Chelsea McBee and The Random Assortment

"Chelsea McBee's style of voice plays wonderfully into her roots-sounding mantra, all while maintaining her loyalty to a clear country music-bred background. Or, in other words, think about what it would be like if Norah Jones and Dolly Parton could have a daughter and that daughter just happened to grow up in West Virginia." - Colin McGuire, Frederick News Post

Chelsea McBee has been filling the valleys and mountains of West Virginia with her pure vocals and down home, soul stirring tunes for years.

Along with the Random Assortment, the group has gained noticeable popularity with their creative interpretation of traditional music paired with the unique sounds of the clawhammer style banjo. Their music has been described anywhere from Bluesy Folk to Americans and Newgrass.
Born and raised in Shepherdstown, WV, McBee quotes the old-time WV banjo tunes that she learned as major influences in her style of playing and her songwriting. She began playing claw-hammer banjo in the summer of 2005 and has been working on traditional tunes as well as writing original songs since then. Her unique, inviting voice pairs well with the distinctive sound of her 5-string. Artists such as Gillian Welch, Anais Mitchell, Feist, Bonnie Rait, Steve Earl, Tom Waits and John Prine have all inspired this young songstress. "I love good songwriting and I love interesting vocalists. I strive to achieve both".
Chelsea McBee and The Random Assortment consists of McBee on banjo, Ben Witman on mandolin, Jeremy Rodgers on upright bass and they are occasionally joined by Teresa McBee and Melody Massimino singing those down-home mountain harmonies. The group has been playing and performing together for the better part of a year and continues to grow as a group. Their creative interpretation of the traditional tunes along with instrument swapping and medleys make for an entertaining show!

Full calendar of shows available here: http://chelseamcbee.com/calendar/