About Me
The High Atmosphere Band is now in their 10th year, bringing bluegrass and gospel music to a wide variety of audiences. The band features soaring vocal harmonies. While they love the warmth and tradition of gospel music and spirituals, they apply those harmonies to ballads, and of course, train songs!
The band is Paul Danley (guitar), Fred Martin (banjo), Shannon Palmer (bass), Jeff Back (mandolin), and Jeff’s son, Nate Back (guitar). Paul is originally from West Texas, and grew up hearing four part harmony in church. His Dad was a preacher who was raised within a half day's drive of Nashville, back when Paul says “modern country music meant something good!†Paul writes music for the band and shares lead and harmony vocals with Jeff. Fred grew up in the rock mining country of Pennsylvania and took up banjo in college. A part of that elite few actually able to tame the instrument, he has mastered the driving and rhythmic Scruggs style of playing, and keeps the music flowing. Shannon is a Colorado native, born, raised and still lives in Black Forest. Shannon keeps the band anchored with his upright bass and on their toes with his dry wit.
Jeff, originally from Kentucky has played in some great Colorado bands in the past such as Lost Creek, and Palmer Divide. Jeff’s mandolin and Fred’s banjo provide the instrumental fireworks! Jeff has a “high lonesome†voice to bring tears on those old ballads. Jeff is also a skilled songwriter having penned some audience favorites such as “Henry’s Store,†and “Caney Run.†Nate has inherited his Dad’s vocal prowess and is a skilled guitar player. In high school he was in the elite “Fusion†acappella group. This experience has him in the daunting role of sorting out vocal parts.
The band has recorded two CDs with a third project on the way. Their first CD: “In the Face of This Child,†features the title song, and “Can’t Wait To See,†written by Paul. "On this CD, you'll definitely hear that wide open enthralling, panoramic sound that has always been the hallmark of all the great Colorado bands. These are fine tunes, creatively arranged and nicely performed…," Dave Higgs, Bluegrass Breakdown, WPLN - FM, Nashville; and, "The title song will become a standard for the Fathers Day program as long as I'm around..," Red Shipley, WAMU - FM, Washington, D.C. Over the years, Paul has enjoyed the role of Sunday morning, gospel song leader at festivals in the surrounding states, and as far away as North Carolina. The band’s second CD “Old Camp Meeting†seeks to capture the open air feeling under the big tent with everyone singing out those old-time favorite gospel songs. Songs like “The Old Rugged Cross,†“How Great Thou Art,†and “Life's Railway†were fun to put down with the whole band.
The guys feel very fortunate that they are such good friends. While the band has played festivals and churches throughout the region, they were asked a while back to play a prison concert. Not sure what that would be like, they have by now played at most of the Colorado prisons, and have gone to do prison concerts as far away as Florida. “That is heartbreaking but rewarding work. We play music with a positive view, and just display our friendship to those who come. We hope that provides a little encouragement and inspiration.†The friendship comes through on any stage.... along with the bad jokes!
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