Chris Stapleton departs The Steeldrivers
posted by John Lawless on 04.02.10 @ 9:11 am
Tags: The Steeldrivers
The Steeldrivers have made quite a noise in the bluegrass world this past two years with a unique sound drawing heavily on the blues – and Chris Stapleton’s distinctive songs and dark, musty vocal style. Their self-titled debut Rounder CD in 2008 garnered multiple award nominations and led to a busy tour schedule across the US.
Now comes news that Chris is leaving the band to dedicate himself fully to songwriting, which had been his primary occupation prior to joining the band. He has had cuts on many pop country releases, including a pair of #1s co-written with Ronnie Bowman (Never Wanted Nothing More from Kenny Chesney and It’s Getting Better All The Time from Brooks & Dunn).
The remaining members will carry on with The Steeldrivers (Tammy Rogers on fiddle, Mike Henderson on mandolin, Richard Bailey on banjo and Mike Fleming on bass). A new singer and guitarist has been chosen, but is not expected to be announced right away.
We expect to get more details soon about both Chris and the band’s future plans, but with the Easter weekend upon us, I’m not sure just when. We’ll update as details are clarified.
Introducing Gary Nichols – the newest Steeldriver
posted by John Lawless on 04.03.10 @ 10:35 am
Tags: Gary Nichols, The Steeldrivers
The Steeldrivers have added Gary Nichols as their new guitarist and vocalist, filling the spot vacated by founding member Chris Stapleton. The following statement was issued by the band on Friday afternoon.
The SteelDrivers are very happy to announce that multi-talented Muscle Shoals session pro, songwriter and guitar picker Gary Nichols is joining the band. He brings a seasoned soulful voice to the mix, and rehearsals have been going very smoothly.
The first night we met Gary he had driven up to Nashville to audition and had been asked to learn four of our songs. He sat down, had a shot of brown, and launched into Blue Side of the Mountain. Around the room, eyebrows raised and sly glances were exchanged. By the time the harmonies blended for the first chorus, we all knew he had the gig. He then ripped off the other three songs with ease, sang a couple more of ours that had caught his ear and proceeded to teach us a couple of his. After he left, the vote was unanimous.
Folks, we are thrilled to have Gary with us and it feels like we are picking up right where we left off. Gary is a guy who brings it from down deep and you’ll feel it just like we did when you hear him.
So all is well- the torch has been passed, the music lives on, and we’ll see you out there!
Stapleton’s final effort with the group will be their next Rounder album, which has already been completed. Yesterday, mandolinist Mike Henderson circulated a lengthy tribute to Chris, the first founding Steeldriver to leave the group.
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Nouvel album en septembre et bel interview ici : 
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