Event
Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys in Grass Valley
Since forming in 1988, Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys have emerged as one of the world's most respected practitioners of American roots music western swing, rockabilly, and traditional country playing it like they invented it. "I think of us as just a rock and roll band a rock and roll band that's letting the roots show," says bandleader Big Sandy. Whether they're playing the Grand Ole Opry, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, or simply climbing out of a bus after rolling into your town, these guys are bringing us some great oldtime rock and roll.
Authenticity is the key to the music of Rockabilly Hall of Fame members Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys. Although they've moved from their rockabilly roots to a sound that encompasses folk, bluegrass, Western swing, Cajun, and mariachi influences, the six-piece southern California-based band continues to be faithful to the music of the past. Despite their connection with days gone by, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys maintain a foot in the present as well.
Big Sandy (born Rusty Williams) grew up listening to his parents' collection of jump blues records. Inspired by the rockabilly revival of the early '80s, he began to perform with a variety of neo-rockabilly bands in southern California. Formed as a trio, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys soon expanded to its lineup featuring Wally Hersom (bass), Lee Jeffriess (steel guitar), Ashley Kingman (guitar), and Bobby Trimble (drums). Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys represent an international collaboration with Kingman and Jeffriess hailing from the U.K. Their debut album, Jumping from 6 to 6, was produced by ex-Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin. While their second album, Swingin' West, released in 1995, focused on the Western swing influences on their sound, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys took a more eclectic approach with their effort Feelin' Kinda Lucky, released in 1997.
The following year, Big Sandy and the group took a break from each other and recorded separately. Big Sandy's solo album, Dedicated to You, featured covers of R&B and doo-wop oldies, while the band's album, Big Sandy Presents the Fly-Rite Boys, was an instrumental tour de force. Big Sandy and the band reunited during the recording of an EP, Radio Favorites, released in 1999. The EP introduced the piano playing of Carl Sonny Leyland, who joined shortly after the recording of Feelin' Kinda Lucky.
Night Tide appeared in 2000. It's Time! followed three years later. A collection featuring Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys' biggest hits for Hightone and HMG was released as Rockin' Big Sandy in 2004. The group's 2006 release on Yep Roc Records, the exceedingly eclectic album Turntable Matinee, served as a creative tip of the hat for the band's Western swing, Memphis soul, and of course, old-fashioned rock & roll influences.
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LocationThe Center for the Arts
314 West Main Street
Grass Valley, CA 95959
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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