Spring Creek

In Colorado’s Wild West, Spring Creek has found its niche in the nexus between the strict traditionalist pickers and the free-wheeling jam bands, setting a high standard for dynamic live performances. Spring Creek still adheres to the old-school bluegrass standard for tasteful picking and vocal harmonies, while stretching out to showcase intricate arrangements and unique songwriting.

Spring Creek is firmly ensconced in the lively musical community of Lyons, Colorado, a mini vortex of activity and creativity. Founding members Taylor Sims (guitar), Alex Johnstone (mandolin, fiddle) and Chris Elliott (banjo) have recently been joined by Danny Booth on upright bass, also a young veteran of the bluegrass stage. They have just released their fourth album, Hold On Me, with GRAMMY-winning Dobro player Sally Van Meter producing.

Avoiding many of the clichés that befall young bands, Spring Creek jumped headfirst into success by winning awards and prestigious band competitions early on. They have shared the stage with legendary traditional greats like Del McCoury, as well as innovators such as Peter Rowan and younger heroes like Drew Emmitt. Spring Creek has performed at the biggest roots music celebrations across the country including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, MerleFest and Strawberry Music Festival.

Citing early influences such as Hot Rize and Country Gazette, band members cut their teeth on traditional bluegrass at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas, before moving as a band to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Spring Creek’s complex geography of sound is as much shaped by the flatlands of Texas, the wilderness of Alaska, and the high mountain backcountry of Colorado as it is by the songs and musicians who inspired them.

Audio

Hold on Me (2011)

Buy at CDBaby

Way Up on a Mountain (2009)

Buy at iTunes

Videos

“See Me On” at Taproot, Anchorage, AK (7/22/2011)

“Clara Belle” at Broomfield Audi (1/8/2011)

The Scuttlebutt

“Fine original material, heartfelt vocals and a sense of adventure that falls over easily into their live performances, make them a band worth watching.” – Tim Stafford, Blue Highway Grammy Award Winner

“Spring Creek seems to be part of a neotraditional movement in bluegrass, drawing inspiration from the old masters and staying close to the elements that bring drive and earnestness to the music. This young Colorado quartet deftly blends original songs and tunes with a tasty selection of underplayed covers drawn from Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, and Country Gazette. The result is an album that may make some hardcore traditionalists sit up and take notice.” – Bluegrass Unlimited

“Whether it was original songs or others’ material, I was totally mesmerized while listening to this dynamic project. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the band’s superb vocal and instrumental ability. Their original songs were top notch. This project is like a fine wine. The more you play it, the more you will enjoy it.” – Al Shusterman, KCBL Backroads Bluegrass