COUNTRY, BLUEGRASS, AMERICANA AND ROOTS MUSIC
Established in 1997 in Historic Bell Buckle, TN
In Honor of "Black History Month"
Isaac Woodard
Written by Daniel Crabtree
Publisher: Three Girls I Work For, ASCAP
Producer: Donna Ulisse
Executive Producer: Daniel Crabtree
Recorded at Digital Underground Recording Studio Recording
Engineer: Scott Vestal
Lead Vocals: Daniel Crabtree
Harmony Vocals: Donna Ulisse, Rick Stanley, Aaron McCune
Guitar: Cody Kilby
Banjo: Scott Vestal
Dobro: Gaven Largent
Fiddle: Patrick McAvinue
Mandolin: Harry Clark
Bass: Evan Winsor
Photography by Nancy McAllister
In honor of February being "Black History Month," Daniel Crabtree has written and recorded a song about "Isaac Woodard." Honorably discharged Army Sergeant Isaac Woodard returned to the United States after fighting abroad in World War II, traveling via bus on February 12, 1946, to his home in Winnsboro, South Carolina. The 26-year-old Black man asked the bus driver if he could pull over at a rest stop to use the bathroom. The driver refused and subsequently ordered Woodard to disembark at the next stop in Batesburg, South Carolina, where police arrested Woodard. Woodard was blinded by police chief Lynwood Shull, who beat him in the eyes with a billy club. Shull was acquitted in November 1946 by an all-white jury tasked with determining whether he used excessive force. The incident of police brutality became a tipping point in the civil rights movement. As Woodard told supporters at an August 1946 benefit concert, "If the loss of my sight made people in America get together to prevent what happened to me from ever happening again to any other person, I would be glad. People should learn how to live with one another and how to treat one another. Because after all, we all are human beings, regardless of color." - Isaac Woodard
Exclusively available in Daniel Crabtree's Online Store at http://www.danielcrabtreemusic.com/merch/
Valerie Smith/Bel Buckle Records & Midnite Mountain Records
Renaissance
“Renaissance”
Americana / Folk/ Bluegrass
Album: Renaissance
Produced: Valerie Smith, Tim Carter
Label: Bell Buckle Records
Engineering: Tim Carter
Photography, Art and Design: Gabrielle Minikiewicz
Chart-topping on Folk, Roots, Country Contemporary Bluegrass and Grassicana
Dunlap & Mabe
Additional Information
Both masters of their instruments, Jack Dunlap and Robert Mabe play a mix of original tunes, classic bluegrass numbers, jazz favorites, and covers anyone would recognize. With roots planted firmly in bluegrass, they stretch their sound in ways that all audiences will enjoy and leave the performance wanting more.
Jack Dunlap & Robert Mabe have been touring the country together since 2019; though collectively have performed and recorded with the likes of Larry Keel, Gina Furtado, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Scythian, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Bud’s Collective, The Fly Birds, Dry Mill Road, Old Town Flood, Shannon Bielski & Moonlight Drive, Tim, and Savannah Finch and The Eastman Stringband, Lonesome Highway, Circa Blue, and Jakobs Ferry Stragglers, to name a few.
They have also graced prestigious stages such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Hamilton in Washington, DC, and Forbes Center for the Performing Arts in Harrisonburg, VA.
Their first album release, "Stumblin' Out of the Gate" will be can be expected to be available in the late summer of 2022! They have already offere up a taste of their sound by releasing two featured singles and videos (Sit and Watch it Rain and Can't Hold Me Down).
Learn More
NEw Singles from Dunlap and Mabe
Pam Setser
Bell buckle records welcomes echo valley!
Echo Valley "Wildest Dreams"
"Wildest Dreams" is the dynamic bluegrass group Echo Valley's sophomore album. They have released 2 featured singles, "Singin' the Blues" and "My Prayer," a gospel charting song. "The new album is finally here! We've grown a lot in the past few years and are so excited for everyone to hear what we've worked so long on. We were so excited to work with Donna Ulisse on this project. Her producing and songwriting style really worked for us. Every time we stepped into the booth, it felt like the magic was happening! Everyone will enjoy this album which has everything from bluegrass tunes, old country covers, and a retro 1940's song." - Olivia Anderson
Echo Valley's show is one you don't want to miss! Their lively, animated performance will leave you tapping your feet and smiling for a week. With their bright retro apparel and energetic stage presence, these five sisters and one brother impress with tight sibling harmonies and multi-instrument talents. They have been entertaining people of all ages since 2009 with their variety of Bluegrass, Gospel, Retro, and Grassicana styles. Echo Valley plays 60+ dates a year.
A few of their notable appearances have been: Dollywood Theme Park's Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival, Canfield Fair, Remmington Ryde, Mickey's Mountain, and Mansfield Jamfest. This farm-raised, western Pennsylvania band has released 3 albums – Echo Valley (2016), Rise and Shine( 2018), Christmas With Echo Valley (2018) and is currently releasing their new album, "Wildest Dreams." "Echo Valley warms the heart with songs of hearth and home, faith and family!
A family band from Pennsylvania in the best bluegrass tradition! Thy are not to be missed!" -Bruce Mountjoy, WYEP Radio Station 91.3 Pittsburgh - Bluegrass Jam Session.
"Echo Valley is an energetic and refreshing band woven with sibling talent and harmonies. Their musical connection allows for an original sound and charming performances. A must for your ears and eyes!" -Amy George, Bluegrass Relief Fund
"Not only is Echo Valley the most talented, creative, and disciplined young group I've had the privilege to record, but their integrity and devout faith give them that extra sparkle which shines through their music and touches one's heart and inspires the soul." -Wes Homer, Rosewood Studios.
"The Echo Valley band has provided numerous heart-warming and crowd-pleasing performances at Oil City's Oil Country Bluegrass Festival and at the community's National Transit Building.
"Their performances have often resulted in standing ovations as audience members are taken by their obvious affection for each other as a family band as well as by their outstanding musical talents. Echo Valley consistently incorporates into their inspiring performances stories of family fun and special memories, while honoring their commitment to glorifying the Lord as they play a wide variety of gospel, bluegrass, and other beautiful old-timey songs." - Ron Shoup, a founder, and organizer of Oil City's annual Oil Country Bluegrass Festival.
"This six-member family band from Pennsylvania is a very talented bunch of youngsters. As a group, they're a solid unit. As individuals, they play beyond their years. With their youthful vocals and excellent musicianship, this young band should
Partners with bell buckle records
Dewey and Leslie Brown "Jealousy"
Daniel Crabtree, "Closer Than I've Ever Been "/Codel Records
Daniel Crabtree, "Closer Than I've Ever Been "/Codel Records
Dewey and Leslie Brown releases "Jealousy" - Bluegrass Traditional and Grassicana
Daniel Crabtree, "Closer Than I've Ever Been "/Codel Records
Daniel Crabtree, "Closer Than I've Ever Been "/Codel Records
Daniel Crabtree, "Closer Than I've Ever Been "/Codel Records
Charting at #2 on the Bluegrass Today Gospel Charts!
GoodFellers
Chart-Topping
Bell Buckle Records welcomes contemporary bluegrass band, "The GoodFellers".Expect the unexpected when it comes to the GoodFellers! Their award-winning traditional bluegrass chops don't tell the whole story. With a sound shaped by various musical backgrounds and highlighted by rock flavored vocals, the band moves seamlessly through different styles making each GoodFellers song unique and entertaining. They have fun when they play and it's infectious.
Rooted in bluegrass, inspired by rock vocals and with an ever-expanding set list that draws from most musical styles, each GoodFellers show promises to be unique and entertaining. Versatility bolstered by award-winning musicianship has made the GoodFellers in demand all along the East Coast and beyond.
The GoodFellers have traveled throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe, constantly redefining their own unique Newgrass sound. Along the way, the band has recorded and performed thousands of songs from all music styles.
"Dirty Laundry" features the popular Don Henley song with the rich, earthy voice of Teddy Barncastle backed by the dynamic GoodFella's harmonies and arrangement.
The video was shot in North Carolina by Valerie Smith of Bell Buckle Records. They had a lot of fun recording the video and given the political and media climate, Valerie felt that it was a perfect release for the month of November during elections.
It is HERE!
goodfellers
Chart-topping featured singles "To Love Somebody" and "I Know Where Love Lives"
Bell Buckle Records welcomes "Bobby giles and Texas Gales"
Bobby Giles and Texas Gales
A gale is defined as “a very strong wind” and/or “a burst of sound”. When one thinks of the windswept Texas plains and the iconic culture of the region, it invokes a sense of timelessness; that of strength and of passion, and a uniquely American, western nobility. If you listen closely, these storied Texas winds will faintly carry the sounds, the songs, and the ghosts of yesterday across the land. They carry the tales and legends of mighty bygone storytellers straight to the hearts, souls, and ears of the younger generations… who are now listening and ready to retell their own unique versions of these ancient poems. And yet, a “gale” is also known as something to be reckoned with, it is forceful, it demands your attention. And, in like fashion, so does the music of Bobby Giles & Texas Gales.
To tell you the truth, the members of the band, affectionately known as “Galers”, might even tell ya that Bobby can be mighty “strong-winded” at times himself; but, jokes aside, he’d be the very first to tell you that he absolutely could not produce the definitive ‘burst of sound’ that BG&TG is quickly becoming known for without the guys who unselfishly make up the rest of this burgeoning Texas Bluegrass phenomenon! Nor would he want to. Bobby Giles, Steve Loggie, and Lenny Nichols are the epitome of teamwork. Naturally invoking the spirit of Texas bluegrass through their musicianship, they are inspiring musicians, interpretive arrangers, loving husbands and fathers, loyal friends, and spiritual brothers. They love the Lord, each other, their families, and they LOVE Bluegrass Music.
BG&TG has traveled through life together and they bring this shared experience and a warm, natural easiness to their music… which they like to refer to as “The Music of Life”. This tangible warmth also carries right onto the stage with them, as it permeates every note played, every word of every lyric sung, and ultimately, brings you right up beside the “campfire” to enjoy the warmth of their spirit, fellowship, and their singular brand of top-shelf bluegrass music. While these gentlemen have been making music together in various configurations for years now, this is the debut recording by Bobby Giles & Texas Gales. However, it will become crystal clear almost instantly that these men have been long and keenly listening to the winds of the ghosts of Texas.
The texture and timelessness expertly woven into these songs is unmistakable, and it speaks to lifetimes of experience and quiet wisdom. Yes, these men…they’ve surely been listening. And now, we’re fortunate to be able to listen as well. As these capable gentlemen share their passion by way of their musical gifts, they pray that these stories will move you to experience life more abundantly in that place where dreams come true for you. As Bobby says, “In the lovin’ hands of our Father, as He conducts His perfectly grand orchestration of life, we all get to play an integral role in His beautiful songs”.