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THE JUST BLUEGRASS BAND – Time The word “just” has many meaning – righteous, legitimate, proper, well-founded, barely, only or simply. The music from the Ohio-based Just Bluegrass Band is all of these things, but the story about their moniker is a little more simplistic. After a mistake was made at band practice, banjo player Jeff Blankenship said, “Come on, it's just bluegrass.” The band had been named. Formed in 2001, the group includes Lee Surgener (guitar, vocals), Jeff Blankenship (banjo, vocals), Andy Crabtree (dobro, vocals), Don Long (upright bass), and Kevin Crabtree (mandolin, fiddle, vocals). In the last few years of touring, the group has shared stages with the likes of Sam Bush, Tony Trischka, Larry Cordle, Confederate Railroad and Marty Stewart. Lee Surgenger's experience includes years playing gospel music with
The Tackett Family. Then he decided to call Jeff Blankenship about putting
a band together. Jeff (and his brother) had played in Rocky Mountain
Boys and Flatland Grass, and Jeff's an Ohio and Oklahoma Banjo Champion.
To form a serious and professional band, they called on Kevin Crabtree
(formerly with Harbor Town and Tug River). The band has since expanded
to include Don Long (in 2003) and Kevin's brother, Andy. In early 2002,
they met Brad Hamilton, president of Lexington Music Group, who eventually
funded and produced the group's first CD, “Road of Illusion.” Released
in 2002, it established their reputation as a progressive bluegrass band
with a fresh sound. Other originals include the title track, “Time,” with its nostalgic
look back and enjoyment of all we're blessed with. Lee also wrote “Soneday,” a
love song for his wife, and “A Kid's Life,” a recollection of carefree
days of yesteryear. “Your Love is Like a Hurricane” documents a turbulent
relationship. Blankenship's instrumental, “River's Edge,” incorporates
both clawhammer and three-finger style banjo. The Just Bluegrass Band's
covers include Bill Monroe's “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” and “Wheel Hoss,” Martha
Ellis' “I'm Not Broke But Badly Bent,” the classic “Father Along,” and
a red hot version of “Great Balls of Fire.” Another song, “Sitting on
Top of the World,” is one that is oft-played and recorded. For information on how to obtain this album visit the band's website at
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