Artist description Grass Combustion. The band that's credited with bringing blue grass back to West Virginia. The band burst on to the Mountainstate music scene in 1996 and has been exciting audiences ever since with their high strung versions of traditional and newgrass music. The band's mass appeal stems from the variety of musical backgrounds of each member. The band's leader and mandolin player, Jay Mullenax, from Franklin, West Virginia is a living encyclopedia of traditional, modern, old time, Irish, new grass and original music. Jason Teel, rhythm guitarist from Charleston, West Virginia cites musical influences as diverse as Jerry Garcia and the Dead to Ralph Stanley and John Hartford. Paul Heironomous, from Charlottesville, Virginia and rhythm guitarist extraordinare, is the embodiment of the new south and brings his musical roots and culture to the forefront of the Appalachian music scene. Douglas Rabel, from Sterling, Virginia learned banjo off Joe "Coal Tattoo" Wheelers' son Billy in the early 80's and has been blazing inventive licks ever since. Probably the hottest bass player in all blue grass music is Paul Leach, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Paul was weaned in the jazz tradition and graduated to playing "slap style" melody leads, a featured part of Grass Combustion shows. Rounding out the band is April Moncrief, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who comes from a musical family and showcases her soulful vocal harmonies each time she performs. The band is the hottest musical property in the West Virginia blue grass music scene and is the featured group at festivals all over the state. They frequently appear live on West Virginia University's campus radio station and have been the subject of many regional publications that critique up and coming acts. The band's Bootleg/Cheat River Festival gives the listener the opportunity to attend a Grass Combustion show, live. It is a slice of Appalachian culture brought home to your living room. That's the story so far. Hope you like it.

Music Style bluegrass, newgrass, traditional, old time, country, irish

Musical Influences Ralph Stanley, Norman Blake, Bill Monroe, The Seldom Scene, The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia, Bryan Bowers, Johny Cash, Dolly Parton, The Newgrass Revival, John Hartford, Peter Rowan, Del McCourey, Ricky Scaggs, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, The Dillards, Steven Earle, Joe Wheeler, Billy Wheeler,

Similar Artists The New Grass Revival, Ralph Stanley, Jerry Garcia from Old and in the Way, Bill Monroe, The Seldom Scene, The Grateful Dead, Norman Blake, Johny Cash, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Ricky Scaggs

Artist History to be filled later

Group Members Jay Mullenax, lead and backing vocals, mandolin, rhythm guitar, 4-string banjo, claw hammer banjo, tin whistleJason Teel, lead and backing vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, mandolin, percussionPaul Heironomous, lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, mandolinDouglas rabel, backing vocals, 5-string banjoPaul Leach, stand-up bass, electric bassApril Moncrief, backing vocals

Instruments see members for complete description

Albums Bootleg/ Cheat Festival '99

Press Reviews to be filled later

Location Morgantown, West Virginia - USA

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