After 'Thirty Years,' Sheldon Mountain Boys to celebrate
<p>The Sheldon Mountain Boys, from left, Mark Kroll, Dave Blackburn, Bill Cuskelly and Rod Snyder, have released a new album, “Thirty Years on The Mountain” as a celebration of decades of bluegrass music.</p>
This may be the last ride for the Sheldon Mountain Boys, a local bluegrass group from the Yaak that has been playing off-and-on with one another for three decades.
The group, comprised of banjoist Dave Blackburn, mandolin player Bill Cuskelly, bassist Mark Kroll and guitarist Rod Snyder released a studio album this summer, entitled “Thirty Years on The Mountain.”
The album was recorded live at Sonic Distiller Studio in the Yaak, April 2011.
“We recorded it live and all at once. It took us about three hours,” Blackburn said. “That’s unheard of. It’s just an example of how tight we are together.”
Blackburn grew up in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains and went to school at West Virginia University, placing him right in the heart of traditional bluegrass music for his upbringing.
Snyder grew up locally and began guitar lessons when he was only 10 years old, but his fibromyalgia causes him pain while playing. All four members, older than they were 30 years ago, know they may be nearing the last time they play together.
“This is our one last chance,” Blackburn said of the band’s decision to record the album
The studio experience proved challenging for the group, which relies largely on harmony with one another to play effectively, but the end result was something the members were very proud of.
“It may be a little bit breathier than some studio albums, but it sounds like us,” Snyder said.
The band is celebrating the release of its album with a party at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the River Bend Restaurant, on highway 37. The Sheldon Mountain Boys will be playing as the sun sets on the 25’x40’ outdoor pavilion at the restaurant.
Everyone is invited and food will be available for purchase from the restaurant. Blackburn recommends bringing lawn chairs and blankets.
“It’s an end of summer celebration,” he said. “I think we have the best stage setting in Lincoln County.”
Whether this is the last outing for the Sheldon Mountain Boys or not, the band promises a good show and fun with this particular brand of American music.
“Bluegrass is common ground for a lot of people,” Blackburn said. “People can come from all walks of life and appreciate it.”