Spring Creek
We’re glad to be a part of the SPPS! Thanks to all the tapers and supporters who make such a great organization possible. We hope you enjoy our live shows!
- Jessica Smith, Spring Creek, August, 2007
The quartet play a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals, and all four musicians are also accomplished vocalists. The young band, whose members met in music school in Texas, have studied and performed together for several years, creating a tight, polished sound. Counting such bands as Country Gazette and Hot Rize among their influences, Spring Creek’s members have a deep respect for tradition, as well as an innate sense of musical innovation.
“We choose songs that suit our style,” says guitarist Taylor Sims. “I enjoy the pilgrimage–learning songs the way they’ve been played for years and years, staying close to tradition. But a lot of different kinds of songs can fit into the traditional bluegrass style if they are done really well. We try hard to do each song justice, with real bluegrass-style harmonies and arrangements.”
Judges at two recent band competitions agree that Spring Creek have what it takes to deliver the high, lonesome sounds in the Appalachian tradition. The band won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest back in June, and won their second Planet Bluegrass title on July 29th at the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival held in Lyons.
“We won Telluride pretty exclusively based on the strength of our original material,” explains Alex Johnstone, who plays both mandolin and fiddle in Spring Creek. “People are learning our tunes now and that’s so exciting.” Though they clearly appeal to traditional bluegrass fans, the Spring Creek musicians mix in a little something for everyone at their live shows. Expect to hear an Elton John or Gillian Welch cover squeezed in between a blazing fast Carter Stanley instrumental and a rip roarin’ Bill Monroe tune. Band mates agree that they want to have a hand in initiating younger audiences into the bluegrass fold.
“I’m into the idea of playing for general audiences where people might be exposed to traditional bluegrass for the first time,” says Chris Elliot, who in addition to his band’s win at RockyGrass, also celebrated earning top honors in the Festival’s banjo instrument contest.
“When I first saw younger people playing bluegrass, I thought, ‘Wow, this could be really cool,’” says Elliot. “If more young people are exposed to bluegrass at the right time, they’ll like it too.”
“We really want all generations to appreciate bluegrass,” agrees bassist Jessica Smith. “Some kids think it’s just sleepy music for older people. We show them that we have real energy and passion; we show them that it’s something special.”
“I’m into the idea of playing for general audiences where people might be exposed to traditional bluegrass for the first time,” says Chris Elliot, who in addition to his band’s win at RockyGrass, also celebrated earning top honors in the Festival’s banjo instrument contest.
“When I first saw younger people playing bluegrass, I thought, ‘Wow, this could be really cool,’” says Elliot. “If more young people are exposed to bluegrass at the right time, they’ll like it too.”
“We really want all generations to appreciate bluegrass,” agrees bassist Jessica Smith. “Some kids think it’s just sleepy music for older people. We show them that we have real energy and passion; we show them that it’s something special.”
