Music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
CUMBERLAND RIVER's roots have run deep in Harlan County Kentucky hills for generations, so it is no surprise fans can hear the heritage of traditional bluegrass in their music. The band includes the talents of: JAMES DEANS (Banjo, Lead & Harmony Vocals); DUSTIN MIDDLETON (Mandolin, Lead & Harmony Vocals); JOEY JONES (Bass); JAMIE STEWART (Dobro); BRAD GULLEY (Guitar, Lead & Harmony Vocals), and GARY ROBINSON, JR. (Guitar). Their current album, THE LIVE WE LIVE was released in July 2011 on Rural Rhythm Records and certainly showcases the incredible songwriting talents of this hot young group with all members contributing to this impressive first national release.
The band actually began in 2009 and early on, they decided they would have to write their own material to ensure their music would appeal to both the younger generation as well as the fans of more traditional, bluegrass music. As evidenced by reviews from media and radio, plus their growing number of loyal fans and at recent SOLD OUT SHOWS, they have certainly accomplished that goal.
In July 29, 2010, CUMBERLAND RIVER was invited to perform for the writers and producers of the FX Networks TV show, JUSTIFIED while they were in Harlan gathering information for their upcoming season. With only 24 hours notice, the band got together and wrote a song, Justified as a gift to the show. They received a standing ovation from the writers and producers, including Graham Yost, the multi-award winning writer and producer. Cumberland River added the song to their debut album, ROCK ISLAND EXPRESS released September 3, 2010 and a newly cut version appears as a bonus track on their new album.
TV viewers got a taste of CUMBERLAND RIVER's music in the opening scene of the March 2, 2011 JUSTIFIED episode, For Blood or Money, when they heard the band performing an instrumental version of their original song Justified during the opening scene. On the April 6, 2011 episode, viewers got a full dose when fans could hear the band performing five more of their songs during the first 30 minutes. During that time frame, the show was averaging 3.9 million total viewers on the first run of Season Two with a multi-run weekly average of 7.2 million total viewers and gaining fans every week. Bluegrass music is alive and well on national TV!
THE LIFE WE LIVE was produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter, STEVE GULLEY. The album includes members, Dustin Middleton, James, Dean, Joey Joes, Jamie Stewart, with special guests, Dale Ann Bradley, Justin Moses and Andy Buckner. This impressive project is a fine collection of original music of heart felt songs and haunting ballads written by Cumberland River and taken from their life experiences and campfire stories from Harlan County, Kentucky. Dustin Middleton provides lead vocals on his original song Harlan Man that debuted on the October 2011 Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 30 Hot Singles Chart. JAMES DEAN provides lead on his original song and the bands first single, Cold & Withered Heart along with the music video of the song that hit #1 on Yallwire.com numerous weeks.
CUMBERLAND RIVER made quite an impression during the International Bluegrass Music Associations World of Bluegrass held in Nashville, TN October 2011. The band was chosen as an Official Showcase performer, and also performed numerous other times during the weeklong event including: Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway, Rural Rhythm After Hours Showcase, the South Florida Bluegrass Associations After Hours Showcase and more. The band also held meet n greets at their booth in the Exhibit Hall of the Nashville Convention Center where they met with radio djs, talent buyers and fans.
2012 got off to a raring start for CUMBERLAND RIVER when they launched the VIDEO RELEASE of their original song "Justified" and also had their original song "Antietam's Hill" featured on the SEASON 3 premiere the hit TV show JUSTIFIED originally aired on the FX Network on January 17, 2012.
Also in 2012, CUMBERLAND RIVER announced their third lead vocalist, BRAD GULLEY on guitar and more recently their sixth member with the addition of Brad's brother-in-law, GARY ROBERTSON, JR. on lead guitar
Links
