Blue Moon Brothers - Walnut Creek, CA
By Kelley Guiney

Back in 1995, a group of San Francisco-based veteran musicians with a load of talent and a change in lifestyle (they had enough of the electric guitar thing and were "growing up") hit upon the perfect, acoustic-based niche for their combined talents - they evolved into a bluegrass band. The Blue Moon Brothers includes the talents of Ken Custodio on guitar and vocals; Rick (Red) Horlick on mandolin, guitar, bass and vocals; Mark Neal on bass, guitar, and vocals; Steve Hirst on mandolin, guitar, and vocals; and Bruce Campbell on banjo, guitar and vocals. Note that every band member is a vocalist - their harmonies add a rich texture to the tapestry of layered, quick-pickin' sound that defines bluegrass.

Bluegrass was a wise choice for the group, as it allows them to showcase their fine musicianship as well as their original, refreshing songwriting talents. Band members credit Rick (Red) Horlick with keeping their sound true to bluegrass, however, the band members' varied backgrounds translate musically into subtle jazz, rock, and other varied influences in their sound. I haven't seen them live, but would jump at the chance; you can tell from their recordings that they are fabulous live performers with a weakness for classic onstage jams, and I imagine that it is in their live performance that their talent is most purely expressed. The band performs as a 4 to 6 piece ensemble, mostly in and around northern California.

For more information on The Blue Moon Brothers, CLICK HERE

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