String Alliance

In addition to the bands that I've been playing with for years, I've stepped out and put together String Alliance, a band consisting of Roger Williams on the dobro, Joe Walsh on mandolin, Wes Corbett on banjo and Ashleigh Caudill on bass, and together we're coming up with some very cool music. Our first gig was opening for Peter Rowan at The Stone Church, which was a great show for us. We're looking forward to opening for the Tony Rice Unit on Friday November 10 at the Church.

A lot of you already know Roger. He's been on the music scene a long time and he's one of the finest dobro players you'll ever hear. We've been friends and musical collaborators for years. We have played in several bands together, including (most recently) The New England Bluegrass Band. His music has always been an inspiration to me and I feel fortunate that he wanted to be a part of the "Alliance".

I met Joe a couple of years ago at the Cantab Lounge. We instantly hit it off musically and quickly became friends. We spent much of the 2005 Joe Val Bluegrass Festival playing together. I really enjoy playing with Joe because he allows his musical ideas to flow, which is very contagious.

Wes and I initially met over the phone. Chris Pandolfi said that I should give this guy a call cause he's thinking about moving to Boston and can really play...well, he wasn't kidding. Wesley is a very tasteful, creative and intuitive player and it's a real joy to pick with him.

Ashleigh and I met at Joe Val a couple of years ago. I was actually in a jam session with a couple other guitar players in a hallway when she walked up. My first thought was "uh-oh, she's going to play right in my ear" (since we were sitting on the floor), and she did, but man was it good. She was right on it. Ashleigh is not only a solid bass player but she has a beautiful voice and I love her harmonies.

Joe and Ashleigh worked together at Berklee and in other bands, which gave us a jumpstart on getting a tight sound.

So be looking for us at a venue near you. As dates are worked out, I'll post them on the calendar page.