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The David Thom Band is one of the best traditional-style bluegrass bands in California. Based in Marin County (just over the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco), this group has been joined on stage by musicians like mandolin virtuoso David Grisman, and shared the bill with countless others.
The David Thom Band is a band that plays bluegrass the old-fashioned way: no amps or monitors (a sound person’s dream), but a single microphone. This approach affords a tight, blended sound at every performance, and also gives the listener something to watch as the band works around the mic to create the audio ‘mix’. They are no strangers to the standard repertoire of bluegrass, but also pack some excellent original songs, which can be heard on their latest release 'Plays Bluegrass' from Swollen Records (SW-95070).
The band’s leader and front man, David Thom, sets the pace for the group. His lead vocal provides a foundation for the polished harmonies this band loves to perform. One of the few lead guitar players in traditional bluegrass, Thom is a sight to see when he goes for a break on the single mic with his guitar hoisted high.
On five-string banjo is Jonathan Schiele, whose driving rolls and innovative, original instrumentals keep this group at the front of the Bay area acoustic music scene. In addition, Jonathan adds a pure tenor vocal to the harmonies creating the high, lonesome sound of bluegrass.
Mandolinist Jon Mask puts the backbeat into the David Thom Band’s driving sound. His breakneck solos and country vocal complete the sound of this group. Fiddler Doug Holloway is one of the best in the Bay area. His hoedown style fiddle playing and double stops just can’t be beat. If you like Benny Martin and Vassar Clements, Doug’s the fiddler for you!
The upright bass anchors a bluegrass band. Newcomer Ran Bush handles this job. Ran has been playing with the band since April of 2002, and his great sense of bluegrass rhythm is unsurpassed. He also sings like a bird!
"The David Thom Band is a group of young, talented Marin County musicians who play traditional and contemporary bluegrass music with the right attitude. Having jammed with them several times…I heartily recommend that you check them out."
- David “Dawg” Grisman
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