Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb bring their new musical venture to a new bluegrass label
Nashville, TENN — Billy Blue Records, led by Jerry Salley, has announced the label’s first artist signing with Appalachian Road Show, the new musical collaboration between Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb.
Timing is an important element to all things musical, and timing was perfect in Appalachian Road Show’s signing with Billy Blue Records. Just as Abernathy and Webb were making plans for their first recording together as a new band, Billy Blue Records was being formed as bluegrass music’s newest record label. Discussing vision and goals, the two entities quickly found common ground and shared purpose … crafting great bluegrass music.
“Barry and Darrell bring a rich history to their vision for Appalachian Road Show,” says Salley, A&R and Creative Director for Billy Blue Records. “This band is exactly the type of first-rate musicianship that a new label seeks in order to take flight.”
Abernathy, a founding member of Mountain Heart, has shared his jaw-dropping banjo skills and fine vocals with headliners IIIrd Tyme Out, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Webb is a fierce-picking multi-instrumentalist with a precision high tenor, who has provided a distinct sound for several top touring and recording groups including Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and J.D. Crow & The New South, as well as his own eponymous band.
Now, as Appalachian Road Show, these stellar artists envision a collaborative journey that explores and celebrates the musical history of the Appalachian Mountain people. Through Civil War battles, from coal mines to logging camps, church house quartets to minstrel and medicine shows, and including the expressive stylings of enslaved African peoples, the region grew rich in a unique musical history that defines its very soul. Abernathy and Webb seek to explore those traditions which have been passed down throughout the region from generation to generation.
The first project, “Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb Present Appalachian Road Show,” will be released during the IBMA’s annual World Of Bluegrass conference in Raleigh, NC, with a CD release party scheduled for Wednesday, September 26 at 11pm at Kings in downtown Raleigh.
Bluegrass label, Billy Blue Records, and its companion Americana label, Billy Jam Records, are the recently formed brainchild of Ed Leonard (Daywind Music Group) and multi-award-winning songwriter/performer/producer, Jerry Salley.
