Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys
Collins Theatre in Paragould, AR
February 24, 2014
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| L to R: Jon Martin, Greg Davis, Bill Baldock, Donna Ulisse, Tony King, Rick Stanley |
Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys dazzled the audience with their tight vocals, superb instrumental work, and the most delightful stories one could imagine! We need to tell you who these folks are before we get too far along: Singer-songwriter Donna Ulisse heads up the band, sings a powerful song, and plays guitar. She has also assigned names to her band members.
We shall start with Donna's husband, Rick Stanley, a cousin to that other Stanley named Ralph. We didn't catch Rick's nickname, except that Donna referred to him as 'my sweetheart; and 'my honey'. So, it's Rick "Honey" Stanley who sings harmony and plays guitar.
Greg "Papaw" Davis is a dear friend to this writer, who has known him since he was a young'un. He sings harmony and wears out a classy-looking banjo. Greg and I realized it had just been too long since we visited ages ago at the Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack, so we shared a few moments before the band packed up and left town.
"Cool Jon" Martin has such a fine touch on the mandolin! He anchors that group of bluegrass musicians just fine with his laid-back and cool demeanor.
"Mild Bill" Baldock says that he's not exactly "Wild Bill", so "Mild" is more appropriate for this awesome bass player. He sings and keeps the band solidly on the beat.
Last, but certainly not least, is Tony "Sweet T" (or is it "Sweet Tea"?) King. The man is one seriously fine guitar player. He loved the sweet tea over at Terry's Cafe, too! His licks on the guitar would send everybody home to practice a lot harder.
Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys are some of the finest musicians and singers to be found anywhere. Separately and collectively, they put out bluegrass music the way it is supposed to sound. The tempo is there, the drive is there, the wonderful story-songs are there, and the band is definitely going places! Donna's voice is amazing! She's been at this singing thing since she was three years old. Her phrasing, her rich and mellow sound, and her range are just meant for bluegrass! We haven't even touched on her songwriting expertise. Whether alone or with other well-known songwriters, Donna comes up with some powerful songs. Her stories tell about life in the hills of Virginia. She can take the listener right back up there to that little mountain cabin with no back yard and a long downhill front yard.
The latest CD from Donna Ulisse is "Showin' My Roots", a phrase which women everywhere will understand in another context. Here on the CD, she is explaining through her songs about her beginning and where she is at present. She is an admirer of Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and so many other women who blazed the trail for those who would follow. You will want to hear this band again and again!
Pick away!
For more information: www.donnaulisse.com https://twitter.com/DonnaUlisse
and www.facebook.com/donna.ulisse.singer.songwriter
Coming up in 2014 at Bluegrass Mondays at the Collins Theatre in Paragould, AR: Mar. 24 The Bankesters, Apr. 28 Jim Hurst, May 12 Feller & Hill and the Bluegrass Buckaroos, June 23 Arkansas Youth in Bluegrass: Clark Family Trio and Clancey Ferguson and the Ragtags, July 28 The Gold Heart Sisters, Aug. 25 The Harper Family, Sept. 22 Nothin' Fancy, Oct. 27 Apple-Setser (formerly Kirby)-Rounds with special guests Tim Crouch, Tommy Burroughs, and Irl Hees, Nov. 24 The Rigneys ~ No December show due to Christmas holidays. Information: www.kasu.org
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| Marquee at the Collins Theatre in Paragould, AR |
