Black Crown Stringband

Founding members of Bay area bands, the Earl Brothers and Mercury Dimes have joined together and formed the San Francisco Bay area old-time music group, Black Crown Stringband. The group has recently released their first recording, a 7-song self-titled “EP” they describe as “a collection of fiddle-driven old-time tunes, twisted up bluegrass standards and plain-ole, straight ahead, flat-out mountain music.”

Black Crown Stringband first appearance was at the 2008 Berkeley Old-Time Convention Stringband Contest where their hard-drivin’ sound earned 1st place.

If you’re anything like me, the jam sessions at a bluegrass festival are almost a bigger draw than the entertainment on the main stage. Black Crown Stringband’s “EP” has the same raw and raucus feeling of a late night jam session that’s kicked into high gear.

You can sample Black Crown Stringband’s new EP on their MySpace page.

The Black Crown Stringband, is comprised of Rob Melberg (bass), John McKelvy (lead vocals, guitar), Tim C. Hicks (mandolin, backing vocals), Matt Knoth (banjo) and Elise Engelberg (fiddle).

Black Crown Stringband track listing

Black Crown Stringband "Black Crown Stringband"

1. Shady Grove
2. Brushy Fork of John’s Creek
3. Train on the Island
4. Meet Me by the Moonlight
5. Arnold van Pelt’s Tune
6. Poor Rambler
7. Pretty Little Indian