We got a note from Mark Schatz about his soon-to-be new gig playing bass with Claire Lynch.

Mark had been unable to get back with us when we posted recently about him coming aboard, and wanted to share a few thoughts about the move with everyone here.

“After four exciting and formative years with Nickel Creek I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be joining up with the Claire Lynch Band as of February 1st. As most of you know, Missy Raines has decided to step down after a long, musically and personally fulfilling association with Claire in order to devote her full time and attention to her own solo project. I’m a big fan of Missy’s - she toured with Mark Schatz and Friends and played on my Steppin’ in the Boiler House CD. I think she always sounded great with the CLB and I’m going to do my best to fill those talented, groovin’ shoes.

I had my first rehearsal with the band just this past week and was well pleased and encouraged by the wonderful range of material and the versatility of fellow band members Jim Hurst and Jason Thomas. Of course I’ve always been a huge fan of Claire’s singing since my earliest days on the bluegrass trail - I think she’s a world class talent to whom I’m proud to bring the skills that I have honed in my own acoustic/bluegrass experience. Count on seeing some of my flatfooting and clawhammer banjo playing as well as we embark on this new and exciting phase of our musical journey.”

Claire Lynch has announced that Mark Schatz will come aboard as her new bass player in The Claire Lynch Band.

Mark has been part of some of the most important ensembles in recent bluegrass/acoustic music history, and is also a recognized solo recording artist, instructor, producer and traditional clog dancer. Until they disbanded (for now) in November ‘07, he had been performing with Nickel Creek, and had done time with Tim O’Brien, Béla Fleck, Emmy Lou Harris, Tony Rice and Jerry Douglas, among others.

Claire’s band now includes Schatz on bass, Jim Hurst on guitar and Jason Thomas on mandolin and fiddle, with Lynch on guitar and vocals. You can find their tour schedule online.