by Kip Martin

Darren Beachley announced today that he has accepted a position as singer and bassist with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, filling the opening in Doyle’s lineup resulting from Barry Scott’s decision to leave the band.

Darren, a native of Jefferson Co., MD had been working in his own band, Darren Beachley and Maryland Line as band leader, guitarist, and on lead/tenor vocals when the announcement was made. The band will finish out its 2005 schedule, and Darren will assume his new role in Quicksilver on January 1st, 2006. A new CD, ‘To the Moon and Back’, had just been released on Blue Circle Records and is available at Darren’s website.

Possessing a rich, clear, sonorous tenor voice, Darren specializes in Southern Gospel and Bluegrass and counts Bobby Osborne as his mentor, and the ‘0044 Band’, the Seldom Scene, and Charlie Waller as strong influences. Darren began playing bluegrass as a pre-teen with his father and has played resophonic guitar with Bill Harrell and the Virginians, Paul Adkins and Borderline, and has performed and recorded with the Seldom Scene, Bill Yates, various US Navy Band side projects, Norman Wright, and recently filled in with Doyle Lawson’s band for a 3 week substitution stint last summer while Jamie Daily was on vacation. No stranger to Doyle’s music, Darren has been meticulously studying and practicing Doyle’s repertoire for almost 2 decades. He comes to the band prepared and eager to work. This is an example of a career dream being fulfilled.

“I, in no way, plan on replacing Barry, he is a great singer–I will just fill the slot and look forward to the challenge.” Darren remarked in his announcement, which first appeared on the DC Area Bluegrass List (DCAB-L).

[Editor’s note: Kip Martin is a member of Maryland Line, and a close friend with Darren, having played in several bands with him over the years.]

[Brance adds: I attempted to contact Doyle for comment, but have not yet received a response.]

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