Bluegrass Band Blends the Boundaries Between Traditional and Modern

John Reischman & the Jaybirds perform at Horizon Stage on Saturday, April 14, 2012

John Reischman & the Jaybirds know that the best new Bluegrass grows from classic roots. With five critically-acclaimed albums, two Juno nominations, and two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, this Vancouver-based quintet produces music that is simultaneously traditional and contemporary. Fronted by one of the world’s top-ranked acoustic mandolin players, they perform original songs, instrumentals, vintage gems, and newly-arranged traditional material. Tap your toes with John Reischman & the Jaybirds at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Saturday, April 14th at 7:30 p.m.

Veteran artist John Reischman is renowned for his exquisite taste, tone and impeccable musicianship. Born in Ukiah, California in 1955, he first played guitar at age 12, exploring fingerpicking and blues styles before discovering the mandolin at age 17. Drawing inspiration from bluegrass patriarch, Bill Monroe, and acoustic mandolin pioneers, Frank Wakefield, Sam Bush, Andy Statman, and David Grisman, John has also been influenced by the hot swing of guitarist Django Reinhardt and the jazz mandolin of pioneers, Jethro Burns and Tiny Moore. Continually honing his skills for the past three decades, John fuses genres and mixes new sounds with old.

Jaybirds Jim Nunally (guitar), Trisha Gagnon (bass), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo) and Greg Spatz (fiddle), are all highly-acclaimed, top-notch, musicians in their own right. Jim is a San Francisco Bay-area veteran guitarist, songwriter, producer and singer. Chilliwack-based Trisha is one of the most versatile and irresistible vocalists and songwriters in bluegrass, whose strong and distinctive style ranges from “mournful and plaintive” to “hopeful and yearning.” Nanaimo-based Nick has developed his own voice on the five-string banjo, a unique sound with a two-finger roll unlike other contemporary banjo players. Hailing from Spokane, Greg’s wide-ranging chops have made him a popular West Coast player who has done stints with the legendary Frank Wakefield and resophonic guitarist Rob Ickes.

Together, John Reischman & the Jaybirds’ seamless ensemble work makes for one of the freshest, most tasteful sounds on the folk and bluegrass circuit today. Their tunes range from upbeat and twangy, to bluesy, hard-edge and haunting. In concert, their heartfelt music and vocals are interspersed with a friendly blend of story-telling and humor that provides audiences with a fantastic, unforgettable live performance experience. Last seen at Horizon Stage in 2006, they are excited to be returning and the theatre is very happy to have them back.

Don’t miss John Reischman & the Jaybirds Up Close & Personal at Horizon Stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Tickets are just $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. Purchase your tickets by calling the Spruce Grove City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995, come in person to 315 Jespersen Avenue, or go online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Horizon Stage is located at 1001 Calahoo Road, attached to Spruce Grove Composite High School.

“… Jaybirds’ musicianship is first-rate … best bluegrass and old-time music you’ll find anywhere"
Penguin Eggs

“Top notch musicians and singers deliver an unusual repertoire of originals, bluegrass classics and old-time music."
Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“(a) thoroughly professional ensemble with (the) rare ability to produce music that is simultaneously traditional and contemporary . . . the Jaybirds are a band that continues to hit on all cylinders.”
SingOut! Magazine