Crib Notes

In June at Telluride’s 35th Annual Bluegrass Festival, the DejaBlue Grass Band picked, plucked and harmonized their way to second place in the nationally-recognized contest that has launched acts such as the Dixie Chicks and Nickel Creek.

One month earlier, theses Atlanta originals lit up Red Light Cafe to release their debut CD, Bucket Full of Rain.

One year earlier, they were playing street corners at the same festival.

“I’ve seen DejaBlue perform in the vestibules of Telluride and literally felt their energy as it rocked late night crowds. But what is so amazing is how that energy translates to a much larger venue,” says Atlanta resident and Telluride festivarian Bo Simmons.

Out of twelve talented bluegrass acts, DejaBlue Grass Band took one of only four spots to play the main stage.

“We are truly a band of husbands and fathers,” said lead vocalist Joey Bowers. “We have day jobs, families and everyday lives. Our goal was simply to make it to the main stage – and we did. We never dreamed we would take second place in such a tight competition.”

Want more? The DejaBlue Grass Band has gone digital with its first music video for the title track, “Bucket Full of Rain,” and the music is now available for download through iTunes.

But for the full effect, check them out live at Red Top Mountain State Park on July 12.

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They come from Utah, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama and Decatur, but The DejaBlue Grass Band has blended the roots from their regions to bring something new to the Atlanta bluegrass scene.

Friends, family, former band members and even in-laws crowded into Red Light Café Thursday night for the band’s CD release party for their first album, Bucket Full of Rain.
The burgundy, cinderblock walls of Red Light Café aren’t ideal for acoustics, but this 5-piece lit up the dingy room with sharp vocals, crisp chords and one hell-of-a fiddler.

The night was filled with The DejaBlue Grass Band’s unique sound — bluegrass twang meets country lyrics sauced with a whole ‘lotta soul. It was spun into mostly covers, but they did toss in a few originals: the title track “Bucket Full of Rain” by lead vocals and guitarist Joey Bowers and about three new songs from mandolin player and harmonies Rutland “Rut” Walker.

“It’s nerve-wracking as hell playing a song you wrote in front of people,” Walker confessed to the crowd

Obviously, this band is in unfamiliar territory.
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