Michael Cleveland hires new banjo man
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 – Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper have a new banjo man - Indiana native Jessie Baker. He is taking over for John Mark Batchelor, who had health issues and was unable to perform some dates.
Baker performed his first show with Flamekeeper the end of September in Denton, N.C. Although he is not yet out of his teens, Baker has already had plenty of experience in bluegrass, playing with Wildfire, The Wildwood Valley Boys, The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Sho, as well as his family band, The Baker Boys. He has also appeared with Marty Raybon and Full Circle, David Peterson and 1946, Avery County, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain, and Ronnie Stoneman. Baker lives in Georgetown, Ky.
More news for Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
- 02/17/23: Cleveland, Blackberry Smoke's Starr enjoy "One Horse Town"
- 12/09/22: Cleveland believes in "The Lovin' of the Game"
- 02/03/15: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper add new member
- 10/15/14: Cleveland loses a Flamekeeper
- 01/27/11: Cushman joins Michael Cleveland
- 01/24/11: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper featured on radio shows
- 02/17/09: Michael Cleveland plots solo release
- 11/19/08: Darrell Webb joins Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
CD reviews for Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
Unlike previous Flamekeeper releases, there are few bluegrass household names associated with "On Down the Line." Only co-producer Jeff White has been with Michael Cleveland since the 2002 Rounder Records debut that gave Cleveland's band its name. "On Down the Line's" personnel reflects an evolving band that has solidified over three years. Glenn Gibson (banjo and reso) has been with Cleveland for three years, while both Tyler Griffith (bass) and Nathan Livers ...
Some CDs labeled "bluegrass" are like powdered eggs and turkey bacon: they just don't hit the mark. If it's a Michael Cleveland CD then you know it will be the real deal. "Flamekeeper" is centered on Cleveland and his fabulous talent on the fiddle (and other instruments, too). Other Flamekeeper members are Tom Adams (Blue Highway, Johnson Mountain Boys) on guitar and lead vocals, Marshall Willborn (Lynn Morris Band) on bass, Jessie Brock on mandolin and Jessie Baker ...
Fans of hard-driving bluegrass with some modern country influences will really like Michael Cleveland and Famekeeper. It's a no-bones-about-it, in-your-face bluegrass effort with tight rhythms and fast picking.
The CD kicks off with the fast driving "Sold Down the River," which is joined by "Troubles 'Round My Door" and the title track. These tunes showcase a fast paced traditional bluegrass sound with tight instrumentals and clear lyrics.
"My Blue Eyed ...
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