The Rigney Family Band
Rigney Family • www.facebook.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass • The Rigney Family Band hails from Normandy, TN, just outside of Nashville. Their unique, appealing blend of family vocal harmonies and innovative bluegrass instrumentation exemplifies everything that is right about family playing together. They offer traditional bluegrass mixed with fresh originals and driving instrumentation that exhilarates your soul with youthful energy, laughter, and emotion.
“The Rigneys have a great sense of balancing the traditional with fresh new sounds. They perform regularly at festivals, concerts, private parties, restaurants and other venues in the US and Europe. Playing over 70 shows a year, this hard-working group has what it takes to deliver great entertainment!”
Set for release in October of 2011, their third project, “Familiar Paths”, is comprised of all original tunes. Produced and recorded by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording, the album also highlights the talents of special guest vocalist Becky Buller. The Rigney’s debut CD, Stone County, released in 2008 features 10 classic bluegrass favorites and two originals. Their second project, Never Just Once, released in June 2010 features a wonderfully diverse blend of originals, traditional bluegrass, two waltzes, and a touch of “newgrass”.
Mark Rigney began playing banjo as a teenager. He gave up his beloved Gibson to buy Melissa’s engagement ring in college. He didn’t play again for 17 years. Then she surprised him one Christmas with a banjo under the tree and that is the beginning of their story. Mark also sings lead and harmony vocals for the band.
Melissa Rigney had never played a stringed instrument. But she got tired of watching the fun and decided to learn the bass. Now she is the bands solid beat.
Andrew Rigney (age 17) has been playing since age 10. He started on the guitar and also plays the mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, tenor banjo and bass. His hard-drivin’ smooth sound gives the band its tight drive. Andrew sings lead vocals and harmony and contributes much to the band with his original songs and natural ear for music. He added to his many accomplishments by placing 1st in flatpick guitar for the second consecutive year at the Tennessee State Fiddle Championships, and he placed 2nd at the Doc Watson Guitar Competition at Merlefest in 2010. He is endorsed by Silverangel Mandolins.
Grant Rigney (age 14) has been playing since age 7. He started on the mandolin and also plays the fiddle, and tenor guitar. His accomplishments include National Championship Youth Instrumental Entertainer of the Year at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree in 2007, 2008 & 2009, 2009 Alabama State Jr. Fiddle Champion, and numerous other awards across his instruments from many festivals and contests. Grant also sings harmony vocals for the band.
“We played the same festival with and had the pleasure of meeting the Rigney Family in Rainsville, Alabama. I was absolutely blown away by the superb vocals and tremendous musicianship exhibited by everyone in the band. I’ve listened to a lot of family bluegrass and gospel bands through the years (some really great and others who are just enjoying a fun hobby), but the Rigney Family’s attention to detail in their harmonies and arrangements demonstrated to me immediately that this family is very serious about making great music. Although their mandolin/fiddle player is very young, you won’t find any “cutesy” stuff here! This kid can really play and is very professional on stage! Not only are they a pleasure to listen to, but they’re really nice people to boot!”
- Chris West, Blue Moon Rising
VIDEOS
The Rigney Family
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoFUYz7DTxA
“Paul David” performed at the Chais Music Hall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pygwFOBdA_s
Rigney Family – Rawhide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okHf17pVKa4
LINKS
FaceBook • www.facebook.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass
Mailing List • http://tinyurl.com/4xe8mzo
Booking • rigneym@charter.net (931) 393-3824
Store • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com/rfb_website_v2_009.htm
Contact • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com/rfb_website_v2_007.htm
Tickets • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com/rfb_website_v2_008.htm
WebSite • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com
ReverbNation • www.reverbnation.com/rigneyfamilybluegrass
News/Blog • www.rigneyfamilybluegrass.com/rfb_website_v2_016.htm
YouTube • www.youtube.com/rigneyfamilybluegras
CDBaby • www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RigneyFamilyBluegrass
ARTICLES
The Rigney Family Bluegrass Band at the Pickin’ Porch
http://www.wcyb.com/video/25318738/index.html
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