The Larry Stephenson Band Releases

  Stellar New Gospel Album THANKFUL on March 18th

 
"Stephenson has honed his voice into one of the best bluegrass tenors this side of Bobby Osborne."  Keith Lawrence - Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

Press Release
March 11, 2008

NASHVILLE, TN -Larry Stephenson's newest project, a sparkling collection of traditional bluegrass gospel songs titled Thankful on Pinecastle Records and releasing March 18th, effortlessly weaves his strong and identifiable bluegrass tenor vocals with a solid mix of songs that all reiterate the message of the album's title.  Thankful combines songs of devotion, thankfulness, contemplation and faith with the high lonesome sound that the band has become known for through the years.

The Larry Stephenson Band made their first recording together 19 years ago and set in motion a band that has stood the test of time while creating fresh sounds with new recordings and equally exciting live performances. Sixteen albums and one DVD later, the band has proven through dedication, drive and musical chops, why they are still around and at the top of their game.  Bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne, is a longtime Larry fan saying, "Go see him when you can.  He always does a good performance that you will enjoy.  He has done lots of good things for this great music we call Bluegrass."

Thankful is the LSB's fourth gospel album and marks a distinct shift forward in the band's musical  pilgrimage.  Larry has found that their fans love both the gospel and bluegrass releases.  "Our fans like our gospel music and I truly enjoy performing them," Larry says.  "Our most requested song to this day, after almost two decades together, is a  gospel song titled "Yes, I See God."  This particular song was also featured on a Time Warner Collection.

Bluegrass Now Magazine publisher Wayne Bledsoe says, "Larry's new Thankful CD is the best ever! Kudos on his selection of material as it's very inspiring and the presentation is fabulous.  I'm really enjoying the great quartet on "Press On Pilgrim," and the message in "I Need the Prayers," hit home with me.  I've played it endlessly since I got it and I'll feature it on one of my radio programs. Just when I think I've heard the best from Larry he blows me away with even better music.  I hope the bluegrass community will give this the airplay it deserves, because this is award-winning music!" 

The album is full of handpicked songs that focus on an overall theme of gratefulness.  "These songs came from everywhere," Larry says.  "I co-wrote "Everyday Is Mother's Day" with Tom T. and Dixie Hall and also co-wrote "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" with Jerry Salley," he adds.  "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" is a particularly moving song that was inspired after a visit to the Our Lady Of The Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, LA.  Larry was deeply moved by the experience and was told a story by a staff member about how each child seems to know of the seriousness of their illness and that some have even said they've seen angels, asking the staff to open up the windows and let them in.  Several new writers including Tonya Lowman and Berry Clevenger have songs on the collection and The Louvin Brothers penned title track "Thankful" features the close harmony singing reminiscent of the Louvin's close brotherly connection.

Larry Stephenson Brings Home 2008 SPBGMA Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Award
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Award Winning Guitar Player Josh Williams Joins Larry Stephenson Band
 

Press Release
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN

Larry Stephenson, leader of longtime bluegrass favorites The Larry Stephenson Band, now in their nineteenth year, won the 2008 Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Award at SPBGMA's (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music) 34th Annual Bluegrass Awards and 25th National Convention in Nashville, TN on Sunday, February 3rd.  Stephenson is a five time winner of the award.  "It's a privilege and honor to be nominated and to receive this award.  It makes what I do worth doing," he said after accepting the trophy.

SPBGMA also awarded Grammy nominated guitar player Josh Williams the 2008 Guitar Performer of the Year honors.  This is William's fourth award in this category.  Williams will also join The Larry Stephenson Band for their Thankful 2008 Tour and beyond in addition to playing the already scheduled dates with his own Josh Williams Band.  Williams will replace Ben Helson on guitar and Larry wishes Ben the best of luck in his new endeavors.

Williams is a multi-instrumentalist, perhaps best known as the guitar player for the top ranked Rhonda Vincent & The Rage in their grueling 300 days per year touring schedule from December 2003 through September 2007.  He is also known by some as the excellent mandolin/fiddle player formerly with The Special Consensus. 

Stephenson's trademark tenor-range lead vocals and mandolin playing lead the band towards their March 18th gospel release of Thankful on Pinecastle Records.  The album features guest appearances by acclaimed female vocalist Sonya Isaacs, seven time IBMA Bass Player of the Year award winner Missy Raines, as well as  Dustin Benson (lead & harmony vocals, guitar), Shad Cobb (fiddle & harmony fiddle), Warren Goad (bass vocals), Aaron McDaris (lead & harmony vocals, banjo) and Ben Surratt (harmony vocals).

Stephenson has been called "One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years," by Bluegrass Now Magazine and "One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today"  by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.

For more information on Thankful or The Larry Stephenson Band, contact GoodStuff PR Co. at 615.525.5303 or via email at info@goodstuffpr.com

Left: Larry (2nd from right) pictured with new bandmate Josh Williams, former LSB bassist Mickey Harris and good friend fiddlin' Hunter Berry. Right: Larry left with good friend, awarded Carl Jackson - SPBGMA 2/3/08 Awards

The Larry Stephenson Band
Signs with GoodStuff PR Co.

Gears up for March 18th Gospel Release Thankful

Press Release
Friday, January 25, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN
Nashville, TN - Longtime bluegrass favorites The Larry Stephenson Band recently  signed with GoodStuff PR Co. for exclusive PR representation for their upcoming gospel release, Thankful, as well as future band endeavors. 

The album, which features guest appearances by Sonya Isaacs, Missy Raines, Warren Goad, Shad Cobb and Ben Surratt, hits the streets on March 4th through Pinecastle Records.

Stephenson has been called "One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years," by Bluegrass Now Magazine and "One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today"  by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.

Thankful comes on the heels of the highly successful Life Stories released in 2007 that featured a collection of emotional tales with a common human thread.

The four time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Male Vocalist of the Year has found success with murder ballads in the past when the song, "Clinch Mountain Mystery," from his 2005 release by the same name was praised as Song of the Year by SPBGMA after reaching #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited charts.

Stephenson was recently inducted into the 2007 Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame as well as being a part of the IBMA 2006 Album of the Year Celebration of Life.

For more information on Thankful or The Larry Stephenson Band, contact GoodStuff PR Co. at 615.525.5303 or via email at info@goodstuffpr.com