Ron Spears has gone to work with James King, taking the spot recently vacated by Kevin Prater. Ron will be playing mandolin (and some guitar), and singing tenor with the band.

According to James’ wife, Julie, he an Kevin jointly decided it was time for them to move in different directions. James and Julie – and the whole band – wish Kevin the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

The current band includes Chris Hill on banjo, Greg Moore on fiddle, Glen Inman on bass with Spears on mandolin and King on guitar and lead vocals.

Check the James King Band tour schedule online for a chance to see them in your neck of the woods.

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.

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.