The John Hartford Stringband
Bio
With the blessing of the family of John Hartford, the John Hartford Memorial Festival is excited to present John’s last touring band, known as the John Hartford Stringband and featured on "Memories of John". Members of this band backed Hartford during the last decade of his life. They appeared behind John throughout the United States, Canada and Japan, as well as recording seven CDs with John Hartford for Rounder and Blue Plate Records. In commemoration of 17 years since John’s passing, the John Hartford Stringband has hit the road again for 2018.
The John Hartford String Band is Bob Carlin on banjo, Matt Combs on fiddle, Mike Compton on mandolin, Mark Schatz on bass, and guitarist Chris Sharp. To commemorate the passing of John Hartford, some of his former musical associates and the artists he influenced joined together to record "Memories of John" (Red Clay/Compass Records). Released in 2010, and nominated for a Grammy later that year, the album features some of John’s most famous compositions, along with a number of previously unrecorded gems. Memories of John includes 14 tracks of tunes and songs. Some are well known to John Hartford fans; others are complete renderings of sketches that John Hartford left behind. Guest artist include Alison Brown, George Buckner, Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Alan O’Bryant, Eileen Carson Schatz, and from deep in the Hartford archives audio of the man himself, John Hartford.
.“The John Hartford Stringband - Memories Of John"- Kirk McAlpin- American Songwriter Magazine had this to say about the record. "The record has the intimate feel of his live performances and the improvisational style of instrumental albums like "Wild Hog in the Red Brush". You can feel the level of friendship and respect that the players had for Hartford, which gives the recordings an intimate feel. Although a tribute album, the recordings stand on their own and are a valuable addition to the genre and a good listen.”
On very special occasions, the John Hartford Stringband will be joined onstage by some of the top performers of acoustic, bluegrass and old-time music.