LISTEN: The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, “I’m Warming Up to an Old Flame”

Artist: The Tennessee Bluegrass Band
Song: “I’m Warming Up to an Old Flame”
Release Date: May 13, 2022
Label: Billy Blue Records

In Their Words: “We thought our first single, ‘I’m Warming Up to an Old Flame,’ would set the tone for the rest of our new record — creative harmony vocals, plenty of energetic instrumental work, and an overarching theme of being inspired by the past while bringing our own ideas to the table. From the first time Tim Raybon sent us this song, we heard the potential for a song that audiences would find exciting and memorable, and we truly hope they have as much fun listening to this as we have playing it!” — Aynsley Porchak, fiddle

“With any style of music, there will always be up-and-comers to take the place of the ones before them. Unfortunately, only a few ever make it to that point. The reason, it takes an enormous amount of hard work, a great amount of talent, and dig-your-heels-in determination. The Tennessee Bluegrass Band has all of these qualities! Lincoln Mash is a phenomenal lead vocalist! Aynsley Porchak has to be one of the finest fiddle players I’ve ever heard. Lincoln Hensley’s banjo playing is reminiscent of the great Sonny Osborne and Tim Laughlin and Tyler Griffith’s harmony vocals are some of the finest. I’m very grateful they chose to record a song I wrote to release as their first single. These guys are great!” — Tim Raybon


Photo Credit: Heather Alley

LISTEN: Merle Monroe, “Shelby Tell Me”

Artist: Merle Monroe
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Shelby Tell Me”
Album: Songs of a Simple Life
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Label: Pinecastle Records

In Their Words: “A common characteristic of classic songs throughout history is how they tell a story or paint a picture for the listener. Our intention is to capture a wonderful story line that everyone can relate to — one that moves the listener emotionally through the lyrics and melody.” — Tim Raybon & Daniel Grindstaff, Merle Monroe


Photo credit: Sheri Clark

WATCH: Merle Monroe, “Dad”

Artist: Merle Monroe
Hometown: Sanford, Florida (Tim Raybon) and Elizabethton, Tennessee (Daniel Grindstaff)
Song: “Dad”
Album: Back to the Country
Release Date: June 21, 2019
Label: Pinecastle Records

In Their Words: “Out of all the titles I have had, ‘Dad’ is the best. This song resonates with me on many levels — my own dad, the father figures I have had influence me through the years, and being a dad to my two sons. Words can’t describe how wonderful I feel when I hear ‘I love you, Dad.'” — Daniel Grindstaff

“To all the Dads who go to work everyday to provide for their family… Save a little back for a weekend fishing trip or have to buy gym shoes for their kids to play ball. Thank you Dad for all you do for us!” — Tim Raybon


Photo credit: Pinecastle Records