“Frank Vignola is the perfect guitarist really. He knows every
chord under the sun, he can drive the rhythm so hard that you really
don’t need any more of a rhythm section practically for anything. And
then when he begins his solos, one knows immediately that the music
making is on the highest plane….Frank is a soloist to the very extreme
limits that you would assume a soloist could ever be, a genuine
virtuoso.” ~Mark O’Connor “Guitar virtuosity at its highest level-- a must hear.” ~djangoblog.com “…the monstrous Frank Vignola….is one of the most vicious
tremolo-pickers on the scene.” ~Jude Gold, Associate Editor, Guitar
Player Magazine Big Spike plays and sings bluegrass with impeccable vocal harmonies, a powerful stage presence, a sense of humor, and mastery of their instruments, they bring back a sense of the "golden age" of bluegrass. Big Spike, based in northern Vermont, plays hard-driving traditional bluegrass, with an emphasis on 3- and 4-part harmonies. They feature twin fiddles and solid original material in the traditional style. Its members are long-time mainstays of the New England bluegrass scene. Gap Wonder Boys, Two Chord Jones, and Bob Yellin & The Joint Chiefs Of Bluegrass.
Frank Vignola
Frank is one of the most accomplished, multi-dimensional players
walking the planet today. Monster player, composer and improviser,
Frank plays proficiently in every genre, from jazz to bluegrass, and
works with everyone and their brother. Frank’s pedigree is a mile long,
but a quick Google will illustrate why he is considered one of the best
on the planet. Whether he is featured on a Donald Fagen recording, a
jam with David Grisman, as Les Paul's right hand man or leading his own
groups throughout the years, he has proved himself to be in the elite
creating his own unique sound.
http://www.frankvignola.com/
Band members, Bill Gaston - banjo, Michael Santosusso - upright bass, Pete Langdell – guitarist, Freeman Corey – fiddle and Neil Rossi - mandolin player are alumni of some of the most well-known regional and national bands, including Three Wheel Drive, Smokin' Grass, The David Bromberg Band, The Spark
"If you love hard driving, traditional bluegrass with great vocals and instrumental excellence, than seek out Big Spike. This Vermont based band is the real deal. Their stage shows hark back to the early days of bluegrass when performances were graced with style, presence, and the right blend of humor backed by a powerhouse delivery. Their new CD, 'A New Day', showcases the band at its best. Big Spike would be a great addition to any festival line-up. They're sensational." — Carol Beaugard, Lonesome Pine RFD, WFDU, Teaneck, NJ
Appalachian Uprising
If you’re a fan of Bela Fleck and Earl Scruggs, then you are going to love Steve Lutke. And if you’re a fan of great music, then you are going to love hearing virtuosity and soulfulness all in one musician. Steve is simply one of the world’s greatest musicians of our time (the Michael Jordan of the banjo) and ‘Appalachian Uprising’ is one of the very best banjo albums ever recorded.
Steve Lutke is the Joshua Heifetz of the Banjo. His technique is dazzling. Lutke plays from within and brings to his performances a beautiful sense of line and musicianship.
David Dworkin Clarinetist, Metropolitan Opera American Symphony-retired
Kevin Lutke is one of the most distinctive jazz guitarist to come along in recent years. Kevin's first recording "The Road To Santa Ynez" received rave reviews. On his second CD Fallenwood, Kevin shows his skills as both composer and soloist. The Fallenwood release party was held at the highly regarded NYC jazz venue Birdland to a capacity audience!
Kevin alone is worth the price of admission. See him with this amazing line-up….the APPALACHIAN UPRISING BAND.