Guest blogger Brent Warren logs in on Claire Lynch

The reason that we got into blogging was to provide a forum for people who love music, dance, and theatre to communicate and get out and support the arts in Birmingham. We’re so happy to welcome Guest Bloggers and insights from everyone. If you would like to be a guest blogger, just let us know!

This week Brent Warren logs in on Claire Lynch…

Dolly Parton credits Claire with “one of the sweetest, purest, and best lead vocals in the music business today.” You can’t beat references like that, and I agree 100%! The first time I heard Claire Lynch and the Front Porch String Band, I was struck by her amazing voice and unpretentious stage presence. I have seen her perform on many stages and venues, but no matter how large or small the setting, I feel as if I am sitting on her front porch, hearing the purest, seasoned music coming from these amazing musicians.

If you have ever been to a bluegrass festival, you must have seen all the “shade tree pickers.” They are scattered around the fringes of the festivals, in a circle, playing music. I once heard The Claire Lynch Band warming up for a show under a shade tree at Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Festival. I leaned around the tree, to get as close as I could, and as they played and sang very softly, their harmonies and instruments blended into one richly textured voice that I will never forget…it was special!

Lots of others think Claire and her band are special too. The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) voted her Female Vocalist of the Year, and this year she will be inducted into the Alabama Bluegrass Hall of Fame; guitarist Jim Hurst has received two IBMA Guitar Player of the Year awards, and bassist Mark Schatz has received two IMBA Bass Player of the Year awards. Jason Thomas brings remarkable chops on fiddle and mandolin, and he seems right at home with one of the greatest bluegrass bands currently on the scene.

If you are a musician, you will be amazed and inspired. If you just love great acoustic music…you don’t want to miss this show!

- Brent Warren, Editor, BamaGrass Magazine

Brent is Editor of BamaGrass magazine, published by the Alabama Bluegrass Music Association. His real job is Art Director, and Manager for Southern Living magazine. He is a member of a Birmingham bluegrass band, The Newgrass Troubadours.

He says, “bluegrass music really opened my ears to some of the finest musicians in the business, but it’s also a great form of music for beginning pickers – its up to you how far you want to take it. And, the people you meet along the way are great.” He is married to Lisa, and has two daughters, Kendall (5) and Holland (2).