Blues, Bluegrass, and Beyond: The Steeldrivers "Hammer Down"

Welcome back to Blues Bluegrass and Beyond! About a week ago, while scanning Amazon.com, I was elated to discover that one of my favorite bluegrass bands, The Steeldrivers, had just released a new album! So, naturally, I speedily punched my credit card into Amazon, checked expedited shipping, and waited anxiously for my new CD to arrive (I always like to have a hard copy). I must admit, that once again, The Steeldrivers have outdone themselves. Their perfect mix of gritty country blues, combined with bluegrass melodies in prevailingly minor keys leaves a listener yearning for more. The blend of the lead singer and guitarist’s, Gary Nichols’, mournful, bluesy voice, Grammy nominated Richard Bailey’s unique banjo playing, Tammy Rogers skilled fiddling, Brent Truitt’s mandolin riffs, and Mike Fleeming’s bass accompaniment come together to create original blues and bluegrass melodies. The occasional touch of steel slide guitar and harmonica add unique blues touches to their music. Their new album, Hammer Down, had my toes tapping and my head bobbing as I listened to each and every track.

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“Hammer Down” is the third album The Steeldrivers have produced. The Steeldrivers produced their first album, simply named “The Steeldrivers” in 2008. Since then, they have released “Reckless” in 2010, and most recently, “Hammer Down” in early 2013. The band formed when Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton, both good friends and acclaimed artists in their own right, decided one night to play a few bluegrass numbers together. The Steeldrivers were born. Henderson and Stapleton decided to invite acquaintances Tammy Rogers and Richard Bailey to join the band. Since the band’s birth, Chris Stapleton has moved on, however, new competent members such as Brent Truitt have been inducted into The Steeldrivers.

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The gritty blues and bluegrass music The Steeldrivers have created rocketed them to fame. The band’s music earned three Grammy awards, four IBMA awards and the Americana Music Association’s New Artist of the Year award. They also were presented the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award for Emerging Artist of the Year in 2009, and their music has been often played by pop star and "Steeldrivers" fan, Adele. However, each artist in the band has ample experience in the music world. Richard Bailey, the Grammy winning bluegrass banjoist, has been featured in the book, Masters of the 5-String Banjo, and has played alongside bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe, and country stars, such as Johnny Cash and Kenny Rodgers. Fiddler Tammy Rodgers has traveled and played internationally with stars such as Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. She has also had the opportunity to play fiddle alongside big names such as Neil Diamond, Wynonna, Bill Anderson, and Randy Scruggs. The band’s mandolinist, Brent Truitt has toured with Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, and The Dixie Chicks. Meanwhile, Truitt produces records and won Grammy awards for his work. Mike Henderson, the band’s bassist has performed bluegrass music in The Grand Ole Opry numerous times, while 30-year-old Gary Nichols boasts 20 years of experience in the music field.

The Steeldrivers continue to impress me with their innovative blend of bluegrass and country blues music. Their wide ranges of skills are noticeable in pure bluegrass songs, such as “If You Can’t be Good, Be Gone”, to mournful bluegrass tunes, such as “I’ll Be There”, to gritty down-dirty blues tunes such as “Ghosts of Mississippi”. I eagerly anticipate where their music will go next. Look below for links to hear samples of The Steeldrivers albums.

Click here to visit The Steeldrivers website!