Shufflin' - Richard Greene & The Brothers Barton with Jeff Pekarek
The Brothers Barton, Paul (on mandolin) and Loren (on guitar), introduced themselves to me by email asking if I'd be interested in playing on a recording they were planning. I replied ěWhy not, send a sampleî? What they sent literally blew me off my chair. Two brothers from Bakersfield sitting around a cassette player mike in their living room playing original compositions immediately transported me back to Mill Valley, Calif. circa 1974, myself and David Grisman inventing new acoustic music and playing together all day long - what sheer joy! Dawg and I toured for about a year as The Great American Music Band and then split off on life's various journeys, but what energy! what a fantastic time in my life. The Brothers Barton miraculously allowed a recapturing for me of that magical time, something totally unexpected; how could I not jump in?! Sometimes miracles do happen twice.
More...
Since that original contact we've become inseparable
partners. For thirty years I've been looking for
musicians in California to join with, who love and
respect traditional bluegrass while at the same time
being passionate innovators of new hybrid forms.
Finally I found both right here in my backyard,
well sort of, Bakersfield is a bit of a drive.
When it came time to round out the band with the
much needed bass end, I called everybody I
knew and up popped Jeff Pekarek, who had
been working with an old friend, Chris Vitas,
in San Diego. Jeff's experience and talents
proved to be vast and he's perfect for
us in every way. I love these musicians and
our work on this CD, something I will
always be proud of! ...Richard Greene
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