Artist description I work primarily with two groups, my gig group Flat Earth, which is actually (at this point) a loose conflaguration of 8-9 talented musicians who perform under this name in Atlanta and the Southeastern US region. The band usually performs as 3-6 pieces(depending on circumstance) and the core lineup is Drums, Bass, Guitar, and Fiddle. The sound is best described as Roots music, a hybrid of rhythm & blues, country, early classic and southern rock, cajun, bluegrass, etc. This music is now often termed Americana.My other performing group is the Varmints, which is pretty much a straight up Bluegrass, New Acoustic combo of upright bass, fiddle, guitar, banjo, and harp/squeeze box. The Varmints are traditional in approach, nothing plugged in and usually only using one or two mics, if any.

Music Style Americana, Bluegrass

Musical Influences Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Elton John

Similar Artists Steve Earle, Guy Clark, or most any of the Americana artists, but with a slightly funky edge and an occasional (misguided?) foray into pop

Artist History Flat Earth began in 1987 and was originally a two-piece all-original duo of Jimmy T.Harris on guitar/vocals and Randy Waugh on electronic(octopad) drums. Soon bassist Karl Reising joined and the drums went acoustic.In 1989 singer Kee McKinney also joined and remained until 1992. Also in 1989 "The Family" was released on cassette only(now reissued on CD).A major turning point occured in 1990 when fiddler Keith Stewart joined and the Flat Earth sound crystallized, characterized predominately by the interplay of Acoustic/Electric Martin D-18 guitar and Stewart's flashy aggressive Fiddling. The subsequent 1992 cassette only release was "Piedmont Avenue". Flat Earth maintained a Friday Night house gig at Fitzgerald's in downtown Atlanta during this period, where they were exposed to many locals as well as business travelers from all over the world.After McKinney's and then founding member Waugh's departure (in 1993), drummer Gerry Hansen and Guitarist Kerry Elliot joined and the band entered what may best be descibed as it's "get together for gigs and whenever else we can" phase. No subsequent releases were issued, though all members were actively involved in various recording projects of all sorts.The Varmints were put together in 1999 from an assemblage of Bluegrass pickers who got together for fun and fellowship. They perform in the Atlanta, GA area at various parties, cookouts, churches, etc.

Group Members Flat Earth:Jimmy T.Harris - Guitar, VocalsKarl Reising - BassKeith Stewart - Fiddle, MandolinGerry Hansen - Drums, Percussion(there are many other Flat Earthians both past and present, too numerous too mention)The Varmints:Adam Gilleland - Harp, Squeeze Box, Guitar, VocalsJimmy T.Harris - Guitar, VocalsTim Pendleton - Banjo, VocalsStu Stuckman - Bass, VocalsKeith Stewart - Fiddle, Mandolin

Instruments Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo, Slide, Blues Harp, Melodian, etc....

Albums "The Family"(1989), "Piedmont Avenue"(1991), "Demos 95"(1995), "Jimmy T at Billy and Patsy's"(1998), "Road to Zoar"(1999), "The Varmints live at Norcross"(1999), "Early Work"(2000), "Seven Shades of Blue" (upcoming 2001)

Location Snellville, GA - USA

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