We got a note from Ron Spears, mandolinist and tenor singer with David Parmley & Continental Divide.

He tells us that the band is still working on their next CD, to be released on Pinecastle Records, for whom Parmley had recorded several previous projects. Ron says there will be 12 tracks, and that a release in the near future is planned.

Spears also mentioned that the band has been bringing back material from David’s lengthy tenure with The Bluegrass Cardinals into the show.

Parmley acknowledges that he had been hesitant in the past about including these songs, some of which have been regular fan requests.

“I tried not to perform too many of the old Cardinal songs while my father, Don Parmley, and the band was still performing. Dad retired a few years ago. Now with the addition of Ron and Mike Parker, we now have four strong lead and harmony singers in Continental Divide. We’ve started to perform many of the old Cardinal quartet Gospel songs that have been untouched for decades.”

Here’s a recent YouTube clip of one of those songs, Sweet Hour Of Prayer, which features Ron on lead vocals.

David Parmley started playing bluegrass professionally when he was a 17 year old, when he joined his father, banjoist Don Parmley in the Bluegrass Cardinals. He has been leading Continental Divide since 1994 when his father retired. This new combination became an instant success claiming IBMA’s coveted Emerging Artist of the Year award in 1995 and through the years their albums have been constantly well received.

With Parmley on their latest release, Church House Hymns, playing mandolin and singing tenor, is Randy Graham, who has long experience with The Bluegrass Cardinals, being with them from the beginning in 1975 through to the end of 1978, so the duo are ideal together [and their harmony singing here proves it]. He resumed his association with Parmley in 2000 and has only recently left the band to pursue his own booking and management company.

The third prime participant on this CD is Dale Perry, another long-time member of the Bluegrass Cardinals, plays banjo and Scruggs-style finger picked lead guitar and adds vocals. He joined Continental Divide in 2003.

Rounding out proceedings vocally is Jimmy Cameron, while Kyle Perkins plays the bass and the irrepressible Ron Stewart guests on fiddle on several of the 12 tracks.

Most of the songs on this CD were chosen by their fans and they have given Parmley and company some excellent material to work with. Originally from the old hymnals, these songs have become standards in the bluegrass Gospel genre.

Starting off with In The Gloryland Way the mood is set for what follows; assured lead vocals, excellent harmonies and solid instrumental support.

There are three songs that feature excellent finger-picked guitar – Father Along, Won’t It Be Wonderful There and You Can Feel It In Your Soul, a good, strong vocal quartet. The first has some fine understated backing.

In contrast there is the mid-tempo I’ve Got A Home In That Rock, and the up-tempo songs Are You Washed In The Blood, with its banjo kick-off, and the great quartet singing on A Soul Winner For Jesus, also praiseworthy for the fiddle kick-off. (more…)

We just got a note from Ron Spears with news for fans of David Parmley and Continental Divide.

Mike Parker of Burea, KY has joined the band playing upright bass and singing lead and harmony vocals. He spent many years playing local festivals and venues in and around Kentucky, and performed regularly in Renfro Valley with family and friends. Mike is the brother of Vincent and Dailey’s mandolin player, Jeff Parker.

David is happy to have Mike on board…

“Having Mike in the band has been a real good step forward for us. Not only does Mike play the bass with great tone and timing but he can also handle singing several different harmony parts. The band will be concentrating on working up a good handful of Gospel Quartets to be featured in our future shows. We are all looking forward to that.”

Mike played his first shows on March 1 and also played the Argyle, TX and Mountain View, AK festivals with the band last weekend. He joins Ron Spears on mandolin/vocals, Billy Hurt on fiddle, Dale Perry on banjo and Parmley on guitar and vocals.

The guys will be in OH and WV this weekend and you can check their tour schedule online.

Recently departed from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Ron Spears has become the newest member of David Parmley and Continental Divide.

Ron replaces the outgoing Randy Graham on mandolin and tenor vocals. Ron is also a very fine song writer, and I’m sure a tune or two of his will find its way into the band’s repertoire as well.

David Parmley shared his excitement at having Ron join the band.

We are looking forward to playing with Ron and are certain he will be an exciting new addition to our performance.

From what I understand, Spears has already started with Continental Divide. Check out their tour schedule to see them near you.