We just heard from Greg Cahill, founder and fearless leader of Special Consensus.

Greg tells us that Ashby Frank has been hired as mandolinist and vocalist with the band, taking the spot to be vacated when Ron Spears departs to join Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Ashby had been working with Alecia Nugent, and had previously spent time with Ronnie Bowman and Marty Rabon.

Says Greg of their most recent member:

“We are very excited about having such a superb musician and friend join our ranks!”

A specific date for the switch has not been announced, but Ashby is expected to begin touring with Special C sometime this summer.

Yesterday (5/15) was also the official release date of the newest Special Consensus CD, The Trail Of Aching Hearts on Pinecastle Records which Brance previewed in a brief interview with Cahill this March.

You can find audio samples from The Trail Of Aching Hearts on the Special C MySpace page, or on the Pinecastle site. The CD is also available (with samples) in the iTunes Music Store.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Ashby just emailed to tell us that his first gig with Special C will be June 13 at Bean Blossom.