Well… it’s that time again. Doyle Lawson has a new band to introduce to the bluegrass world.

In more than 30 years as a band leader, Lawson has seen more than a few musicians learn the ropes in his organization, and then move on to launch their own careers in bluegrass.

A look at the top drawing acts headlining the 2009 festivals bears this out. Singers Russell Moore, Steve Gulley and Jamie Dailey all came to prominence singing for Doyle. Jim Mills and Scott Vestal’s banjo picking likewise were first featured nationally touring with Lawson.

In fact, two existing bands, IIIrd Tyme Out and Mountain Heart, got their start when the founding members decamped en masse from Quicksilver.

But each time the band gets a new look, Doyle wishes them well, and finds strong new players and singers to keep moving forward.

“I learned a long time ago that changes would be a part of this business. When we first got together as Quicksilver, we knew that we wouldn’t always be together – somebody was always going to leave. And I don’t harbor any ill will. When they leave, I wish them the best.

Changes occur – nothing you can do about that, but with each change, I try to always have the best possible show I can for the people who follow my music.

It gives me a sense of pride when I see these guys go on to succeed on their own. I have freely shared my knowledge with the people who have worked for me. I know which ones really paid attention, and which ones didn’t. When I see somebody come through who did pay attention – like I did as a young man playing with Jimmy Martin, JD Crowe and The Country Gentlemen – I’m never surprised when they find success.”

Doyle says that rehearsals are going very well, and that he is very pleased with the sound of his latest group. Banjo player Joey Cox, resonator guitarist Josh Swift and bass man Carl White are still on board, with fiddler Jason Barie and guitarist Darren McGuire hopping on the bus for the first time this weekend for shows in Ashland and Prestonburg, KY. (more…)