Changes for DL&Q and the Special C.

(left) Ron Spears

At the time of this posting, one of the top news items on the original Bluegrass Blog covers important developments for two US bands who have both played recently in Ireland.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have had several changes since they played at the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh in last September's Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival. Alan Johnson, most recently with BlueRidge, is now on fiddle with them, and Chris Warner on banjo. Chris's CV includes playing with Jimmy Martin, Jim & Jesse, the Seldom Scene, Chief Powhatan, and the Johnson Mountain Boys, and he has recently been upholding the Jimmy Martin tradition as banjo-player with Audie Blaylock & Redline. He is also a highly regarded luthier and instrument repairman.

The latest recruit to DL&Q is Ron Spears, who was here in January as lead singer and mandolinist with the Special Consensus. Ron, who plays all the bluegrass instruments, will be playing bass and singing lead with DL&Q from July 2007, allowing ample time for the Special C. to find a replacement.

The Bluegrass Blog quotes Doyle Lawson: 'Ron is a longtime student and fan of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and he understands the style... I'm looking forward to his vocal input as well as having another songwriter in the band.' Ron's song 'Ocean of teardrops' can be heard on the latest DL&Q CD, More behind the picture than the wall.