INTRODUCING PETER ROWAN’S NEW ACOUSTIC TRIO

-- Revered bluegrass and folk legend announces the lineup in his latest musical excursion—

NASHVILLE, TN, June, 2005 — Original songwriter Peter Rowan’s stellar and eclectic career has spanned four decades, with musical exploration continuing to infuse and ignite his very soul. Well known for his mix of musical styles, Rowan’s near constant touring (always accompanied by top-notch musicians) facilitates his penchant to explore music of all genres, from Tex-Mex to old-time country, Celtic, rock & roll, reggae, bluegrass, world, and acoustic folk music. 

Iconoclastic and innovative, Rowan has a long history of expanding the musical boundaries of his loyal fans. He is also a notable influence on the careers of other musicians via collaborations with new acts on the rise, as well as by presenting talented up-and-coming players in his road bands.

The bandleader’s latest musical venture, Peter Rowan’s New Acoustic Trio, is no exception. Including dynamic percussionist Jeff Hogan and multi-instrumentalist and harmony vocalist Sharon Gilchrist as band members, the trio is a return to Rowan’s singer/songwriter roots, featuring sparse arrangements similar to Rowan’s classic Dustbowl Children-era songs.

Sharon Gilchrist is the newest member of the Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Quartet. Her inspired mandolin playing and harmony vocals add a new dimension to the ensemble, enabling the band to perform three-part harmonies. An accomplished musician and vocalist, Gilchrist also plays bass in the all-girl old time string band, Uncle Earl.

Jeff Hogan is a veteran of Peter Rowan’s Crucial Reggae (the nine-piece authentic reggae band Rowan fronts which includes members of the Burning Spear horn section, as well as members of the Peter Tosh and the Wailers bands).  Hogan is an inventive percussionist and drum specialist who creates diverse and unique rhythms on all manner of exotic instruments, and his multi-talented  musical style is influenced by many different cultures.

Rowan says, “Playing music with Sharon Gilchrist and Jeff Hogan allows me a fresh approach and provides me with new songwriting opportunities. In the Trio we are working on a crystallization of music and space that I’ve been thinking of for a long time. Having trained in classical Italian music and jammin’ bluegrass, Sharon plays melodically in acoustic music and beyond; while Jeff’s rhythmic contributions from reggae and African music lights a spark that lets the Trio fly; and I’m able to sing both the old favorites I’ve written, as well as my new songs whose time has come. This is a very exciting time for me musically, and both Sharon and Jeff are ideal musicians to complement the journey.”

Grammy-award winner and five-time Grammy nominee, Peter Rowan was born in Massachusetts to a musical family. He began his professional career playing guitar, singing lead vocals and co-writing as a member of the Bluegrass Boys, led by founding father of bluegrass Bill Monroe.  In the early '70s, Rowan, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia, Vassar Clements and John Kahn formed a bluegrass supergroup christened Old & In the Way.  

Rowan subsequently embarked on a well-received solo career in the late ‘70s, releasing critically acclaimed records such as Dustbowl Children; Yonder (in collaboration with ace dobro player Jerry Douglas); and two extraordinarily fine bluegrass albums, The First Whippoorwill and Bluegrass Boy; as well as High Lonesome Cowboy (with Don Edwards and Norman Blake); and his recent Rounder Records release, You Were There For Me (with flat pick guitar virtuoso Tony Rice).

-For booking information, contact: Keith Case & Associates, 1025 17th Avenue South, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37212, Ph: 615-327-4646, Fax: 615-327-4949, Web: www.keithcase.com, email: keith@keithcase.com