Special C. alumni: news

The Special Consensus, who first toured Ireland in 1995, count as family in the Irish bluegrass community. So we're glad to see news on the original Bluegrass Blog of recent developments in the careers of former Special C. members who played more than one tour here with the band.

Ron Spears (above) is now with David Parmley & Continental Divide, who are preparing a new CD which is likely to feature the quartet harmony singing associated with the Bluegrass Cardinals. A video clip of 'Sweet hour of prayer', with Ron's soaring lead vocals, can be seen here.

Josh Williams (below), who preceded Ron as mandolinist and lead singer with the Special C., and was with Rhonda Vincent & the Rage up to October 2007, has his own band which includes on bass Tim Dishman, another Special C. veteran of a couple of tours in Ireland. Recent news on Josh's band can be seen here. A few weeks ago, Josh's marriage to Jennifer Harper was announced, to take place yesterday, 26 July. Further details here.