I had a chance to talk this afternoon with Audie Blaylock, who has reformed his band, Redline, and is accepting dates for 2008 and beyond. His split with Michael Cleveland came too late in the year for Audie to make arrangements to perform during IBMA week, but he is excited about the reaction he is getting to his newly renewed band leader status.

Audie says that he has put together a strong new group, and feels like he has the best vocal trio now he has ever had. I was especially taken by his passion for maintaining a distinctive personal style, while preserving the core of the traditional bluegrass sound that has formed his musical identity.

They plan to get something down in the studio soon, as soon as the full complement of the reformed Redline is in place. Count me among those who are eager to hear what’s next for Audie Blaylock.