Only a few weeks after receiving notification that Darren Beachley had left Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver to form his own band, Beachley has signed a recording contract with Patuxent Records.

Beachley joined forces with Mike Auldridge, Tom Gray, Norman Wright and Mark Delaney to form Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac not too long ago and has stated that the band has been working at rehearsals on establishing a varied repertoire. Now it is hardly a surprise that good things are happening, and quickly, for the band.

Beachley is understandably excited by the opportunity …

"You take all the experience that is in this band and really the possibilities are endless. We cannot wait to get in the studio and start recording.

As far as what will be on the recording, we have a few surprises up our sleeve that will reach across the aisle, as they like to say here in D.C."

For these Washington D.C area natives, working with Patuxent makes a lot of sense.

"We have all known Tom Mindte for years. He’s a great guy and he understands bluegrass music. And we really wanted to keep the whole thing here in D.C., with all of the rich bluegrass history that’s here."

Tracking is expected to begin in July.

Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac not only understand the rich bluegrass history of the area, they also helped to shape it. The band boasts highly influential former members of both the Country Gentlemen and the Seldom Scene.

In addition his upcoming project with the Legends, Darren will be re-releasing his first two solo projects, Remembrances and I Love You To The Moon and Back on MasterShield Records. The title track on the latter album will also be released as a single on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass.

"It’s a great song, written by some of my favorite people, Tom T. and Dixie Hall; and Larry McPeake."