In the world of independent music, bands come and go as quickly as the seasons change, with members leaving to work on solo projects, join other similarly fated ensembles or start "normal" lives. Too many promising and talented groups have drifted into that musical limbo, especially those that play roots music, never to be heard from again, except when an old demo tape or CD is found at the bottom of a box of keepsakes.
But for Vancouver's Little Mountain Band, a 15-year "hiatus" has done nothing to diminish the talent of the players or the promise of a great evening's music when this foursome hits the stage with their special blend of "bluegrass and beyond" on Saturday night (Oct. 7) at the Brackendale Art Gallery.
"We may not be as fast as we used to be," joked David Lidstone, guitarist for the Little Mountain Band. "But it is with vocals and harmonies that our band is strongest."
The band consists of Don Dirkson on banjo, Kitty King on bass, Lidstone on guitar and Rob McGregor on mandolin. But there is no lead singer - all four sing lead as well as harmony.
All four were also founding members of Vancouver's Pacific Bluegrass and Heritage Society.
"The band was active between 1983 and 1989," said Lidstone. "We actually played at the Brackendale Art Gallery three years running."The band was also voted the Bluegrass Band of the Year for four years in a row by the BC Country Music Association.
"But we had other things, like families and higher educations, to occupy our time and the band drifted apart in 1989," Lidstone said. "Until last year when we reconvened the band for a 25 anniversary of the Bluegrass and Heritage Society."
Lidstone said the quartet had so much fun playing together again, they decided to reform and get back on tour.
They still play a healthy mix of traditional bluegrass - Bill Monroe standards included, but Lidstone admitted the group also tends to play a little "on the outside" of tradition, as well.
Lidstone said he is just happy to be playing great music with his bandmates again.
For more information call the BAG at 604-898-3333.
