The Spinney Brothers are proud that Memories, the first single from their latest CD of the same name, has reached number one on Bluegrass Unlimited's Top 30 songs chart for February.
This is the local band's first time in the top spot of the National Bluegrass Survey, said Rick Spinney. In addition, the complete project has moved up to number three on Bluegrass Unlimited's Top 15 Albums chart.
The Spinney Brothers, with Allan on guitar and vocals and Rick on banjo and vocals, debuted their band in 1992, featuring a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for its energetic and distinctive sound. Since that time, the band has released eight CDs independently. They are the recipients of many Eastern Canadian Bluegrass Awards including three times as Vocal Group of the Year.
In 2010, they were inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame. Joined by Gary Dalrymple on mandolin and Darryl Hebb on bass, the band has performed all over Canada and across the United States, making them ‘Canada's International Bluegrass Band’.
Even with all the accolades the band had gained on its own in Canada, Rick says, it wasn't until the band signed with Virginia-based Mountain Fever Records and released Memories, in 2012, that the band began gaining international acclaim. He noted that they started receiving more airplay and booking more shows in the U.S.
"I had been made aware of The Spinney Brothers through a friend, who suggested I give them a listen," said Mark Hodges of Mountain Fever Records. "I watched their progress as a band for about a year, and when I discovered they would be in Nashville at IBMA's World of Bluegrass conference in 2011, I made a point to attend one of their late-night showcases. I was really pleased with what I saw and heard and their enthusiasm was also a big factor in our decision to sign them to Mountain Fever Records. We just couldn't be happier with their success."
The Spinney Brothers have spent the first part of 2013 on a U.S. tour that has included a successful benefit concert for the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, KY. They will continue their tour with shows in Florida and Georgia before returning home.
The Spinneys plan to release their next CD, No Borders, with a concert at Horton High School in June.
WEBLINK: www.SpinneyBrothers.com.
