Terry McGill has played the banjo since age 13. Within two years of starting to play, Terry was playing locally with several bands.  From 1988-1992, Terry hosted The Country and Bluegrass Round-Up on WFDU fm in Teaneck, NJ. In demand in the studio, Terry has recorded with several artists / groups including The David Hampton Band, The Old Time Bluegrass Singers, The Dixie Bee Liners, jazz singer Alan Harris and others. In 2001 Terry released his first solo recording entitled "Straight Drive." His debut recording has received airplay nationwide and was even featured on Hairl Hensley's "The Early Bird Gets the Bluegrass Show" on WSM in Nashville, TN. Terry has also been highlighted in the Banjo Newsletter and has just completed work on a banjo instruction manual for Mel Bay Publications. In addition to banjo picking chores, Terry sings and serves as Master of Ceremonies

 

Whether singing lead or tenor parts, Jen Larson's voice is a major part of the Straight Drive sound. Jen is at home singing everything from traditional Bluegrass and Country pieces to the Old-Time modal ballads of the southern Appalachians. Once described as having "a voice that could cut metal," Jen delivers each song she sings with a raw intensity and emotion not often heard from contemporary female bluegrass singers. In addition to Straight Drive, Jen has recorded as a harmony vocalist with banjoist Tom Hanway and Miller's Crossing. Since 2004, Jen has also made four appearances on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" over National Public Radio, appeared at Ralph Stanley's Hills of Home Festival, and many other events around the country.

 

Mandolinist Ben Fraker, who hails from the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, is the son of two bluegrass musicians, Robert and Lillian Fraker, founders of the popular traditional bluegrass group, Bear Bridge. This laid a strong foundation for his Monroe-flavored mandolin style. Among Ben's many credits, he's had the honor of performing with Grand Ole Opry legend, Charlie Louvin, in addition to appearing with Big Appalachia and John Herald.

 

Fiddler Ron Feinberg has been involved in bluegrass music for many years. Ron has been a member of The Fox Family and a group he helped form, Miller's Crossing. He has appeared with such legendary artists as Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman, Patsy Montana, Rose Maddox, The Lewis Family, Mitch Harrell and many other talented bluegrass musicians over the years. In 1995, as a member of the Fox Family, Ron was nominated for IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year. Ron has also written many bluegrass songs that have been recorded by several Long Island based musicians as well as a few nationally recognized groups. In addition to contributing his talents to Straight Drive, Ron has also recorded three projects with the Fox Family, two with Back Roads and has done lots of session work in the New York area.

 

David Hampton has been steeped in bluegrass music his entire life. This Danville, Pennsylvania native started playing guitar at age fourteen and quickly grew into one of the most notable players in the "Keystone State." In addition to his driving rhythm and skillful lead playing, Dave is also known for his outstanding vocal skills. His souful style is original, instantly identifiable and always tasteful. Dave is a talent not easily forgotten.

 

Keith Edwards has been playing his unique brand of “slap-bass style” on the upright bass since he was twelve years old.  Raised in the company of Bluegrass musicians on a dairy farm in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, it was only natural for Keith to spend countless childhood hours “parkin’ lot picking” at Bluegrass festivals where he honed his style of playing.  Keith has had the opportunity to play with several groups including South Wind, Chestnut Creek, Steve Toth and Rippling River, Horse Country and the Dick Smith-Mike O’Reilly Band.  He has been featured on several recording projects alongside such musicians as David Grisman, Jon Sholle, Tony Trischka, Andy Statman and Kenny Kosek. Keith proudly endorses the Applied Microphone Technology AMT S25B microphone. Please visit their website by clicking on the logo.