Honed in the iron-laden foothills of the Adirondack’s Western reaches, the Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band has a sound reverberating with the traditions of Bill Monroe’s music, while at the same time incorporating new grooves and new tones. This band swings and drives through Stanley Brothers-style mountain songs about life in the rural country, bitter bluegrass hollers about lost love and betrayal, gospel songs lamenting lost souls and spooky minor key murder ballads. In addition to performing a range of bluegrass standards and contemporary tunes from Del McCoury, Gillian Welch, Iris Dement and the Grateful Dead, the band churns straight ahead with its freight train rhythm pulse on a host of original songs, many of which are to be featured on their 2004 cd, “Tearin Up the Line,†and “Listen to the Radio,†released in 2005. The Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band recently released "Live at the Bainbridge Opera House", recorded in October 2006. In May 2007, the band signed with Master Shields Corporation out of Bridgewater, VA with the release of a gospel CD, "Angels Rejoice" in 2007.
"Just a few short years ago a talented, audience grabbing bluegrass band appeared from out of nowhere (well actually from the little town of Harrisville in New York State's rugged North Country). That band was, and is, the Atkinson Family, talented musicians and singers committed to preserving traditional bluegrass ballads, instrumentals and gospel songs.....," said Bill Knowlton, host of "Bluegrass Ramble" on WCNY-FM, Syracuse.
The Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band sound is one of tight three-part family harmonies from guitarists Liza and Shelene Atkinson and banjo linchpin Dick Atkinson; with the driving rhythm interplay of mandolinist Adam Atkinson and well known respected bass player Jim Treat of Weedsport, NY. Dobro player Chad Darou lays on textures slippery with blues and sliding with melodic invention.
The Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band plays regularly at bluegrass festivals and performances in the Northeast and points south.
"I had the pleasure of hearing the Atkinsons. They possess a special vocal blend that deserves to be heard. They sing with power and conviction. I'm proud to call them neighbors," said Eric Gibson of the Gibson Brothers.
They won first place in the amateur band competition at the Vermont Family Festival five years ago, took first place in the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival Band Competition in 2004, were the guest performers for the American Consulat General in Quebec City and have garnered Honorable Mention in the Prairie Home Companion’s Best Bands from Towns Under 2,000 contest. Most recently they placed 8th in the SPBGMA band competition in Nashville, TN, in February 2007. Their music is played regularly on Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble radio show and Barbara Heller Burns String Fever, both on public radio. You can also hear them on bluegrass radio stations in the Northeast, Australia, Kentucky, Canada and on the World Wide Web.
Here is what others are saying about this fine family band:
"The Atkinson Family, the most surprising and fantastic bluegrass sounds I've heard this summer. Their new CD, Tearin' Up the Line, an exciting mix of traditional and new tune smithing. We will be hearing many good things about them as their talent reaches the folk music radio scene," says Mr. Oatis-Fok, radio host on WRUV-FM, Burlington, Vt.
"The Atkinsons are a family of musicians who love what they do, and they do it SO well! They give REAL MEANING to the term Family Bluegrass Band. Shelene and Liza's voices work together as only blood relatives can. Like one voice. They have a vocal simpatico that comes across in every note, every work, every breath and nuance. It's as if one voice suddenly split into two sets of vocal cords. SheLiza!!!!," Barb Heller, host of String Fever on North Country Public Radio, Canton, N.Y.
"The Atkinsons are a very traditional bluegrass band yet having their own original stamp to their music with vocals only achievable
by a family group. They present a high energy stage show and a sound that is a joy to hear - a must see for the bluegrass enthusiast!,"
said Junior Barber, seven-time IBMA nominee for dobro player of the year.
"The Atkinson Family combines great original material with powerful lead vocals and tight family harmonies which result in their own unique bluegrass sound. If you are looking for a fresh new act which is emerging on the national scene, check out the Atkinsons," said Andy Alexander, promoter of the Pickin' in the Pasture Bluegrass Festival, Lodi, N.Y.
For more information on the Atkinson Family Bluegrass Band, log on to www.atkinsonfamilybluegrass.com.
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