The High 48s Bluegrass Band
From Minnewiki
The High 48s are a traditionally minded bluegrass band whose music combines the sound of the first-generation bluegrass pioneers with a honky-tonk swagger and rock-and-roll energy that shows their roots in the alternative country scene. The High 48s were formed in early 2006 and have since become one of the most talked-about new bluegrass bands on the Midwest bluegrass festival circuit.
Recordings
The High 48s' self-titled debut CD was recorded just weeks after the band was formed and was released in late 2006. This CD features two original songs by the High 48s: a fiddle tune, "Glenn's Reel," written by fiddle player and vocalist Eric Christopher and a song, "Leaving Me," written by guitarist and vocalist [[Derek Johnson].
In the fall of 2007, after winding down a busy season of touring the regional festival circuit, the High 48s began work on the follow-up to their debut CD. The High 48s' second CD--titled "Who Needs Love?"--will feature mostly original music written by Eric Christopher and Derek Johnson, and will include a contribution from banjo player Tony Ihrig, also of Free Range Pickin'. "Who Needs Love?" is scheduled to be released on February 1, 2008.
Bios
Rich Casey, bass – Rich is a musical man about town who, in addition to providing a solid musical foundation to the High 48s’ hard-driving bluegrass sound, keeps a busy performance schedule lending his doghouse skills to a wide range of musical situations.
Eric Christopher, fiddle and vocals – Eric is a Minnesota Music Award–nominated fiddler who has performed or recorded with dozens of Americana/alternative country artists, including Tina and the B-Sides, Accident Clearinghouse, and Bellwether, and has shared the stage with the likes of Ralph Stanley, Gillian Welch, the Jayhawks and Sheryl Crow.
Tony Ihrig, banjo – Tony is a former drummer who brought his rock-solid timing to the banjo and helped form the Midwestern newgrass band Free Range Pickin'. His unique rhythmic banjo style and songwriting skills have helped earn him radio play in Nashville and a review in Bluegrass Unlimited.
Chad Johnson, mandolin and vocals – Chad was a rock bassist until he experienced a moment of clarity while watching Ronnie McCoury pick with Del and the boys. Since then he’s been picking bluegrass mandolin and singing with his brother Derek Johnson.
Derek Johnson, guitar and vocals -- Derek worked as a rock/alternative country musician with Best Fight Story and music promoter in Minneapolis for ten years before he was born again as bluegrass picker. Since his conversion, Derek (a.k.a. Ironlung) has been picking his Martin and lending his powerful tenor voice to duets with his brother Chad.
Related Links
The High 48s Website: www.thehigh48s.com
The High 48s Myspace: www.myspace.com/thehigh48s
