In the 6 years since the Graybeard Ramblers debuted its music, dubbed as “New Mountain Music,” fans and peers alike, have praised the band recognizing GBR for their ‘vocal virtuosity and harmonies.’  GBR weaves together the traditional sounds of folk and bluegrass with the modern influences of rock-n-roll, and swing to produce a new blend. The GB Ramblers perform in these classic styles and also include the performance of the bands original music; a combination that appeals to a variety of audiences. Preferring to play “unplugged” whenever possible, this all-acoustic group seeks out venues that cater to a listening audience and a quiet environment. The band’s talent has led them to the stages in Western North Carolina where they have begun to develop a fan base from many states on the east coast, thanks to the performances for many visitors to the Asheville NC area. GB Ramblers first CD "Long Road Home" has been well received and the band is working to produce a second CD at this time. The second effort will be 99% original material.


Todd Henderson – Todd began playing guitar at age 5 when his Baptist minister grandfather bought him a dime store model and started teaching him cords. With a passion for rhythm and a zest to express him-self, Todd played many years to his walls until he met Reeneea, his wife. When a power outage forced him to break out the acoustic guitar, magic was created. Harmonizing brought them closer together and when they realized their newfound talent, they enlisted longtime friend Ronny Parker to add the third harmony. With the blend of voices Todd found a perfect outlet for his songwriting. Whether alone or with the group, Todd keeps in mind the fluid extremes of harmony and has utilized the voices to bring a new dimension to the group.

 

Reeneea Henderson – Reeneea’s formal musical training began on the front porch of her Madison County, North Carolina home as family members played and sang for evening entertainment. Having a “large” voice meant taking a little ribbing from siblings who could see the inner talent. When she could not find her outlet to express herself, she almost gave up. When she met Todd, she did not know he played guitar and sang. During that fateful storm, they blended their voices and grew to love each other. While maintaining a strong lead voice, Reeneea has come to learn harmonies and has honed a songwriting skill, which lends a feminine perspective to the male dominated group.

 

Ronny Parker – Ronny’s early musical experience enveloped him completely as he was a member of several gospel groups with his brother Andrew. Leading groups and choirs came naturally to Ronny whose range and ear has made for a dynamic career singing traditional and modern gospel. Having known Todd from an early age, when he approached Ronny with the harmonic blend he and Reeneea created, he found the third voice, which was the birth of “Only Human”, a popular group in the early ‘90’s. As a trio, they have written numerous songs and performed hundreds of concerts during the last 15 years. When GBR was born, the blend of vocals and dynamic instrumentation inspired Ronny to begin a new creative surge helping to create many of the songs on the upcoming CD and new material to be revealed on the next recording project.

 

Bob Jaramillo – Having been born into a musical family, it was just natural that Bob would learn to play multiple instruments. After a stint in Japan with the US Army, Bob returned to embrace a passion for bluegrass. His family established a base of operations in Swannanoa, NC by opening Jaramillo’s Picking Parlor, a venue who hosted many different musical styles, with a basis in the traditional. Bob joined “Only Human” as a bass player and toured extensively with them. When GBR was created, Bob’s mandolin talents were enlisted to add a lead musical voice to the band. With rapid-fire precision and an ear for the unusual, Bob has brought a spark to the group, which helped create the drive to record their first CD. New material is shaping up to show the scope of his extraordinary talents.

 
Craig Bannerman – First bitten by the music bug when he attended 1960’s jam sessions of mountain pickers in Asheville NC, he began playing guitar then switched to electric bass during college. Playing with many award winning bluegrass and old time bands Craig found that his music could best be expressed through playing the stand-up bass. He has been included on several recordings over his 30 years of performing and has been a member of several bands that won first place at Fiddlers Grove and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and other southern events. Craig prides himself not on being a great picker, but on being a contributor to the bands he is part of. His skills include arranging, creating graphic artwork and adding production skills to the mix as well as solid rhythm and bass to the bands sound. The GBR experience has allowed Craig to explore other types and styles of music that have, more often than not, left him with a big grin on his face.
Check out the new CD                                                     NCMAMA
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