Previously published at the DailyCamera.com
Led by founding member and chief songwriter, Chris Thompson, Coral Creek seizes center stage with beautifully written compositions and storylines reminiscent of John Prine and Robert Hunter. Previously produced by Bill Nershi of the String Cheese Incident, Thompson’s playing is stylistically blazing new trails inspired by guitar heroes Jerry Garcia and Tony Rice.
A well rounded album from start to finish, Coral Creek features some of the most impressive performers in the bluegrass circuit, both in studio and out — including Executive Producer, Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth.
The album debuted at #3 on the Relix/Jambands.com Radio Chart in December 2015, along with the String Cheese Incident, Widespread Panic and Lettuce. The album is listed in the Top 20 on the Roots Music Report (RMR) Americana Country Chart and Top 100 on the Americana Music Association (AMA) Radio Chart.
Coral Creek Tour Dates
APR 14 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Other Side
APR 16 – Georgetown, CO – Loveland Ski Resort
APR 30 – Keystone, CO – Arapahoe Basin Ski Lodge
JUN 30 – Rochester, MN – Thursdays on First & Third
AUG 19 – Rancho Del Rio, CO – Yarmony Grass
SEP 02 – Pagosa Springs, CO – Four Corners Folk Festival
Prodigious Keyboard player, Bill McKay, contributes to the group’s extensive repertoire of original material by writing and singing lead vocals and playing piano and organ tracks.
McKay, known for his pivotal role in Leftover Salmon, led the group through their largest tours and greatest performances. A master of the instrument, his influence is heard throughout the album, a tasty reminder of the days when he toured with The Derek Trucks Band.
Coral Creek also features Nashville’s Grammy Award Winning fiddle player and National Fiddle Champion, Luke Bulla to sharpen the sound. Earning his Grammy Award with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, this dynamic player is also a distinguished vocalist and songwriter.
In addition to his work with Skaggs, Bulla has made a name for himself touring with Lyle Lovett as a singer and violinist. Bulla has also proven his worth by recording and performing live with American resonator guitar and lap steel player, Jerry Douglas. A well-known performer and record producer, Douglas has developed some of the largest names around.
Bulla’s live performances have solidified his bluegrass credentials including a stint as a member of the Telluride House Band, playing alongside ‘Newgrass’ pioneer, Sam Bush. Though his stage presence is a phenomenal sight to see, one cannot overlook the beauty in his studio recordings. Produced by flattop guitar superstar, Bryan Sutton, Bulla’s debut solo album is country-bluegrass at its finest. A man well-versed in collaboration, this violin virtuoso has also worked with the captivating vocalist John Cowan as well as country music star, Lee Ann Womack.
With a guest list that reads like a who’s who list of improvisational jam music, Coral Creek features a number of additional guest appearances including Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon), Anders Beck (Greensky Bluegrass), Tyler Grant (Grant Farm), Arthur Lee Land (Great American Taxi), Scott Messersmith (The Motet) and female vocalist Tayna Shylock (Mountain of Venus) just to name a few.
However, what is most remarkable about Coral Creek is the subtle use of top talent, without instrumental overindulgence or hype. Instead, the song-oriented album has a relaxed and steady feel, bringing the listener on a comfortable journey, while traversing many styles of music.
While the album sits squarely in the Americana category, Coral Creek live performances transport audiences from the beaches of the Caribbean, down to the bayou and back up high into the Colorado Rockies – with instrumentation ranging from mandolin and fiddle to congas and steel pan.
With a grassroots buzz that is undeniable, the band had a successful soft release of the album in the fall of 2015. This prompted a large Colorado mountain tour and a number of festival dates including the prestigious Four Corners Folk Festival, Yarmonygrass Music Festival, and a number of gigs yet to be announced.
For more information about Coral Creek or their self-titled national release, check out their official website at www.coralcreek.net .