Dailey & Vincent’s Opry Debut – photo by Chris Hollo / Hollo Photographics

The Ryman Auditorium became another debut venue in late December for new Rounder recording artists Dailey & Vincent. With the crowd nearly in a New Year’s Eve mood on Dec. 29, Jamie Daily and Darren Vincent took to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for the first time — as band leaders.

Both are no strangers to the Grand Ole Opry, having performed there many times as side members with various groups, such as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for Vincent and, in Dailey’s case, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

But their debut on that stage as Dailey & Vincent made my very first visit to the Grand Ole Opry that much more memorable. Getting to see the Opry that night at the famous Ryman didn’t hurt a bit either.

The duo opened their set with a barebones version of “By The Mark,” with only the two band leaders singing. The power and dynamic range of their voices combined would make you think you were listening to a three or four-part harmony group.

For their next two numbers ,they chose “Poor Boy Workin’ Blues” and “Don’t You Call My Name.”

Booked at over 100 shows already this year, Dailey & Vincent promise to be one of bluegrass’ best emerging artists. Don’t pass up a chance to see this incredibly talented band.