The world is full of happy accidents. So says Illinois band County Line’s myspace bio, which explains that the band was born ‘from a last-minute, thrown-together gig’ in their hometown two years ago. What was intended to be a pick-up gig of local talent on a moon-filled Tuesday night in 2006 became a long lasting musical friendship that surpassed expectation. The energy and originality of the trio was evident from note one.
County Line blends the talents of Tim Whiteford (guitar), John Beck (mandolin, fiddle) and Sam West (double bass) – each taking turns on harmony and lead, each sharing in a common goal of quality and expressiveness.
County Line has its own sound: a heady stew of bluegrass, acoustic blues and Americana. The trio spills across the spectrum: traditional bluegrass (from Bill Monroe to Ricky Scaggs), American classics (from Jerry Lewis to Lionel Ritchie) and eclectic originals by West and Whiteford.
The creative conglomeration comes from each player’s distinctive discipline. All three members bring their engaging musical backgrounds to County Line; Tim Whiteford with reggae roots and country concoctions, Sam West with a funk foundation and solo singer/songwriter campaigns and John Beck headlining several bluegrass groups.
Dynamic, soulful, unique and true to their roots, County Line are sure to keep people dancing and romancing for years to come.
County Line new album, ‘Jackson’, which includes ten, fresh original songs, is being released this month – and to celebrate, the band decided to do a tour of Ireland, east and west. Mayo audiences are being spoilt with a choice of three gigs: You can catch in Castlebar Tennis Club, Castlebar, at 8pm on Friday, May 28; Geraghty’s Pub, Westport, at 9pm on Saturday, May 29; or Mannion’s Pub, Balla, at 7pm on Sunday, May 30.
