Mark Schatz

Noted bass player Missy Raines is leaving the Claire Lynch Band after nearly a 13-year stint to start her own group, “missy raines and the new hip.” As she leaves Lynch’s aggregation, the equally well-known Mark Schatz is stepping in to fill her slot.

“From the first note, we had ‘groove,’ ” Lynch wrote in a farewell message to Raines. “What a pleasure it’s been! … I can’t help but be sad — nobody’s been a more loyal, hard-working team member than you. Your departure is a great loss for us, but I know it’s time for your own unique musicality to be expressed.”

Schatz will join the group on Feb. 1.

Twice named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bass Player of the Year, Schatz has worked with an impressive variety of artists including Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Maura O’Connell, Tony Rice, John Hartford, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Tim & Mollie O’Brien and most recently, Nickel Creek. He also acts as musical director for the internationally-acclaimed Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble which showcases his other talents, clawhammer banjo and Southern Appalachian clog dancing.

Schatz has two solo recordings, “Brand New Old Tyme Way” and “Steppin’ in the Boilerhouse” on Rounder Records

He’s also released two instructional bass videos on Homespun Tapes.

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