"Rockin'" Reese Combs is the foundation for all of the Lonesome Road Band's music. Playing stand-up bass and keeping the other instruments tethered, Reese came from a musical family. Reese grew up playing piano and guitar and was inspired to play bass by his father's love of Bluegrass music. Reese and Larry love playing together at their church. The congregation is never sure what to expect from these two!

"Great acoustic music" is the statement that best describes the music of The Lonesome Road Band. Using the traditional tools of bluegrass in creating their music, to categorize them strictly as bluegrass would be a misrepresentation. Their repertoire consists of everything from Bill Monroe's "My Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin'" to the Moody Blues' "Nights In White Satin". The group's haunting, bluegrass inspired harmonies stir the souls of even the most mundane listeners. Their approach to the music they perform is undeniably top shelf. The vocals are up front with lead and supporting harmonies weaving effortlessly. Their vocals blend so well that it is difficult to tell who is singing each part.

 

J. Larry Keith is the only original member or the Lonesome Road Band. He has spent years as a sideman in several successful bands in western North Carolina. Larry spent four years working with Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Larry's biggest regret in his musical life was turning down a job offer from Bill Monroe in 1982- "What was I thinking???" He will tell you that the list of people he owes a debt of gratitude to is a long one, most especially his wife Denna. Those that are not family are dear friends and he loves 'em all!

Every band needs a "Paul Eaton". Paul can do whatever the band needs him to do. He plays guitar and is the banjo player in Charles Wood's absence. Paul's singing has a richness and smoothness that transcends the scale from low to high. In 2001 Paul toured with Roger McGuinn, a founding member of The Byrds. Paul's thanks go to his wife, Sherry and all of the family and friends who have inspired and motivated him to pursue his love of music.

Instrumentally The Lonesome Road Band is fueled in part by two time national banjo champion Charles Wood (2006 and 1999 Winfield National Banjo Champion). Charles plays all genres of music and brings variety to the band by the truckload. Charles has won such prestigious banjo contest as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Renofest, and the Winfield National Banjo Contest. Charles recently performed with banjo greats Earl Scruggs and the actor Steve Martin at the New Yorker Festival in NYC in 2005. With this group he made an appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman. Visit Charles Wood's web site at www.charleswoodbanjo.com