Category Archives: Virginia Artists

American Idol, Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Contemporary Christian Music, Music, Pop Music, Virginia Artists

Jeslynn Gelaine Music: All My Life I’ve Been a Dreamer

17-year-old Roanoke, Virginia native Jeslynn Gelaine has always been a dreamer.  And one of her dreams became reality just 4 days ago when the singer-songwriter’s debut professional music recording “Calm Me Down” was released as a single.

All photos and videos in this article were provided courtesy of Jeslynn Gelaine unless otherwise noted.

The music artist’s full name is Jeslynn Gelaine Reynolds, and she elected to drop the surname Reynolds at the beginning of her budding musical career.

I asked Reynolds about the significance on using her middle name as a music artist. She responded, “Jeslynn Gelaine is my way of paying tribute to my mom and Mimi, two talented singers who shared a middle name. Following my Mimi’s passing in August 2022, I’m passionate about honoring and carrying her legacy through Gelaine.”

Singing has always been a huge part of Gelaine’s life.  Her mom, Rebecca Reynolds, shared with me that, “Jeslynn has been singing since she could talk and also began singing harmony at age three.” 

Gelaine also traveled on the road and sang with her parents Adam & Rebecca Reynolds in full time evangelical ministry for 7 ½ years when Jeslynn was between the ages of 3 and 10.

In 2018, the Reynolds family settled in the Roanoke Valley and began ministry with Wake the World Church (WTW) in Salem, Virginia. Adam Reynolds is lead pastor while Rebecca Reynolds is minister and worship leader at the church.

Adam and Rebecca Reynolds are also accomplished gospel music singer-songwriters. Their daughter Jeslynn has also been a worship leader with WTW for the past 7 years.

In August, Jeslynn will be starting her senior year in high school as a homeschooled student. I asked Gelaine if she had any plans after she graduates from high school and she replied,” I’m unsure about college, but I have a peace about music. I trust God’s plan and believe he wants me to use my gift full-time.”

Another dream came true for the music artist when she was 15 years old. Jeslynn’s hope of singing on the American Idol reality TV show started almost two years ago.

 In August 2023, Gelaine auditioned virtually in front of producers for a chance to be on American Idol (AI). Her audition was successful that day and Jeslynn was set for the next round of qualification.

On to Nashville in November 2023, Jeslynn went for her audition in front of American Idol’s main judges:  Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. Gelaine selected, “Still Rolling Stones” by Lauren Daigle to sing for her audition.

Jeslynn had another winning performance and received an American Idol “Golden Ticket.”  That meant that Gelaine would be one of just 150 singers going to Hollywood out of over 6,000 other contestants and she would actually be performing on the main AI show.

During Hollywood week, Jeslynn sang “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder. She again auditioned in front of the main AI judges Richie, Bryan and Perry.

Before singing the Motown song, Jeslynn addressed the judges with the following quote: “I want to be the next American Idol because I can say that I have truly just dedicated my whole life to music and songwriting. And this means everything to me, and I know this is what God has called me to do and that is why I’m singing on this stage today.”

 While Gelaine didn’t move on in the competition, she received high praise from the judges. After the performance, Katy Perry gave exceptional credit to the Roanoke singer, providing encouragement to Jeslynn who was just 15 at the time of this audition.

I first learned about Gelaine just after the AI “Hollywood Week” episode aired in the spring of 2024. WSLS TV channel 10 Roanoke featured the sensational singer with a news story outlining her musical story and the big dreams she’s accomplished. That feature can be viewed here via WSLS 10.

Around 13 months later, I had the opportunity to meet Jeslynn and her parents Adam and Rebecca Reynolds when Gelaine was performing in concert with the Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke. The singer was the headlining artist for this event.

Accompanying Gelaine at her May 3rd Roanoke concert were 4 band members and a background vocalist. Personnel members and instruments played are listed below:

  • Bryan Davis-Piano
  • Eddy Sanders-Bass
  • Tonio Williams-Drums
  • Roger Graves Jr.-Guitar
  • Rebecca Reynolds-Background Vocalist

An unfortunate thing happened on that first Saturday in May 2025:  A big rain storm with thunder and lightning hit downtown Roanoke around 20 minutes into Jeslynn’s show. The Strawberry Festival administrators stopped the concert after just 3 and a half songs were performed.

Obviously, Jeslynn was deeply disappointed about the rain storm and abrupt ending of her concert: she had to make lemonade out of lemons.  Of the songs that Gelaine sang that afternoon, I made short video clips from two of her songs.

This first clip above is an original song Jeslynn wrote called “Song Outta Me”.

The second video I made is of her recently released single, “Calm Me Down.”  

The genesis for the lyrics of “Calm Me Down” came from Jeslynn when she attended a Songhouse summer camp in 2024. Gelaine shares co-writing credit with 4 other individuals who collaborated with her last summer at this music event.

Released just 4 days ago, “Calm Me Down” is available on all streaming platforms and can be purchased via Apple and Amazon music services. The link for Jeslynn’s YouTube channel is here.

On Tuesday July 8, 2025, Gelaine was interviewed on the WDBJ Roanoke TV program called 7@four by the station’s host Melissa Gaona. The WDBJ7 TV conversation video follows:

After Gaona completed her interview with Jeslynn, the Roanoke singer-songwriter sang her debut single “Calm Me Down” on the WDBJ7 TV show. Gelaine’s performance is found below.

After meeting Jeslynn at her Strawberry Festival concert, I sent her questions via email to answer for this article. She and I also utilized Microsoft’s Messenger online text communication for clarification.  My questions and her answers are found below.

DJ Dave:  How do you describe the genre or genres of music that you sing?  My guess would be a combination of pop and country.

Jeslynn: “Well, I’m going to be honest…lol! I don’t necessarily put my music in a “box” or genre as of now. I just write about life and put lyrics and whatever melody comes in my heart to it. I call my music my musical diary! I dabble in a lot of different sounds.”

DJ Dave:  I have gathered from listening to your written songs that you attempt to express your feelings about a subject, in a real and honest way.  And at the same time, you want to convey something positive to the listener of your songs?  Is that accurate?    

Jeslynn: “I want to give people something to relate to when they listen to my music. If they’ve experienced what I’ve experienced whether that be an emotion, an experience, etc. I want them to not feel alone and feel like they can have an anthem. I don’t just write about sad experiences. I also want listeners to just have something to “jam” too and feel happy about.

 I also want them to know by my Christian songs that there is hope through Jesus and they don’t have time to stay there in that negative emotion. Jesus is the only way I’ve healed through life’s tough obstacles.”

DJ Dave: When I met you after your Strawberry Festival concert, I asked you about the quote at the top of your social media pages, “All my life I’ve been a dreamer.” Can you briefly describe the significance behind this meaningful statement?

Jeslynn: That quote is from my song “Dreamer”, which is about overcoming fear and chasing dreams. Ironically, I wrote it two weeks before my first American Idol audition which marked a significant step in my career.

DJ Dave: I like your quote, “Songwriting is a therapeutic outlet for you and medicine for your soul.”  Please give me more insight into this meaning?

Jeslynn: My songs are a musical diary, allowing others to relate and feel less alone in life’s journeys. I pray God’s gift to me can also be a gift to others through lyrics.

DJ Dave: With your duties as worship leader with Wake the World church, what are ways that you prepare your own heart before leading folks during a Sunday morning service?

Jeslynn: My mom and I seek the Holy Spirit’s leading when choosing songs for Sunday. I also prioritize daily Bible study and prayer as I prepare my heart.

DJ Dave: Your mom, Rebecca, shared with me that you started singing as soon as you learned to talk and began singing harmony at age 3. At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to be a singer and utilize the talents God has given you for Christian service?

Jeslynn: Music has been my lifelong passion and has never really been a question for me. After being part of American Idol and SongHouseCo, I feel even more confident that music is what I’m supposed to do.

DJ Dave: What are your dreams, goals and aspirations in relation to singing and music as you become an adult next year?

Jeslynn: I aspire to release more original music, put out an album, and perform at the Grand Ole Opry, and award shows. Ultimately, I just want what God has for me.

When I saw Jeslynn at her rain shorten Roanoke concert last month, I was impressed by her powerful vocals. I also realized that her songwriting is complex, challenging and provoking, but also upbeat, inspirational and encouraging.

From my perspective, Jeslynn has a bright future in her chosen musical profession.  Her enthusiasm and passion to foster empowerment through music is outstanding.

I also appreciate Jeslynn’s desire to be a positive witness with her Christian faith and a willingness to tackle hard topics as a songwriter. As a Christian believer myself, I find Gelaine’s outlook to be refreshing.

Obviously, no one knows what the future holds in store for this young Virginia singer. I am confident that Jeslynn Gelaine’s music career will go in a favorable direction as she continues to seek God’s guidance for her life. Rock on!

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Album Review, Americana, Artist Profiles, Folk, Music, Pop Music, rock, Virginia Artists

Caleb Meyer:  Most of the Days EP: Now Released

Since I started publishing DJ Dave’s Musical Musings in 2018, I have regularly written about musical artists from a variety of musical genres who perform in the Roanoke area and throughout the state of Virginia. With this in mind, I am featuring an up-and-coming Americana folk-rock artist.

For my first music blog of 2025, I am glad to introduce to you musician and singer-songwriter Caleb Meyer.  This artist is from Roanoke, Virginia and has just released a 5-song EP called “Most of the Days.”

Meyer is a native of Roanoke and is 25 years old. Besides living in South Carolina and Colorado, Caleb has spent the majority of his life residing in Virginia.

I first met Meyer when he was a student at Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke, when his family started attending Anglican parish, Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) where I have worshipped since 2002. I got to know Caleb well during my time as a volunteer small group leader with the CHS senior high youth group.

After Meyer graduated from Hidden Valley High School, he studied audio engineering and music business from 2018 to 2022. After beginning his professional career in Colorado, Caleb moved back to Roanoke and started utilizing his audio engineering skills.

I recently spoke with Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) Chief of Staff Tim Henderson, and he told me that Meyer was hired to work in the CHS Audio/Visual department in 2022. Caleb has flourished with various duties such as audio engineering and heading up live streaming of church services over the past 3 years.

Quigg Lawrence, CHS Senior Pastor and Bishop in the Anglican Church says “Caleb is like a Swiss army knife, and functions well with any task he is assigned within the CHS worship arts ministry.”

All of the professional skills Meyer has gained over the past few years have been beneficial to his budding singing career. Caleb has amassed audio equipment and uses it to mix and master recordings of his own music inside the comfort of his own home.

 Meyer can also freelance and produce music for other local Roanoke artists at his home studio. With the growing music scene in the Roanoke Valley, Caleb is hoping to tap into recording, mixing and mastering music by fellow Virginia singers and musicians.

Since 2022, Meyer has a history working with Nashville record producer and engineer Evan Sieling, world-renowned instrumentalist Scott Mulvahill, and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Some of Caleb’s professional sound credits are listed below:

  • A Robin Built a Nest on Daddy’s Grave–Bent Mountain
  • Say You’re Gone–Luke Lively
  • Mushroom Song–Landon Carder
  • Most of the Days–Caleb Meyer
  • Peaks–Brenidy O’Dea

The outstanding audio engineering skills of Meyer were evident as I listened to Caleb’s new EP called “Most of the Days.”   It is impressive that Meyer wrote lyrics to all of the songs, sings on every track, played acoustic guitar, then mixed, and produced this EP himself. Credit goes to Evan Sieling for mastering the 5 songs.

Released on December 23, 2024, “Most of the Days” does have input from some fellow Roanoke area musicians. These guys play a variety of instruments which gives the album a full, rich sound. Acoustic guitar was handled by Meyer on the EP.

Below are the names of the 5 tracks on “Most of the Days” by Caleb + Co.

  • Hard to Say
  • Convicted (Estranged)
  • I Might Understand
  • Suffer Well
  • Coming Through

As I listened to the tracks on Caleb’s “Most of the Days” EP for the first time, I realized the tracks were an outstanding mix of musical genres:  Rock, Pop, Folk and Americana.  To hear Meyer’s music, you can access via these sites: YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify.

Just after New Year’s Day 2025, I met Caleb at Mill Mountain Coffee in downtown Roanoke to discuss his new EP and glean information for this blog article. During our time together, Meyer shared with me about his music career, producing songs for other artists and his desire to one day create a recording studio in Roanoke.

After my interview with Meyer, I emailed him a list of questions about on his music career and life experience highlights. Caleb’s responses to my questions are found below:

DJ Dave: At what age did you start having aspirations of becoming a singer-songwriter, musician and recording artist? Briefly describe how you came about your decision to be in the music industry.

Caleb: When I was 6 years old, I wrote my first song called “Burn the Idols”. As bad as that song was (and it was BAD), it was the start of a great passion for me. Soon after writing the lyrics, my parents got me a guitar so I could start putting some music to it. My dad taught me my first few chords on guitar, and I went on to continue to teach myself from there.

 DJ Dave: Now as a musician and singer-songwriter, how do you classify the type of music that you perform? Why have you selected the multiple musical genres you sing and record?

 Caleb: I call my own style folk-rock and/or alternative. I have a pretty eclectic music taste, and that shows in my writing. That is probably why I am comfortable working in so many different genres, but some genres I am definitely more comfortable in than others. Bands like Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers were big inspirations for me, as well as artists like Ed Sheeran and Jon Bellion.

 DJ Dave: When writing new songs, do you have a particular type of subject matter you prefer or do you pen a variety of topics with your compositions?

 Caleb: It is more difficult for me to write happy songs, but I still try to incorporate a sense of hope into all my songs. Most of my lyrics have a bittersweet tone to them. The theme of this EP specifically could be described as “learning and growing from pain and past mistakes”.

On a surface level, this EP was inspired by a breakup. But if you listen to the lyrics, the content goes much deeper than that.

DJ Dave: Being an indie artist, you write, sing, record, produce, mix and master your own songs. Can you describe the process of totally creating new music?

Caleb: Whether it’s one of my own songs or a song for a production client, the process always starts as a demo or voice memo recording. From there, I normally start to develop a vision for the instrumentation and structure I want the song to have.

Next, I will record whatever instrument that will act as the backbone of the song first. For my own music, this is often acoustic guitar. After that, I will record a scratch track of the lead vocal so I can start building the rest of the instrumentation around it.

Once this is complete, I will go back and record the final vocals and put any final touches on the sound design. Once the instrumental and vocals are in a good place, it’s time to mix and master!

 DJ Dave: On your recently released “Most of the Days” EP, who are the musicians that accompanied you and what instruments did they play on your latest project?

Caleb:    EP Personnel:

  • Parker Brown: Keys
  • Ayden Young: Banjo and double bass
  • Nathan Folta: Violin
  • Taylor Folta: Cajon
  • Caleb Meyer: Guitar and vocals

Dj Dave:  In the summer of 2025, you shared with me that you are planning to perform some live gigs with some fellow musicians in the Roanoke Valley. What types of venues are you playing this summer?

 Caleb: The possible gigs I’ve got lined up for the band are backyard concerts that my friends will host. Intimate venues with close friends, and whoever else is wants to come. I will likely have a few gigs at restaurants and breweries in the Roanoke area as well, but those come up sporadically. I will be posting about any upcoming events on my Facebook page.

Looking ahead to the future, Meyer has a couple of goals in relation to his own songs, as well as recording other Roanoke Valley/Southwest Virginia artist’s music.

  • His short-term goal is working towards creating a recording studio with sound equipment inside of a mobile trailer. Meyer could then record local Roanoke artists, plus expand his services to Central and Southwestern Virginia.
  • A long-term goal that Meyer has is to create a free-standing building to house a commercial recording studio in Roanoke by the year 2030. This would allow musical artists from all across the Mid-Atlantic region to utilize this type of facility.

The official Caleb Meyer Blue Ridge Fellows photo. Courtesy Caroline Crawford.

One take away I received from my time speaking with Meyer is his desire to be a positive Christian witness with every aspect with his music and audio engineering duties.  Colossians 3:23 (English Standard Version) sums up Caleb’s belief: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

As a Christian myself, I appreciated learning about Meyer’s dedication to rely on faith in his interactions with others. His aspiration to follow biblical teachings is encouraging to me. Without a doubt, I feel that Meyer is heading in a positive direction.

Obviously, no one knows what the future will hold. I look forward seeing how Meyer’s musical career blossoms and his desire to create recording studio opportunities for other artists in the next few years. Caleb’s future looks promising and bright here in Roanoke.  Rock on!

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Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Music, Virginia Artists

The Brothers Young: Virginia’s Accomplished Bluegrass Duo

Blane and Ayden Young at the Floyd Country Store October 19, 2024. Photo by DJ Dave

Exactly 4 years ago on October 31, I published a music blog on the Brothers Young. Now with 4 additional years of musical experience, I am updating info on the outstanding classical bluegrass sibling duo based out of Roanoke, Virginia.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to catch the Brothers Young (TBY) in concert at the Floyd Country Store (FCC).  Located in Floyd, Virginia, this is a venue that regularly features live musical groups, bands and performers, primarily with the genres of bluegrass, folk and old-time country music.

Short video of Don Reno cover, “Follow the Leader” by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave

Accompanying the Brothers Young on the FCC stage were Steve Farmer on bass and Stefan Kraft playing guitar. These fellows regularly play with TBY at concerts in and around the Virginia locations.

As I watched TBY play their classic bluegrass set, I saw firsthand superb musicianship and professional excellency from the Roanoke musical brothers.

Short video of Osborne Brothers cover, “Rocky Top” by TBY on 10/19/24. Clip recorded by DJ Dave.

The Brothers Young are 18-year-old Ayden who plays banjo while 14-year-old Blane plays mandolin for their group.  TBY are also multiple instrumentalist: Both are pianists while Blane is also a drummer.

Blane and Ayden Young. Photo courtesy of Melissa Young.

The musical partnership of TBY started in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic under the direction of their parents Melissa and Chad Young. Obviously, with Ayden & Blane still in their teen years, they have received strong parental support with all aspects of TBY musical endeavors.

Since TBY was founded, the fellows have played numerous gigs in and around the Roanoke Valley, as well as many other Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Virginia. The Brothers Young have also performed concerts in North Carolina and Kentucky.

 Below are just a few concert venues that TBY has performed since 2020:

•          Merlefest

•          Bristol Rhythm & Roots

•          The Floyd Country Store

•          Biltmore (Antler Hill Stage)

•          Woodsong Kids (Lexington, KY)

•          Rassawek Autumn Festival

•          WPAQ’s Merry-Go-Round

•          Virginia Museum of Transportation

•          Milepost Music – Peaks of Otter

•          Autumn Leaves Festival

Ayden and Blane also play music monthly at various local Roanoke Valley locations. Melissa Young says “her sons regularly perform at around 20+ Roanoke & Salem retirement communities, partnering with activities directors for those facilities. The residents love the classic bluegrass music and the boys!”

The Brothers Young have recorded the following music during the past 4 years:

  • Two singles with award-winning, traditional bluegrass group the Junior Sisk Band.
  • One track recorded on a gospel bluegrass album “Come Home” by Bent Mountain.
  • One full-length bluegrass album, “B is for Bluegrass.”
  • One Christmas music album, “Christmas in the Hills”, featuring piano favorites and bluegrass songs.

With the financial help of parents Chad and Melissa Young, Ayden created a home studio where he has recorded, mixed and mastered two TBY albums (CDs).  Ayden says, “It is convenient to have a studio in my own home and it has helped me to learn more about the recording process.”

Christian faith is important to TBY.  Ayden plays banjo for the worship team at Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) an Anglican parish in southwest Roanoke County.  I am a member of the CHS congregation and I have witnessed the entire Young family serving our church body over the past few years.

Here is a quote by Ayden on being a Christian and playing music. ”Being a musician, I often have to tell myself that all of the talents and all of the opportunities we’ve had, have come from the Lord and not from ourselves. Here is a perfect verse that helps me remind myself that all the glory must not go to me, but to God.”   Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because of Your steadfast Love and Faithfulness.”

Stefan Kraft, Blane Young, Ayden Young & Steve Farmer. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

One of the musical mentors of TBY is Bishop Quigg Lawrence, who is senior pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit. Lawrence was executive producer and lyrical creator for a gospel bluegrass album released in 2021: “Come Home” by Bent Mountain.

I asked Bishop Lawrence to provide comments about his involvement with TBY on spiritual and musical supervision over the past 4 years: “What a privilege to watch two boys from Roanoke grow up playing traditional bluegrass. Ayden and Blane are some of the best kids I know. They are humble, hardworking, disciplined, funny, and just likable. I would be happy to call them my sons!”

Lawrence continues, “When I recorded a bluegrass album in 2020, the boys were on it. Ayden was older 14 years old and crushed two banjo songs. Blane was a tender ten and mainly added mando chops. Still, I was amazed at how they both entered the studio and started playing well with pro-players.”

“I went to Galax and saw them perform in 2021. Their band was #1 in the Youth Band Category. If memory serves me correctly, Ayden placed 2nd in Youth Banjo. This past year, 2024, Ayden placed 3rd in ADULT banjo, and Blane placed 2nd in youth mandolin. Many full time, well-known pro players never placed that high!”

As I mentioned above, I saw TBY perform in concert recently and I asked Blane and Ayden to answer this question:  Musically, what are attributes that you admire most about your brother? Their responses are below:

Blane:  “First off, he is an amazing banjo player!  One of the things I love about playing with my brother is that he helps the band start the songs on the right timing.  He is a good leader of the band. He encourages me after nobody laughs at my jokes. And mainly I enjoy it because I get to work with my brother.”

Blane and Ayden Young. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

Ayden:  “My brother has been gifted with nearly perfect rhythm. Whether it’s on the jazz drum kit or the mandolin, he holds down those chops! His ability to improvise and add some taste to the mix we’re going for is unchallenged.”

“The thing that impresses me the most is the fact that Blane has the perfect people person charisma. He will approach anyone and everyone and be completely interested in the conversation he’s having.”

In addition to TBY playing classic bluegrass, the siblings have also formed a jazz group called “610 Jazz.”  With this other musical venture, Ayden plays piano while Blane is on a drum kit. Both brothers enjoy the variety of performing jazz as a side project.

For those who are on the social media site Facebook, here is the link for the official Brothers Young page. Another excellent site is TBY YouTube channel.

As I spoke with Ayden and Blane at a home-schooling event in Roanoke County last Saturday, I ask them what can folks expect from the Brothers Young band in the future?

  • TBY would like to record a new album of bluegrass in 2025.
  • The siblings plan of continuing performing classic bluegrass music with as many venues as possible.
  • Blane and Ayden look forward to sharing their God given talents to everyone who attends one of their concerts.
  • Play more music with their “610 Jazz” group.

The consensus among the Brothers Young on future bluegrass career plans are unclear at this time.  Ayden graduated from high school in June. He is now teaching private banjo and piano music lessons, while also playing with other Roanoke area musicians in various recording sessions. Blane just started his 8th grade year with schooling.

Blane and Ayden are exploring various paths they may take in the future with career opportunities. Both fellows are also steadfast with their desire to be guided by God as they finish their teenage years.

Stefan Kraft, Blane Young, Ayden Young & Steve Farmer. Courtesy of Melissa Young.

Without a doubt, the TBY have grown musically over the past 4 years and these guys have matured in positive directions. I am encouraged to see the dedication and loyalty that Ayden and Blane show as they endeavor to hone their craft of playing bluegrass music together.

The Brothers Young performing at Floyd Country Store on October 19, 2024. Photo courtesy of Melissa Young.

Obviously, we do not know what the future has in store for the bluegrass teens. I am confident the Brothers Young of Roanoke will continue to be a positive force within the local Southwestern Virginia community. Rock on!

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Concert Reviews, Music, Retro Rock, Symphony, Virginia Artists

David Stewart Wiley: Magnificent Musical Maestro

Maestro David Stewart Wiley. Photo by Richard Boyd

Oxford Languages defines the word maestro as: “a distinguished musician, especially a conductor of classical music, a great or distinguished figure in any sphere.”  I maintain this definition accurately describes the musical world of David Stewart Wiley.

David Stewart Wiley (DSW) is the Music Director and Conductor for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and has served in that capacity since 1996. However, his sphere of influence goes way beyond Roanoke and southwestern Virginia.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics and RSO of “Another Brick in the Wall Part II” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16, 2023.

Raised in Massachusetts, DSW has conducted symphonies in over a dozen major U.S. cities and as well as in the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Wiley is also an accomplished solo pianist, performing with numerous orchestras, chamber ensembles and operas across the United States, China, Russia and multiple European countries.

In addition to his RSO duties, Wiley also serves as Music Director & Conductor of Orchestra Long Island in New York and is Artistic Director of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Music Festival based in Floyd.

Maestro David Stewart Wiley. Photo by Richard Boyd

For the purpose of this music blog message, I will be concentrating on Wiley’s artistic leadership at the helm of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

Conductor Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Photo from RSO website.

I had the chance to interview Wiley via telephone just after he completed his last RSO concert of the 2022-2023 season and a two-day mini music festival in Floyd, Virginia.

Maestro Wiley holds both a Doctor and Master of Music in Conducting from Indiana University, as well as a degree in Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. DSW also has a degree in Religion from Tufts University.

Music has always been a part of Wiley’s life as he performed his first piano concerto with a professional orchestra at age 10 in Boston, Massachusetts. DSW credits his parents and various music teachers for helping him gain a firm foundation within the world of music performance.

Dr. Wiley had composed three piano concerti and recorded numerous CDs with both his written original compositions as well as renditions of renowned classical music masterpieces.

According to Wiley, since he became the music director of RSO in 1996: “RSO has experienced continued artistic growth, program innovation and expansion, and increased financial stability.”

One innovation that Wiley has implemented is a management program within a symphony orchestra setting called “Conducting Change” which was developed by DSW.

Another hallmark of Conductor Wiley is his dedication for RSO to be involved with public service activities and partnering with schools, civic and other arts organizations.

Below are just a few of David’s achievements directing and leading RSO in the area of community involvement:

  • Collaborates with WVTF public radio to broadcast many RSO concerts.
  • RSO has produced a live TV broadcast of a RSO show.
  • Bringing classical music to youth in minority communities.
  • RSO & Wiley received a prestigious Distinguished Music Educator Award from Yale University for its partnership with city schools.
  • DSW named Roanoke’s “Citizen of the Year” for his outstanding service and outreach.
  • Wiley honored by the NAACP as Citizen of the Year in the Arts for his service.

Maestro David Stewart Wiley. Photo by Richard Boyd

Arguably, one of Wiley’s crowning success stories with RSO is his development of the pops concert series. Around 20 years ago, DSW partnered with a Canadian group of rock musicians called Jeans ‘n Classics to create a different type of musical experience for RSO patrons.

During the 20th century, playing pop/rock music in classical music orchestras was almost unheard of in North America. Jeans ‘n Classics was created 23 years ago and is made up of world class pop/rock musicians.

Music Director Wiley and RSO became one of the first orchestras in the U.S. in the early 2000s to partner with Jeans ‘n Classics to combine pop/rock music with traditional instrumentation in an orchestra setting. RSO performs at least two of these pops shows during a concert season and has expanded from three to four programs in recent years.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics and RSO of “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16, 2023.

The latest pops concert happened last month: it featured Jeans ‘n Classics and the RSO combining to perform Pink Floyd’s landmark LP “The Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety, in honor of  its 50th anniversary. This was an outstanding performance.

My wife, Priscilla, and I have enjoyed many of the RSO pops concerts over the past few years. Three months ago, we loved hearing Jim Curry who performs the music of John Denver with a superb RSO collaboration.

Jim Curry, David Stewart Wiley & some RSO musicians in concert during April 2023. Photo courtesy of Sammy Oakey.

Our favorite RSO pops concert was a Beatles tribute band performing the music of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” during the 50th anniversary of this legendary album.

Other excellent RSO pops shows that I have witnessed were concerts featuring music from the following artists: Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and the Police.

Before I leave the topic of wonderful pops concerts, perhaps my all-time favorite show was when British R&B pop singer-songwriter Billy Ocean himself performed with RSO in 2016.  Ocean’s top-notch vocals and the RSO musicians provided a sterling evening for the audience.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics & RSO of “Money” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16, 2023.

As I mentioned above, I spoke with David Stewart Wiley during a phone conversation late last month.  I presented four questions to DSW on what he considers the important aspects of career and life experiences with RSO. The questions and answers are found below:

DJ Dave:  The COVID-19 pandemic was problematic for organizations like RSO. Under your direction, what steps did you take to guide RSO out of the abyss and back into regular normal operations?

DSW:  Our RSO Executive Director David Crane along with our board, staff, musicians and committed donors were a huge part of our organization’s ability to weather the storm as the symphony during the pandemic. Long time friends/donors and corporate sponsors of RSO were a lifeline during those lean times.

Online presentations of music became a reality for a time, and RSO made educational programs and past concerts available via the Internet to local colleges, public and private schools, and patrons.  Outdoor concerts like “Symphony Under the Stars” at Elmwood Park gave RSO a chance to play live music again in 2021.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics and RSO performing “Brain Damage” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16th, 2023.

DJ Dave:  As I have learned about your leadership with RSO, I know that you value education. Can you share about RSO’s focus teaching music to elementary through high school students in southwestern Virginia?

DSW:  Our energetic Community Engagement & Education Director for RSO, Hannah Cox, provides outstanding guidance and support for our education ensembles.

The Roanoke Youth Symphony, among other RSO groups, continues its 60+ year tradition of providing vital experiences for our region’s youth.

Through the excellent administration skills of Cox, RSO continues to reach numerous school children in our area from elementary through high school, college students, and includes retirees with our “Wellness Arts” program.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics & RSO performing “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16, 2023.

DJ Dave:  An outstanding achievement that you have implemented is working with organizations and civic clubs in our area.  What are strategies that you employ when deciding what groups to partner with for RSO community services?

DSW: RSO staff members and I work with civic and private organizations, schools, colleges and other arts groups, as we collaboratively fulfill our mission of artistic excellence and accessibility: for we believe great music is for everybody.

DJ Dave:  For your upcoming 27th year at the helm as leader, music director and conductor of RSO, what are some main goals that you wish to attain during the 2023-2024 RSO concert season?

DSW:  Growth and artistic excellence for musical programs and expanding new outreach opportunities in our community are among our goals.  Also, increasing RSO’s significant presence throughout our regionand finding new ways to market RSO to a wider audience.

Maestro David Stewart Wiley. Photo by Richard Boyd

One of the many joys for Wiley every summer is an event called “Symphony Under the Stars” where RSO plays a free concert at Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke. Usually held in late August, this show kicks off the upcoming RSO concert season on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 7:30 PM. More info at www.rso.com.

Concert master Wiley explained to me his four goals for this outdoor concert:  making great music, having the music be accessible and wide-ranging from classics to film scores, showing a welcoming spirit, and celebrating community in a fun and relaxed environment.

During these Elmwood Park shows, RSO play a variety of music: from classic music masterworks to patriotic favorites, film scores, premieres, and even features dancers and singers. My wife and I have attended a several of these shows and are always pleased to hear excellent music being played outside in downtown Roanoke on warm August evenings.

Video I recorded of Jeans ‘n Classics & RSO performing “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd in concert on June 16, 2023.

A favorite highlight for me I have experienced during Symphony Under the Stars: Conductor Wiley has used a light saber sword as a baton when RSO plays John Williams’ “Star Wars” movie theme song. 

Maestro Wiley wants to cordially invite anyone living in the Roanoke area to attend the free RSO Symphony Under the Stars concert on Saturday August 26th, 7:30 pm at Elmwood Park, downtown Roanoke.  If you attend, I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Scene by RSO “Symphony Under the Stars” concert in 2015. Photo from RSO website.

After completing my phone conversation with Wiley, a few things became evident to me.  The leader of RSO is compassionate, dedicated and has a servant’s heart. He has been proud to serve the Roanoke community since 1996 as Music Director and Conductor with RSO.

Those of us who live in the Roanoke Valley and southwestern Virginia are truly fortunate to have a magnificent musical maestro in our mist. Without a doubt, David Stewart Wiley is a treasure for our community. Rock on!

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Artist Profiles, Concert Reviews, Music, Podcasts, Retro Rock, Virginia Artists

Chris Keaton with the Kings: Roanoke’s Quintessential Band

Earlier this year, vocalist Terry Brown of Roanoke’s legendary band the Kings temporarily stepped down due to some health issues. Finding a stand-in substitute could have posed a problem for long-time Kings leader Larry Wheeling.

In finding a fill-in pinch hitter, Wheeling didn’t have to call Ghostbusters.  Instead, he found Roanoke native Chris Keaton to sing and play saxophone for the Kings while Brown is convalescing from his illness.

The Kings were founded in 1965 by Perry Caligan, who still acts as the business owner of the band. Current leader and manager of the Kings is Larry Wheeling, who joined the Roanoke based group during 1969.

Larry Wheeling and Perry Caligan at Elmwood Park in July 2018.

Over four years ago, I featured the Kings on a music blog message and attended one of the band’s concerts in downtown Roanoke.  Here is the link for The Kings Rocking Roanoke Since 1965: https://woodsonrva.com/2018/07/11/the-kings-rocking-roanoke-since-1965/

The Kings in concert in downtown Roanoke on July 5, 2018.

While Terry Brown recovers from his health issues, the Kings have been fortunate to secure the services of Chris Keaton. I had the opportunity to interview Keaton last month, just before he and the Kings had a concert at Roanoke’s Black Dog Salvage.

Chris Keaton was born in Roanoke, Virginia and grew up in the town of Vinton.  After graduating from William Byrd High School, Keaton spent a year at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond. Chris then following in the footsteps of Bob Dylan left college life to pursue a career in music.

During the mid 70s, Keaton played saxophone and toured with pop/rock bands ranging from Gary U.S. Bonds to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. He also had gigs with Jay & the Techniques during this time period.

A few bands that Keaton was a member of during the 70s and 80s were High & Mighty, Dazzle Boys and Band of Oz.  Interestingly, Chris also had two separate stints performing as a member of the Kings during his younger years.

An album from the Kings: 1989. Chris Keaton co-produced this LP with Brian Wheeling. Band members (L-R), Bruce Wall, David Ferguson, Randy Wheeling, Chris Keaton, Kent Martin, Larry Wheeling and Brian Wheeling.

In 1993, Keaton moved to Nashville, Tennessee and became a business partner with another Roanoke native Tommy Holcomb. Eventually, Holcomb moved back to Roanoke while Keaton stayed in the “Music City” to venture into a new career path.

Since the mid 90s, Keaton’s career has become multifaceted.  His official bio states: “Chris is a Nashville-based entertainment industry executive, award winning music publisher, artist management consultant and a 2016 Inductee in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.”

When I interviewed Chris last month, 3 words stood out to me that describe Keaton’s current profession: connector, influencer and encourager. Keaton utilizes various forms of social media during his day-to-day activities.

One social media avenue Keaton uses is podcasting. He describes his “Random Acts” podcast, “of kindness, stories, a song or two, seeds of hope and love, and the randomness of it all through the eyes of Chris Keaton.”

Another fascinating venture of Keaton’s work is with the fashion industry.  For a number of years, Chris has been a member of Macy’s Style Crew as a “brand influencer.” As a result of his Macy’s gig, Keaton published a book in 2020 called “Dapper.”

Published at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, “Dapper” was written by Keaton and the text is supported by photographer Keith Charles.  The book conveys, “Serious tips on being a dapper gentleman tempered with a dash of humor.”

Two years ago, Keaton was a guest on Larry Dowdy Mic Side podcast and talked about his book “Dapper” along with some of his past musical performing career.

Versatility and Chris Keaton go hand-in hand as he has been a long-time voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) and is a reviewer for an Internet country music site.

2016 was a memorable year for Keaton as he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Working with the beach music group Band of Oz, Keaton composed an award-winning rendition of the song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for his induction.

Considering all of the activities that Keaton has been involved with during the past few years, the influencer hasn’t performed many in-person concerts. However, that changed a few months ago when Larry Wheeling asked Chris to play with the Kings on a temporary basis.

Chris Keaton singing a cover of the Time’s song, “Jungle Love” with the Kings. First Fridays downtown Roanoke in September 2022.

The current 2022 lineup of the Kings:

Terry Brown–Vocals

Mike Feamster –Drums

Brian Jones– Bass

Chris Loder–Guitar

Melody Irby — Vocals & Keyboards

Alan Walker— Sax

Randy Wheeling–Trumpet & Trombone

Larry Wheeling —–Trumpet

Chris Keaton—- Vocals & Sax

Chris Keaton singing a cover version of Wilson Pickett’s song, “Mustang Sally” with the Kings. Black Dog Salvage Roanoke on October 15, 2022.

With Keaton temporarily performing with the Kings, he plays saxophone and shares lead vocal duties with Melody Irby.  The brass section of the band is superb.

Chris Keaton singing cover of Justin Timberlake’s song, “Can’t Fight this Feeling” with the Kings. Black Dog Salvage Roanoke on Octotber 15, 2022.

Musically, the Kings are a pop/rock band and have a large following in central and southwestern Virginia.  The band plays a wide variety of cover tunes, ranging from the 60s through songs from the past ten years.

The Kings are Roanoke’s quintessential band and have been fortunate to secure the services of Keaton on a temporary basis. Providing his vocal talents and excellent saxophone skills, make him a perfect fit with the Kings.

My assessment of Keaton can be summed up as “renaissance man.”  He flows within a wide mixture of diverse areas, bringing his talents and knowledge for positive results.

Without a doubt, Chris Keaton is helping to make the world a better place by being an encourager, spreading peace, love and tranquility to everyone on his path in life.

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Artist Profiles, Broadcasting, Music, Radio, Retro Rock, Virginia Artists

Tommy Holcomb: Roanoke’s Marvelous Music Man

All photos on this message are courtesy of Tommy Holcomb.

If you have lived in central or southwestern Virginia over the past 50 plus years, chances are you have heard music written by Tommy Holcomb. The Roanoke, Virginia native has created hundreds of musical TV/radio commercials, which have been aired throughout Roanoke/Lynchburg media markets, as owner of Tommy Holcomb Productions.

Holcomb musical talent is much more than just creating ads for clients. He is also a founding member of two successful Roanoke pop/rock/folk bands during the 60s, 70s and 80s: The Vikings and Woodsmoke.  Holcomb’s journey creating music is renowned among those associated with history of the rich Roanoke music scene.

Tommy Holcomb performing in Atlanta, Georgia 1975
When Glen Campbell came to Roanoke. From left: Tommy Holcomb, Rita Matthews, Glen Campbell, Nancy Holcomb Fisher and Jack Fisher.

I had an opportunity to conduct a phone interview with Holcomb earlier this month, as we discussed a musical career spanning over 60 years. I have known Tommy since 1975.  We first met at WROV 1240 AM Roanoke, when Holcomb was delivering a commercial that he produced to the radio station where I was employed.

Vikings cover of Simon & Garfunkel song, “Keep the Customer Satisfied.”

Holcomb’s musical roots started the summer before his senior year at Patrick Henry High School in 1961. Tommy started a band named the Vikings, along with his fellow classmates Allen Nelms and Lane Craig.

The Vikings band as a trio. Sometime in early 60s.

After Nelms and Holcomb graduated from high school, the young adults left Roanoke to attend the University of Virginia (UVA). The Vikings occasionally played gigs together, when Nelms and Holcomb were in college at UVA between 1962 and 1966.

Vikings cover of Linda Ronstadt & Stone Poneys song, “Some of Shelly’s Blues.”

Upon graduation from college in 1966, Holcomb and Nelms returned to Roanoke and resurrected their Vikings band. One of the guys joining this new version of the band was the legendary WROV 1240 AM DJ Fred Frelantz.  Another prominent person that was added to the Vikings was Joy Ellis in 1969.

The Vikings Band in 1972.

For the next 7 years, the Vikings became the house band for the historic Coffee Pot Roadhouse restaurant and concert venue.  The band signed a recording contract with London records during 1967.

During the early 70s, Holcomb’s Vikings band recorded a couple of albums before the group broke up in 1975.  Forward to 1982, the Vikings came back together again and held a series of reunion concerts at Caesar’s Club in Roanoke. After the success of those shows, the band decided to resume performing live concerts.

Vikings band continued playing shows during the mid 80s, and the group changed their name to “Roanoke” when they signed a record contract in 1984.  The following year, two singles were released but received limit airplay locally on the biggest Top 40 station in the Roanoke Lynchburg market: K92 FM 92.3. Consequently, these songs did not chart nationally.

The Vikings band at Caesar’s Reunion 1982

The final ending for the band became reality in 1986, with the tragic, untimely death of group member Fred Frelantz.  For a complete history of the Vikings band, I am providing a link to an article that Holcomb wrote for the Roanoker Magazine in 2006, that is reprinted via the WROV History Online Website.

Fred Frelantz and the Vikings: Mr. Bojangles (Video produced after his death)
Woodsmoke band during mid 70s.
Medley of Woodsmoke songs.

The other band that Holcomb was associated with during the 70s is Woodsmoke. Along with Joy Ellis, the band was formed in 1975 and attracted a younger audience than patrons who came to attend Holcomb’s original Vikings band shows.

The Vikings performing at Festival in the Park concert, Downtown Roanoke.

While Holcomb is known for his singing and playing in Roanoke bands since the 60s, he is not just a one trick pony.  Equally as impressive is his creative talent writing music with Tommy Holcomb Productions.

Vikings cover of Kingston Trio song, “Scotch and Soda.”

In the field of advertising, Tommy has created hundreds of commercials featuring his musical genius. Before starting his own ad agency, Holcomb joined fellow Vikings band member Fred Frelantz, to work at Creative Advertising in Roanoke.

During his time at Creative, Holcomb wrote a musical jingle for Smartwear clothing store. Tommy enlisted his Vikings bandmates playing music and utilized Joy Ellis on vocals for the spot.

Smartwear music jingle ad 1971

Much to the surprise of Holcomb, his Smartwear commercial actually won a national ad agency award in 1971.  After his multiple success writing musical spots at Creative, Holcomb decided to launch out with his own ad agency.

Over the years, Holcomb has created many wonderful, catchy musical ads.  Below is a Roanoke jingle medley, a compilation of various musical ads that Holcomb has produced.

Roanoke Jingle Medley of Tommy Holcomb created musical ads.

Three years ago, Holcomb was honored by the Roanoke chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), with its Silver Medal Award.  This AAF 2019 achievement recognized Tommy’s “outstanding lifetime contributions to advertising furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence, and responsibility in areas of social concern.”

An 11 minute mix of some of the jingles that Tommy Holcomb created over the years. Many aired in the region around Roanoke, Virginia, Tommy’s hometown.

Tommy Holcomb doesn’t just write music for advertising.  He also has written songs about and for the city of Roanoke.

Vikings cover of Nilsson song, “Without You.”

Roanoke’s centennial happened in 1982 and Holcomb was commissioned by the Virginia City to write a song for the 100-year celebration. The composition is called “Roanoke Shining Through.” A YouTube video of this tune features paintings by Eric Fitzpatrick and photographs by Terry Aldhizer.

Another excellent tribute to Roanoke is a song written and performed by Holcomb called “Looking Back.”  Tommy fondly remembers living in the “Star City of the South” during younger years.

During 2011, Holcomb tried his hand in radio and hosted a show called Retro Roanoke Radio (RRR) on Sunny FM 93.5. The format of the weekly program had Holcomb playing 60s/70s oldies, talking about Roanoke in the 20th Century, airing musical spots he created and interviewing pop/rock artists.

Some of the artists that Holcomb interviewed on RRR were Davy Jones, Melanie, Petula Clark, Anne Murray and Robbin Thompson.

Compilation of Retro Roanoke Radio Interviews by Tommy Holcomb 2011.

For the past 15 years, Holcomb has been the Music Producer for the Miss Virginia Pageant. Seven years ago, Tommy wrote an orchestra score for one of Virginia’s official state songs: “Our Great Virginia” written by Mike Greenly. Miss Virginia contestants performed this arrangement during the 2015 pageant.

Woodsmoke band in the mid 70s.

An excellent podcast I want to recommend is episode 3 of the Larry Dowdy Mic Side podcast, where the retired popular Roanoke area DJ interviews Holcomb.  There is superb interchange of information provided by Dowdy and Holcomb with this Mic Side episode.

Last official Vikings photo prior to Fred Frelantz death.

It is clear to me that Holcomb exemplifies humility, as he has woven an awe-inspiring tapestry of living experiences within the area of music.

Vikings cover of Tanya Tucker song, “Delta Dawn.”

As I reflect upon Holcomb’s music legacy, he has enriched the lives of countless Roanoke residents with musical magic. For over 60 years, Holcomb has continued to share his music talent with folks all across the Roanoke Valley and Southwestern Virginia.

Without a doubt, Roanoke continues to be blessed, receiving wonderful gifts of harmonies and melodies by this marvelous music man:  Tommy Holcomb.

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Album Review, Artist Profiles, Music, Virginia Artists

Come Home: Album from Bent Mountain: Encouraging Bluegrass Music

The CD cover of Come Home by Bent Mountain. **All photos on this music blog message were provided courtesy of Quigg Lawrence.

In my home state of Virginia, many bluegrass song lyrics are written about topics pertinent to living life in the valleys and mountains of Appalachia.  Besides the universal subject of love, many Virginian bluegrass songs mention hard living, working the land, feeding families with wages below poverty or permanently loosing coal mining jobs.

In contrast to the lyrical content of most traditional bluegrass created within the Appalachian region of Virginia, others are producing music that is full of hope and encouragement. One such project is an album called “Come Home” by Bent Mountain.

The overall message with this new Roanoke, Virginia bluegrass compilation, can be found on the album’s front CD cover, referencing Matthew 11:28 from the New Testament of the Bible: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

The spiritual aspect of this project comes as no surprise, as the genesis for this new 10-track bluegrass music album comes from Dr. Quigg Lawrence, who is senior pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit, an Anglican parish in Roanoke, Virginia. Lawrence has ministered with his Roanoke congregation for 32 years.

Bishop Quigg Lawrence

In addition to his pastoral duties with Church of the Holy Spirit, Lawrence also serves as a Bishop for the Diocese of Christ Our Hope, which is part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). Lawrence was consecrated Bishop in February 2013.

My family and I have been members with Church of the Holy Spirit (COTHS) since 2002, so I have shared many experiences with Pastor Lawrence over the past 19 years. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Lawrence about his new bluegrass album project.

During the beginning of my first interview with Bishop Lawrence, I asked two main questions:

1. Why was the name Bent Mountain selected?

2. What is the purpose and goal for recording the album?

Scott Mulvahill and Eric Imhof at Church of the Holy Spirit Roanoke during Bent Mountain recording session.

Bishop Quigg replied, “Bent Mountain is not the name of a band but is a collaboration of musical talent by my friends. Those friends include folks from Church of the Holy Spirit, plus musicians from Roanoke, Southwestern Virginia and even Nashville, Tennessee.”

Answering my second question, Lawrence stated the purpose and goal of the album: “It is a bluegrass style offering, created during Covid and a time while I was watching my mom battle cancer and go home to Jesus.

Lawrence continued, “The common theme with the 10 tracks on “Come Home” is death, resurrection and the “life of the world to come.” It is an invitation to come and experience the peace, rest and joy of the Lord”

The Inspiration behind “Come Home.” Quigg Lawrence TV Interview with Lindsey Ward WSLS Channel 10 Roanoke.  Daytime Blue Ridge show. May 24, 2021.

Bluegrass music has always been a passion for Bishop Lawrence.  His fondness for acoustic stringed instrumental music, formulated during his high school years in Richmond, Virginia.

While growing up, Lawrence loved listening to bluegrass records on his parent’s stereo system.  He also showed fondness of watching his father, Quigg Lawrence Senior play bluegrass music.

Lawrence’s dad owned Alpha Audio recording studio in Richmond where albums from many genres of music were recorded.  Quigg Senior also played in his own bluegrass band called BlueRidge.

Photo of Quigg Lawrence Senior and his band BlueRidge during 1982.

Over the years, Lawrence’s father would often have jam sessions and play with other talented bluegrass musicians. Included in the mix of talented performers that Quigg Senior played with are Ben Eldridge, Bill Clifton, Ralph Stanley and the Country Gentleman.

As a side note, Quigg Lawrence Senior once owned a 1954 Martin D-28 guitar back when he played bluegrass music.  The guitar is said to be “one of the best on the planet” according to Bishop Lawrence. Photo below is of the vintage 1954 Martin D-28 guitar.

Just before Quigg Lawrence Senior passed away, he sold his guitar to an unidentified buyer. Eventually, this famous guitar ended up being owned by Chris Eldridge, who is a guitarist and member of Punch Brothers band. Ironically, Eldridge is one of the musicians who performed on the “Come Home” album and he actually played the celebrated 1954 Martin D-28 guitar on many of the album’s tracks.

Chris Eldridge playing the 1954 Martin D-28 guitar during Bent Mountain recording sessions, that had once been owned by Quigg Lawrence Senior, father of Bishop Lawrence.

After graduation from high school, Lawrence attended the University of Virginia for two years and then earned a degree in emergency medicine from Central Washington University.

It was during this time period that Lawrence found his main pathway for living: Becoming a Christian and following Jesus.

 During the summer of 1980, a surfer friend of Lawrence gave him the book, “Basic Christianity” by John Stott.  By reading Stott’s book, Lawrence started understanding things in the Bible and began his journey as a Christian.

Obviously, proclamation of the gospel is important for Bishop Quigg.  He shared with me about his unique album set, “It has been my dream for several years to record the wide breadth of styles of music COTHS uses.  We regularly use banjo, mandolin and cello alongside electric guitars, keyboard, and bass.”

Julie Wright and Scott Mulvahill at Bent Mountain recording session: Church of the Holy Spirit Roanoke.

Two years ago, the COTHS worship team recorded an EP which included 4 original songs (both contemporary and traditional worship in style) and one cover tune. The brand-new Bent Mountain collaboration features a pleasing mixture of bluegrass and Americana genres of music.

Scott Mulvahill singing backup vocals for Bent Mountain album. Church of the Holy Spirit Roanoke.

Producer for the “Come Home” album is Scott Mulvahill, with Quigg Lawrence as executive producer and Evan Sieling handling engineering duties.

Besides Bishop Lawrence, there are four members of his COTHS congregation that contributed to the “Come Home” project:

*Eric Imhof:  Son-in-law of Quigg Lawrence, Worship Arts Pastor/Stewardship Pastor for COTHS.

Eric Imhof, Scott Mulvahill and Julie Wright taking break during Bent Mountain recording session.

*Julie Wright:  Former Worship Arts Pastor at COTHS and a current member of the praise/worship team.

*Ayden Young and Blane Young: The Brothers Young are a sibling bluegrass duo. Ayden is 15 and plays banjo with the COTHS praise/worship team. Blane age 10, is a mandolin player. Last October, I featured the Brothers Young with one of my music blogs here on DJ Dave’s Musical Musings:

Blane and Ayden Young: The Brothers Young duo from Roanoke, Virginia.

The remaining personnel who are part of the Bent Mountain collaboration, are all excellent musicians and performers.  In fact, Bishop Lawrence brought together a world-class, all-star ensemble for his debut compilation.

*Annie Lawrence:   Singer-songwriter who lives Nashville and has recorded multiple albums. She is the daughter of Quigg Lawrence and grew up in Roanoke. Two years ago, I featured Annie Lawrence’s musical story on my music blog:

awrence.

Annie Lawrence performing at Church of the Holy Spirit. Roanoke, Virginia.

*Scott Mulvahiill:  Front man, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and world-renowned upright bassist.  Has played with Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.  Now has a solo career. Mulvahill is producer of the Bent Mountain album.

Scott Mulvahill with upright bass during recording session for “Come Home” album.

*Junior Sisk:  Lead guitarist, vocalist and front man for the Junior Sisk Band.  Lives in Ferrum, Virginia. His past bands include Rambler’s Choice and BlueRidge.  Sisk has won numerous accolades including the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year award.

*Chris Eldridge:   Singer and guitarist.  Member of Punch Brothers: A hybrid bluegrass/classical/country/chamber band. In 2018, Punch Brothers won a Grammy for Best Folk Album with “All Ashore.”  Past member of the Infamous Stringdusters bluegrass band. His father is Ben Eldridge, founding member of the Seldom Scene.

*Justin Moses: Dobro maestro and multi-instrumentalist. Prominent Nashville session musician. Versatile musician in all forms of acoustic music. Named Dobro Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Married to singer-songwriter and mandolin player Sierra Hull since 2017.

Justin Moses playing a dobro guitar during Bent Mountain recording sessions.

*Sierra Hull: Virtuoso mandolinist, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.  Debut on Grand Ole Opry stage at age 10, played Carnegie Hall at 12 and had first recorded album at age 13. Married to Justin Moses. Performs and tours with husband as a duo.

*Russ Carson:   Superb banjo player.  Member of Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder. Started picking banjo at age 10. Bluegrass Today online considers Carson to be “among one of the top banjo players in the world.”

Russ Carson playing banjo at Bent Mountain recording session.

*Ryan Ogrodny:  Polka prodigy as a teen and plays the fiddle.  Nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Polka Album in 2004. Ogrodny is a violin/fiddle professor at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

* Doug Bartlett:  Fiddle specialist and multi-instrumentalist, formerly with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Currently with Junior Sisk band. Received a couple of Grammy nominations in 1999 and 2000 for two separate bluegrass albums.

* Jonathan Dillon: Mandolin is main instrument with exceptional banjo skills.  Plays in the Junior Sisk band. At age 17, Dillon was nominated for “Mandolin Player – Performer of the Year” at the 2013 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Awards.

*Heather Mabe: Lead and harmony vocalist. Heather and her husband Tony are members of Junior Sisk Band.  Ms. Mabe is known for excellent harmonies, amazing tones and perfect pitch vocals.

Heather Mabe, Junior Sisk and others playing a bluegrass song.

There are a total of 10 tracks on the Bent Mountain album:

  1. Shoutin’ On the Hills of Glory (Featuring Quigg Lawrence)
  2. The Darkest Hour (Featuring Quigg Lawrence)
  3. Mother’s Only Sleeping (Featuring Eric Imhof)
  4. Little Birdie (Featuring Junior Sisk and the Brothers Young)
  5. Forever Ain’t No Trouble Now (Featuring Quigg Lawrence)
  6. Down the Road (Featuring Quigg Lawrence)
  7. You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive (Featuring Eric Imhof and Julie Wright)
  8. Eulogy for Dr. Ralph Stanley (Spoken by Ricky Skaggs)
  9. Come to Jesus (Featuring Annie Lawrence)
  10.  Softly and Tenderly (Featuring Julie Wright)

Four songs on the album feature vocals by Bishop Lawrence. Eric Imhof and Julie Wright sing on three tracks: Both artists have lead vocals with a single song and the pair also perform a duet together.  Rounding out the singing tracks from the Bent Mountain assemble are vocalists Annie Lawrence and Junior Sisk.  

The tenth selection is not musical but actually the spoken word:  It is a eulogy that country/bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs gave at the funeral for the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley, the Southwestern Virginia pioneer of bluegrass and country music genres.

Audio for “Eulogy for Dr. Ralph Stanley” by Ricky Skaggs. From Bent Mountain album.

Inclusion of Stanley’s eulogy on a bluegrass album may seem odd to some. However, Bishop Quigg says of Skaggs’ oratory, “I have never heard a clearer explanation of the Gospel.”

In breaking down the musical tunes from the “Come Home” production, the Gospel message pervades throughout each selection, and proclamation of Christian themes is at the forefront on this project. The musicianship on the album is outstanding.

Since I had an advance copy of “Come Home” last month, I have listened to the album multiple times. Before I heard the four songs where Bishop Quigg performs lead vocals, I was curious how Lawrence would sound, since he is not trained as a singer.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear Lawrence’s ease of delivery, showing confidence with his phrasing and comfort within the bluegrass genre of music. Bishop Quigg sounds assured with his debut recordings.

Bishop Quigg striking a pose while recording a song for the Bent Mountain album.

Besides Lawrence’s four tracks, the remaining 5 musical tunes are strong and showcase excellence among the various artists. 

  • You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive:  Duet vocals by Eric Imhof and Julie Wright.  Cover of folk song written by Darrell Scott. The duo harmonize superbly and perform the album’s most melodic tune. Additional backup vocals are provided by Scott Mulvahill.
  • Come to Jesus: Annie Lawrence vocals.  Mindy Smith’s written song was a hit on multiple formatted radio stations in 2004.  Annie’s rendition is compelling and expressive. One of Lawrence’s best vocal performances during her recording career.
  • Little Birdie: Junior Sisk vocals.  Traditional bluegrass song. Most famous cover is by Dr. Ralph Stanley. The Brothers Young play on this tune performing their first recorded song. Sisk’s strong vocals are prominent on this selection.
  • Mother’s Only Sleeping:  Eric Imhof vocals.  Written by Bill Monroe in 1946. Song has been covered by the Stanley Brothers and many other bands. Imhof is effective with his engaging vocals on this traditional bluegrass tune.
  • Softly and Tenderly: Julie Wright vocals.  A Christian hymn composed and written by Will L. Thompson in 1880. The last song on the album features Wright singing a cappella and is absolutely transcendent. This outstanding vocal performance is the crown jewel on the “Come Home” album.

The new Bent Mountain album is now available on all major streaming platforms and can be purchased online at Amazon and Apple itunes.

I highly recommend the “Come Home” Bent Mountain compilation set.  Musically, it is top-notch, with nationally acclaimed instrumental performers.  One would be hard pressed to find a similar grouping of world-class musicians together, on any other music album collection.

The message of “Come Home” encompasses many different attributes:  It is calling, challenging and questioning, but also is hopeful and encouraging.  

Without a doubt, the essential theme for the Bent Mountain album is found within the “Softly and Tenderly” chorus, the traditional hymn that closes this superb album: “Come home, come home, you who are weary come home.”

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Artist Profiles, Music, Virginia Artists

The Brothers Young: Virginia Bluegrass Phenoms

Traditional Appalachian stringed instrumental mountain music has always been an important part of Southwestern Virginia’s heritage. In our portion of Virginia, we celebrate the rich legacy of two Appalachian mountain music pioneers:  The Carter Family, founders of country music and Dr. Ralph Stanley, from the first generation of prominent bluegrass musicians.

Since the early formation of Appalachian mountain music, the bluegrass genre of music has flourished in Southwestern Virginia. There is now a new generation of musicians playing bluegrass in my home city of Roanoke: The Brothers Young.

The Brothers Young are a duo of actual siblings:  Ayden and Blane Young.  Older brother Ayden is 15 and plays banjo, while Blane handles mandolin duties at age 11. Parents for these talented bluegrass performers are Melissa and Chad Young of Roanoke.

Ayden and Blane have been playing together for the past three years. Their mother Melissa Young provided the following text on how her sons became a musical bluegrass duo:

“The Brothers Young is a brother duo playing bluegrass in the mountains of Roanoke, Virginia.  Close to the Crooked Road – Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail of SW Virginia and heart of traditional music. Their love for Bluegrass music came from growing up listening to classics such as Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Osborne Brothers and many more.

Ayden found an old banjo at his grandparents’ house about 3 years ago and it was an instant connection!  He had to learn “Foggy Mtn. Breakdown.”  We were given a mandolin to borrow from a family at church since they knew Ayden was into bluegrass, but his younger brother Blane took to the mandolin and the Brothers Young was born.”

My first experience hearing the Brothers Young play music live was during May 2019, at an Anglican parish, Church of the Holy Spirit (COTHS) in Roanoke.  The event was celebrating the 30-year anniversary of Quigg Lawrence, being lead pastor for the COTHS congregation.  Lawrence is also a Bishop with the Anglican Church in North America.

Bishop Lawrence loves bluegrass music and he invited guitarist/vocalist Junior Sisk from Ferrum, Virginia, to perform music at this celebration. Ayden and Blane joined Sisk that afternoon to play various bluegrass tunes.

The second encounter that I had hearing TBY was earlier this year at Church of the Holy Spirit, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In February, COTHS had a chili cook-off fundraising event, to raise funds for Rwanda missions.  Brothers Ayden and Blane provided music throughout the event that was pleasing to my ears.

Ayden Young. Photo by Quigg Lawrence

In preparation for me writing this music message on TBY, I had the opportunity to speak with Ayden, Blane and their mother Melissa, with a 30-minute interview via Zoom.  We spoke on a wide variety of topics, including playing with Junior Sisk and recording a couple of bluegrass songs at Mountain Fever Studios in Willis, Virginia.

During my interview, I asked the Blane and Ayden when they started listening to bluegrass music?  Ayden attributes listening to old bluegrass records when visiting his grandfather, Allen Worrell of Courtland, Virginia as a younger boy. The Brothers Young were also exposed to other types of music genres, by their parents Chad and Melissa.

The pivotal moment for heightened awareness of bluegrass music came during 2017 when Ayden brought home an old beaten-up banjo from his grandparents’ home. Soon after, Ayden started taking banjo lessons and his love for the instrument grew. Just two years later, Ayden placed 2nd at the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention for Youth banjo during August 2019.

Ayden playing “Shuckin’ the Corn” and winning 2nd place at Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention for Youth Banjo. August 2019.

Ayden disclosed to me that he considers Earl Scruggs as his biggest influence with the three-finger banjo picking style. The older brother is also versatile and accomplished, playing two other instruments:  Guitar and the piano. Ayden is talented with his piano skills and has composed a few songs with this instrument, including a tune called, “Roanoke Rag.”

Blane is the quiet member of TBY and plays the mandolin.  Considering that he took up his instrument just two years ago, his mandolin dexterity is strong and his skills continue to improve on a monthly basis.  It is impressive to me how smooth Blane performs when playing his mandolin. Ricky Skaggs is the bluegrass artist that the younger brother admires, in relation to excellent mandolin musicians.

Blane Young. Photo by Quigg Lawrence

Obviously, music is a big part in the lives of Blane and Ayden.  Spirituality also plays an important role with the daily routines for the boys.  An important mentor is Bishop Quigg Lawrence, who provides both musical and spiritual guidance for the Brothers Young.

I asked Bishop Lawrence for some of his opinions on the Brothers Young as he has watched the boys grow with their musical talents over the past three years: 

“It has been really fun to watch these boys progress in their musicianship.  They have gotten really good, really fast.  I remember the first time I heard Ayden play banjo, I thought, “that little dude is pretty good and has potential.”   At the time he had been playing for maybe a year.”

“Blane is a kid to watch.  Instead of chopping rhythm, (his little hands are too small for four finger chords), he mainly plays lead.  With his current rate of progress, by the time he is 16 he will be turning heads and able to play with most anyone. Crowds find little Blane, endearing; He just grins from ear to ear and “goes for it.”

“One of the things I love most about these boys has nothing to do with their talent.  They are humble and know that the Lord has given them these talents.  They are never preachy but neither are they shy to give the Lord credit.”

October 2020 has been an exciting month for the Brothers Young.  The duo had two Roanoke TV interviews after the release of their debut single, “Pretty Polly.”  TBY spoke with Melissa Gaona on the WDBJ, “7 @ Four” show and then were featured on the WFXR, “Loving Living Local” program by Kianna Price.

The bluegrass duo recently performed their latest single, “Roanoke” live on the WDBJ7 afternoon program 7@Four and was interviewed by Melissa Gaona on July 13, 2021.

Blane Young, Melissa Gaona and Ayden Young on the set of WDBJ7 program 7@Four on July 13, 2021. Photo courtesy of Melissa Worrell Young.

Both of the Young brothers TV appearances focused on the duo recording two songs at Mountain Fever Studios in Willis, Virginia, with well-established bluegrass artists.  Ayden and Blane expressed to me how thankful they were for the opportunity to be with Junior Sisk and the other musicians assembled for their debut recording experience.

The Brothers Young had an outstanding lineup of musicians according to Melissa Young:

“The boys got an amazing opportunity to collaborate with some amazing musicians back in August.  Ayden plays banjo and Blane added mandolin chops.  The amazing vocals from Junior Sisk and Heather Berry Mabe.  On mandolin: Johnathan Dillon, guitar: Heather Mabe, fiddle: Doug Bartlett, bass: Scott Mulvahill. 

Blane and Ayden Young inside the Mountain Fever recording studio: Willis, Virginia during August 2020.

On that hot summer day in August, Blane and Ayden recorded two songs with the consummate bluegrass band: “Pretty Polly” and “Little Birdie.” Also in the studio that day was Quigg Lawrence, who was the connection between Junior Sisk and TBY coming together to record music with the bluegrass all-star musicians.

Here are some observations that Lawrence had when he saw the Brothers Young in the recording studio for the first time:

“I was struck by how confident these kids were in the studio.  At their age, I would have wet my pants to play in a recording studio with one of the best in the country, but they just jumped right in and played their hearts out.  When Junior Sisk and his band heard them play during the warm up at Mountain Fever Studio, I THINK THEIR JAWS DROPPED. Sisk could not believe how much the boys had improved in one year.”

Two weeks ago, “Pretty Polly” was the first TBY song to be released as a single.  The debut tune features vocals by Junior Sisk and Heather Mabe. The second TBY single to be released will be “Little Birdie” on November 13.  Here is the link to purchase the “Pretty Polly” single: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thebrothersyoungwithjuniorsiskandheathermabe/pretty-polly

I enjoyed speaking with Ayden and Blane about playing bluegrass music and being in a recording studio for the first time. At the end of our Zoom conversation, I asked the brothers about their plans for the future: Is playing bluegrass music for a living something that the brothers want to pursue when they become adults?

The consensus among the Brothers Young on future bluegrass career plans are unclear at this time.  Both Ayden and Blane said they wanted to attend college after graduation from high school and explore different options with career paths.

Blane and Ayden also proclaimed wisdom to me when they shared how they wanted to be guided by the path that God was directing for them, as they grow from boyhood into adults. Being a positive Christian witness is important for TBY.

The Brothers Young in front of the Mill Mountain Star. Location: Roanoke, Virginia.

Official Facebook page for the Brothers Young: https://www.facebook.com/thebrothersyoung/

Official YouTube channel for the Brothers Young videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mamaov2kids

For the immediate future, playing bluegrass music is a focal point for the Brothers Young.  They are committed to improving their banjo and mandolin skills, wholeheartedly maintaining excellence as musicians. 

I am encouraged to see the dedication and loyalty that Ayden and Blane show as they endeavor to hone their craft of playing bluegrass music together.  Obviously, we do not know what the future holds in store for the bluegrass boys. I am confident the Brothers Young of Roanoke will be a positive force within the local Southwestern Virginia community from this point forward. Rock on!

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Artist Profiles, Music, Virginia Artists

David Hollandsworth: Musical Maestro

My music makes you dance and gives you spirit to take a chance,

And I wrote some rock ‘n roll, so you can move,

Music fills your heart, well that’s a real fine place to start,

It’s from me, it’s for you,

It’s a worldwide symphony,

I am music and I write the songs.

Bruce Johnston wrote the above lyrics for the tune “I Write the Songs,” which became a number 1 hit in America for Barry Manilow in 1976.

Although Johnston’s lyrics are referring to God and not an individual person, the concept of writing multiple musical songs for the world to hear reminds me of composer David Hollandsworth.

David Hollandsworth 2019

Over the past 10 years, David Hollandsworth has written hundreds of short, instrumental songs and melodies that have been used in countless TV shows, movies and commercials. The Roanoke, Virginia resident has also written many full-length instrumental tunes, some which have been heard by millions of listeners, via SoundCloud, YouTube and other online music platforms.

More than likely, most have never thought about the instrumental music playing while watching reality shows, movies on Netflix or even viewing commercials. Quite frankly, this is probably a topic that many have never considered prior to reading this message about Hollandsworth and his prolific career.

Some may be wondering how Hollandsworth got started on a career path of writing musical tunes. I had the opportunity to interview David earlier this month to find out how his musical past during childhood and as a young adult helped influence his career.

The seeds of Hollandsworth’s musical talent began during his high school years in southern California. Jethro Tull was a favorite band of David’s, and he asked his mother Dot Hollandsworth to buy him a flute. His mom thought a flute was too expensive so she bought him a cheap classical guitar instead of David’s desired woodwind instrument.

Young David Hollandsworth with Guitar

After Hollandsworth received his guitar, he took lessons for around a year. As a young adult, David started playing guitar during his church’s morning worship services, where his father Jimmy Hollandsworth was the pastor

During this same time period, Hollandsworth started listening to the “Jesus Music” scene in Southern California, which was being developed by the Calvary Chapel fellowship in Costa Mesa. David’s favorite artists at Calvary Chapel both played the piano: Chuck Girard, who played in the band Love Song, and singer-songwriter Erick Nelson.

With the influence of Girard and Nelson’s music, Hollandsworth decided he wanted to play the piano. Since David could not read music, he taught himself how to play the piano by ear.

In 1977, Jimmy Hollandsworth moved his family to Roanoke, Virginia and founded a new church. David and his mother became the worship leaders at the new Church of the Living Way.

David Hollandsworth with Piano 1986.

Eventually David’s mom stepped away from playing piano and David became the sole worship leader for his father’s church. Piano became the instrument of choice for Hollandsworth with these new duties.

For the next 20 years, Hollandsworth was the worship leader for the same church: first called Church of the Living Way and then renamed Grace Covenant Church in 1990. Here in 2019, David is still involved with music ministry.  Hollandsworth continues to play keyboard in the worship band, most Sunday mornings, at the church where he now attends.

David Hollandsworth Playing Guitar 1986

When the Internet grew in popularity during the mid 90’s, Hollandsworth took his love and knowledge of Contemporary Christian Music from his teenage years and made a website called “One-Way.org: A Decade of Jesus Music 1969-1979.”

David wrote about the early days of Jesus Music, covering artists like Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Keith Green, Love Song, 2nd Chapter of Acts and many other pioneers in this genre of music.

Although this website may seem antiquated by today’s standards, Hollandsworth’s website was one of the first to document the history of “Jesus Music” on the Internet. Below is a quote from David about the beginnings of his creation:

“The idea for this site started as a wild thought back in 1995. This thing called the World Wide Web was the new buzzword all over the world. As I surfed around I realized that there wasn’t much to be found about the Jesus movement, its history and music. Then and there, I decided that I would put together a site dedicated to this music and the artists who created it. Call it a historical, pictorial, musical archive of a very special time in Christian history.”

While Hollandsworth doesn’t currently maintain or update the “Jesus Music” website he created, it is still available for viewing on the Internet.

During the mid 2000’s, David slowly exchanged his “Jesus Music” historian activities for composing instrumental music tracks. This undertaking was not an overnight venture for Hollandsworth, as he slowly developed his skills and learned how to record music on a professional level.

Ten years ago, Hollandsworth started the process of composing music on a computer, utilizing the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). With the MIDI technology, David used a keyboard to create multi-track files.

Since that time, David has created hundreds of music tracks. Some songs are full-length songs, lasting 3 minutes or longer, while “production” tunes that Hollandsworth creates are shorter segments of music, generally lasting less than two minutes in duration.

In my interview with David, I asked him to classify the type of music he composes and he replied, “I would classify most of the music I have out there for the public as new age, neo-classical and ambient. I also have some albums of orchestral and vocal/choir music.”

“Flow” is the most played track of David Hollandworth’s music on social media sites.

Hollandsworth went on to explain to me how TV producers and commercial writers utilize his instrumental music. “Reality TV uses a lot of different genres of music these days. If you listen to a show, you will hear dozens of short cues used throughout a program. The most commonly used are quirky, “dramedy” shows with a hip hop/urban feel and tension music. Tension music is big with all the crime, CSI, investigative type shows on the air.”

David continued, “Other types of music used a lot in commercials and ads are what they call positive, uplifting, or corporate music. Often these have a pop feel to them or use a piano motif to convey what they want to get across. I’ve even done some creepy music for horror/alien type use.”

“A lot of times I will hear something on TV that will spark an idea for a composition. I have dozens of unfinished projects that I will often go back to years later and finish,” Hollandsworth said.

Below are various links for David Hollandswoth’s music:

“Discovery” album was voted Best Ambient album 2015 by One World Music Radio. https://music.apple.com/us/album/discovery/1065067459

The song “Flow” has been streamed over million times on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/davidhollandsworth/flow

The official Webpage of David Hollandsworth music: http://davidhollandsworth.com/

The IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8392380/

David Hollandsworth 2019

Before ending my conversation with David, I was curious to find out what artists and genres of music that he listens to on a regular basis. Hollandsworth quickly stated, “Anything with piano is my favorite.”

Core artists that Hollandsworth plays frequently include: Windham Hill artists; pianists/keyboardists Yanni, George Winston & David Lanz; synthesizer artists Vangelis & Tangerine Dream; Progressive rock bands Emerson Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd, Traffic & Yes; plus jazz fusion artists Pat Metheny and Spyro Gyra.

David’s music is available on multiple outlets, throughout a variety of sources on the Internet: streaming platforms such as Soundcloud, Pandora, Spotify, Apple and Amazon. His music is also available for purchase on his official website and various other online media platforms.

David Hollandsworth 2019

As I think about the prolific musical scores of Hollandsworth, I am amazed by how this man has written hundreds of tunes over the years but can’t read music. (Paul McCartney is also a person who can’t read music but it hasn’t hurt his career). Obviously, the fact the David doesn’t know how to read music hasn’t stopped him from creating professional music either.

The other thing that I admire about David is his tenacity to start a new career writing and composing music later in his life. His perseverance to switch careers and perform in an area in which he is gifted is extremely encouraging to me.

When all is said and done, instrumentalist David Hollandsworth is truly a musical maestro.

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Artist Profiles, Music, Radio, Virginia Artists

Robin and Linda Williams: The Shenandoah Valley’s Musical Pioneers

When I want to hear quintessential Americana music, all I need to do is to travel up the Shenandoah Valley, 90 miles from Roanoke to Staunton, for the music of Robin and Linda Williams.

Known to many for their regular performances on Garrison Keillor’s live radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” the husband and wife duo have been making music from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia since the 1970’s.

As their official website states: “For more than four decades now, Robin & Linda have made it their mission to perform the music that they love, ‘a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism.

“Today some might call it ‘Americana,’ but these two revered music masters were living and breathing this elixir 20 years before that label was turned into a radio format.”

Robin and Linda Williams in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Last month, I spoke with Robin and Linda via phone to find out what the couple has been doing musically over the course of their career and to check out what their plans are for 2019.

I first met Robin and Linda during my junior year attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia during the late 70’s. I worked at public radio station WMRA and was the producer of a daily radio program called “Country Afternoon.”

My radio program featured folk, bluegrass and old time country music. Once a month, “Country Afternoon” would have bands and performers from the Shenandoah Valley come to the station to give a live one-hour concert on the radio. Robin and Linda performed on my “Country Afternoon” radio program. Little did I know that this husband and wife duo from Augusta County would one day be nationally known for their iconic music style.

Robin and Linda met in 1971 and quickly realized that they made beautiful music together. The duo started writing their own songs and by 1975, they recorded their first album, the self-titled, “Robin and Linda Williams” on Flashlight Records in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Around the same time, the husband and wife team met Garrison Keillor in Minnesota. As Robin and Linda’s website states: “They made their first appearance on a little radio show just getting off the ground called “A Prairie Home Companion” and their rich relationship with that icon of American broadcasting has continued for four decades.”

In my joint phone interview with Robin and Linda last month, I asked the Williamses if they ever lived in Minnesota? Linda replied “No. We would fly to Minneapolis on Thursday evenings prior to a Saturday show and then stay in the land of 10,000 lakes for a total of 11 days. We would then perform on consecutive Saturdays but still live in the Shenandoah Valley.”

The Virginian couple met Garrison Keillor, “when he came to see us at a venue about 60 miles from St. Paul,” Linda explained. “After watching us for a set of songs, Keillor asked us to come play the radio show. That was in the fall of 1975 and we have worked with him ever since: On the radio, doing concerts and performing on cruise ships.”

“Concerning Garrison, he has been a friend and a mentor to us and he’s the most talented person we’ve ever been around. And we’ve been around some legends”, Linda admired.   The Shenandoah Valley couple will be working again will Keillor again next winter on a Cuban cruise.

Robin and Linda Williams

Over the years, the duo has performed thousands of concerts across the United States, Canada and Europe. Additionally, Robin and Linda are known as superb songwriters. Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV and the Seldom Scene have all covered songs written by Robin and Linda.

According to their website, “Robin and Linda have made appearances on such major programs as ‘The Grand Old Opry,’ ‘Austin City Limits,’ ‘Music City Tonight,’ ‘Mountain Stage’ and they continue to make frequent appearances on ‘A Prairie Home Companion.’   Having always sung gospel music, in the late 1980s they teamed up with their old friend and “A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor and bluegrass songstress Kate MacKenzie to form The Hopeful Gospel Quartet.

Robin and Linda Williams

One of the things that I admire the most about Robin and Linda’s music is their focus on the place they have called home for over 40 years: The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

I asked the Williamses if they could share with me the influence that living in the Shenandoah Valley has had on their music. Here are Robin and Linda’s thoughts with their four selections:

 

  1. “Stonewall Country”

 

“[This song] got its title from a little known fact that the term was used in the early to mid-19th century as a moniker for the Shenandoah Valley. Evidently the farmers used the limestone rocks they cleared from their fields as fences and walls, thus “stone wall country.”

 

“We changed the title to “Stonewall Country” because the song was written for the musical we wrote about Stonewall Jackson for the “The Theater “at Lime Kiln in Lexington, Virginia.

 

I make my home in Stonewall Country/Down a crooked lane/Where the fields steep and rocky/Took such toil to claim/Now the plows run deep in Stonewall Country/The ground gives back good yields/And the rocks that blocked the furrows/So worrisome to wield/Stand in fences ‘round the fields.

 

I may leave the Shenandoah/But she’ll never leave my heart/ Stonewall Country, clear-eyed daughter of the stars/Stonewall Country, clear-eyed daughter of the stars.

  1. “Buena Vista”

 

“Another song that comes to mind our song “Buena Vista,” a tale that mentions not only the Rockbridge County town but also some landmarks like the Maury River.”

 

So you beat a path to Rockbridge Baths/ ’cause blood kin won’t quit ya/

Or try to dry you out like they do in Buena Vista/

It’s a long walk from your front porch to the Maury River’s edge/

But it’s longer when you’re drunk and hauling back a broken leg/

So here’s to the sawbones who pinned you up and fixed ya/

But you’re out of action lying in traction down in Buena Vista

 

  1. “These Old Dark Hills”

 

“Linda got the title of the song “These Old Dark Hills” after a late afternoon winter walk around our property and looking over to the Allegheny Mountains. Seeing those mountains every day for over forty years, they almost seem like friends,” said Robin.

These Old Dark Hills/On which sore eyes can rest/These Old Dark Hills/Ridge after ridge to the west          

  1. “October Light”

 

“[This] is a song that comes quickly to mind. It’s about the beauty of fall in the Shenandoah Valley.”

Each day we walk up on the hill/And watch the setting sun/Play on the trees and fields until/It falls and day is done/Yellow, orange, blue and rose/The colors neon bright/The evening sky is all aglow/With this October Light.

 

Robin and Linda Williams

Obviously, the Shenandoah Valley is a special place for Robin and Linda. However, their songs cover a wide variety of topics and are respected by fellow songwriters all across many genres of music.

So I asked the Williams couple if they could share with me their top 5 essential songs. These would be the songs they would like for a person to hear, if they were checking out the Virginia duo’s music for the first time. Here are Robin and Linda’s thoughts on each song:

 

  1. “Old Plank Road”

 

“On the last day of filming ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ director Robert Altman’s last movie, we were asked to perform one of our songs to use for the movie soundtrack. ‘Old Plank Road,’ is a song about a music party in Batesville, VA, and Altman used seven or eight minutes of the film cutting away from us singing it to other scenes that helped develop the story line.”

Charlie you’re a good old boy Charlie you’re all right/Charlie open up the store, we’re coming down tonight/Out where you can see the stars and the living’s slow/We’ll eat potluck and pull guitars down on Old Plank Road.

  1. “Rolling and Rambling (the Death of Hank Williams)”

 

[This song] has never left our repertoire (probably the only one) and which Emmylou Harris recorded.”

Rolling and Rambling, the women loved him half to death/He sang with whiskey on his breath/His heart broke like a child/Rolling and Rambling, the sun has set out on the trail/The hobo’s drifted up the rail/He’s taken his last ride.

 

  1. “Don’t Let Me Come Home A Stranger”

 

“[This song] was in the “Stonewall Country” musical and has made it into the repertoires and recordings of several American and British Isles singers.”

Will there come a time when the memories fade/And pass on with the long, dark years/When the ties no longer bind. Lord save me from this darkest fear/Don’t Let Me Come Home A Stranger/I couldn’t stand to be a stranger

  1. “Across The Blue Mountains”

 

“[This is] a local, traditional, a cappella song that we found on a party tape with Paul Clayton singing it. We’ve sung it for over 35 years and it’s the vehicle that opened the door to our friendship with the legendary Dave Van Ronk.”

One morning, one morning, one morning in May/I heard a married man to a young girl say/Go dress you up pretty Katy and come go with me/Across the Blue Mountains to the Allegheny

 

  1. “Famous In Missouri”

 

“We’re proud of it because it was sung and released as a single by Tom T. Hall, a member of the Country Music and Songwriters Halls of Fame. He was so successful and had such respect as a songwriter that folks labeled him “The Story Teller.” His recording of our song helped us garner respect as songwriters ourselves.”

I was famous in Missouri/Everybody knew my name/Kansas City to old St. Louis/They knew how well I played my game/Now it sure feels strange /To be in South Dakota, out on the range

Robin and Linda Williams in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Being part of the Shenandoah Valley music community has always been extremely important for the Williams couple. Linda states, “We have a network of local musician friends – some professional, some not – some old, some new – and via this musical community we’ve been able make contributions to the area.

“Robin and I started a concert series at the Lime Kiln Theater during the mid-80s. We have also helped start a couple of festivals: The Oak Grove Folk Music Festival in Verona (now in its 36th year) and the Fortune-Williams Festival with Jimmy Fortune, the Country Music Hall Of Famer, which ran for 10 years.”

Clearly, Robin and Linda have been an integral part of the Shenandoah Valley music scene for over 40 years and the duo continues to work on and develop new musical projects here in 2019.

Robin and Linda Williams

One proposed project is for a new musical TV show on Virginian music called ‘Road Trip: Virginia Live.’ Robin explains, “The idea is to go to historic venues in Virginia and present a half hour music show based not only on the musical acts but also the venues.”

The other project for the Williamses this year is the production of a new album, which will be recorded at their home in Staunton. “We called our friend Kevin McNoldy, who showed up with portable recording gear and two Townsend microphones in April and we recorded six songs,” said Linda.

“Our house in Staunton is old and has high ceilings and the room sounds wonderful, better than some studios we’ve recorded in the past,” she said. “We sat in our living room with those Townsend mics and got some really good stuff. Robin and I have recorded six CDs with Kevin in the past and it’s been fun re-connecting with him. We’ll continue recording in June and July.”

Robin and Linda Williams in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Touring has always been an important part in the musical career of Robin and Linda, and the couple will have concerts scheduled between now and October. Their next show will be at The Harvester in Rocky Mount, Virginia. The Williamses’ friend, Scott Miller will be opening up for the duo at this concert venue. I am looking forward attending this concert, along with my wife Priscilla. For more information on upcoming concerts and to purchase music, please go to the official Robin and Linda website.

What will be the legacy of Robin and Linda? They are leaders in the Shenandoah Valley music scene and their fingerprints are throughout the musical landscape of Virginia. Without a doubt, Robin and Linda Williams are the quintessential duo of Americana music in America!

 

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