhaps final) recording by The Claire Lynch Band dedicated to songs from Canadian writers – interpreted our way, of course!”
Claire Lynch is spring boarding from a strong, notable career into new territory, literally and figuratively. “It’s a bit thrilling, but I’m feeling awfully sentimental,” she says as she reflects on her years of hard work and its pay-offs. “Much of my success has been due to a team of incredible musicians I’ve been privileged to work with. They were right there with me as we created those albums.” The present company is no exception. As she winds up Claire Lynch Band touring through 2016, she’ll continue to wow audiences and win hearts with the all-star cast that now comprises the Claire Lynch band. 
These master musicians are Mark Schatz, two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year; young gun Jarrod Walker on guitar and mandolin; and the highly-awarded Bryan McDowellon fiddle and mandolin.
Often called upon to lead singing and songwriting workshops, Lynch plans to seek more opportunities to mentor and champion young artists. Having produced or co-produced most of her own albums (thirteen to date), she has begun adding her creative touch to outside recording projects. She’s also writing to expand her rich catalog of original tunes.
“I love my fans and friends around the world too much to just disappear,” Claire asserts. “This is not an end by any means. It may be just the beginning for some of my greatest work.”
Still, a little honeymoon may be in order for the time being.
MORE ON CLAIRE LYNCH
In the mid 1970’s, there were few role models for a young woman in bluegrass, and Claire Lynch made history when she fronted the Front Porch String Band, which evolved in the ‘80s and ‘90s into one of the most iconic post-modern bluegrass bands on the touring circuit. She is a lifetime member of the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and a two-time GRAMMY nominee. Most recently, Claire won the 2014 IBMA Song of the Year award for “Dear Sister” and the Recorded Event of the Year Award for her participation in “Wild Montana Skies.” On the heels of her IBMA awards and the success of her album Dear Sister, (Compass Records), Claire released her first-ever seasonal album, Holiday! on her own Thrill Hill Records label.
Lynch received one of only seven USA Fellowships awarded to musicians in 2012 from United States Artists. USA Fellows represent the most innovative and influential artists in their fields. Fellowships are also awarded to practitioners from the fields of architecture and design, crafts and traditional arts, dance, literature, media, theater arts, and visual arts.
Lynch has performed at prestigious music festivals and theaters around the world. Her sound is one of the most instantly identifiable in acoustic music, encompassing classic bluegrass and thoughtful infusions of contemporary folk, country, rock, and swing.
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