Thanks to Gerald Harbour of The Churchmen, who wrote in to tell us about the newest member of the band. Charlie Oakley will be joining the band on guitar as well as singing lead and harmony vocals. Here’s the official statement from the band.

The Churchmen are pleased to announce that Charlie Oakley has joined the band and will begin touring with them. Charlie will be recognized by most bluegrass fans in the North Carolina area as he has been no stranger to the stage. [Editor's Note: Charlie has played with Roxboro NC bands The Burress Family and the New Classic Grass, and also with Jay Kaczor & the Bluegrass Connection.] Charlie will be playing guitar along with Ricky Keen on Dobro, Freddy Rakes on banjo, Keith Clark on bass and Gerald Harbour on mandolin.

In addition to the new band member, The Churchmen are also releasing a new CD on Pinecastle Records this March. The CD contains 12 songs, 10 of which are originals composed by Paul Williams, Jay Adams, Danny Bowers and Steven Martin, a former member of the band.

Says Gerald,

We think this will become a favorite among Churchmen fans. It is the best material and arrangements that we’ve ever had. We are anxious to get the project in hand and start performing the new material.

You can catch The Churchmen with their new songs, and new line up, by checking their website for tour info.