It might be skirting the brazen to use "legends" in the name of a band. The word, after all, brings to mind clashing titans, oil tycoons and movie stars. Legends are memorable, the stuff of whispers and mystical powers. They pulse with inventiveness and invincibility, easily stepping out of the norm into new territories because they simply can and do and do it better than most.

When it's put that way,the name Legends of the Potomac, comprised of former members of some of the most illustrious bands in newgrass, bluegrass, country and acoustic music, seems downright appropriate. The quintet is brimming with confidence, ability and years of experience, but capitalizes more on intrepidly romping into non-traditional, experimental fusions of style and acoustic flash. Don't misunderstand. The white hot intensity of fundamental bluegrass lies at the core of this project. But the band has the ability to stretch its legs and find new territory as only legendary players can do.

Darren Beachley, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist formerly with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, bridges celebrated seasoned musicians with new tunes and a fresh vibe,creating a cool hybrid of acoustic grass. Joined by Mike Auldridge on resonator guitar (one of the founders of The Seldom Scene), bassist Tom Gray (Seldom Scene, Country Gentlemen), mandolin player Norman Wright (Country Gentlemen and The Bluegrass Cardinals) and Mark Delaney (Patuxent Partners, Country Gentlemen) on banjo, Legends of the Potomac tip their hat to tradition but stay firmly entrenched in exploring new musical landscapes.




Header photo Michael G Stewart