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The Country Grass BIO

climbing_the_berlin_wall_cdThe Country Grass, one of the longest performing bands on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, has been bringing their unique blend of traditional and contemporary Bluegrass to festivals and gatherings for almost three decades. Founding member Bill Vollmer, mandolin player and vocalist from Willards, Maryland, has kept the band together over the years with his strong desire to perform and promote Bluegrass music on the shore.

He is joined by longtime guitarist, singer, and songwriter Steve Frene from Berlin, Maryland who has been with the group for a combined total 18 years. Frene also plays harmonica and has written and arranged all of the band's original material. On the bass and singing vocals is Kenny Good from Marion, Maryland.  John Heinz from Fenwick Island, Delaware plays fiddle and dobro. The banjo duties are shared between Phil McCary fron Berlin, Maryland and Brian Vance from Salisbury, Maryland. (Sometimes the band plays as a "Quartet", dropping either the fiddle or banjo.) Bill and Steve have even been know to do a "Duo" gig.

The Country Grass has recorded two CDs; one entitled "Fresh Cut", recorded in 1996 when the group was a trio, covers a wide variety of musical genres including traditional and contemporary Bluegrass as well as a few Western "singing cowboy-style" songs and two originals. Their current CD, "Climbin' the Berlin Wall", released in July of 2009, features 4 original songs, several contemporary and traditional Bluegrass songs and a couple of Gospel tracks. The CD cover photo was taken in front of Victorian Charm, where the boys can be seen, on most Thursday evenings in the summer, hosting a pickin' party for visitors to the historic town of Berlin, Maryland.

The Country Grass enjoys playing high-energy, foot-stompin' sets that challenge their audience's ability to keep their toes tapping in time. Smooth three-part harmonies have been a cornerstone of band's sound since the early days. Set lists reflect the diverse musical influences of the band's members, combining familiar Bluegrass standards with eclectic acoustic arrangements from the likes of Dylan, the Dead the Allman Brothers with cleverly written original offerings. Prepare to be entertained!
 

Steve Frene

Steve_FreneSteve Frene plays guitar and harmonica and sings lead and harmony Vocals. He joined The Country Grass in 1990 when the group was a trio. Steve is also a songwriter and several of his tunes appear on their first CD, "Fresh Cut" and their current CD "Climbin' the Berlin Wall."  Steve started playing guitar around the age of 9 and was a huge Beatles fan. That's where his strong appreciation for vocal harmonies came from. Growing up near Washington DC, he was exposed to Bluegrass and a variety of other music that would shape his style and preferences. Acoustic Rock groups like the Eagles, Pure Prarrie League, Poco, America, John Prine, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young have also had their influence.  Steve also enjoys playing the blues harp whenever he can.

Bill Vollmer

Bill_VolmerBill Vollmer is our mandolin player and founding member of The Country Grass back.  Bill started the group over 30 years ago and loves traditional Bluegrass and Western music. He is also active in his church band and enjoys jamming whenever he can.  Bill sings the about half of the lead and tenor vocals for the group. Bill moved to the shore back in 1974 from the Hyattsville, MD area where he was exposed to the DC Bluegrass scene.

Phil McCary

Phil_McCaryPhil McCary plays banjo for the band and on ocassion, we can get him to sing a song or two. His driving style gives the band it's peppy traditional bluegrass sound.  Phil is a dedicated student of his instrument and attends numerous banjo camps and competes in several competitions each year. Phil has served 2 terms with the Country Grass both before and after the "Trio" years.

Kenny Good

Kenny_GoodKenny Good is one of The Country Grass's newest and most enthusiastic members.  When he's not playing bass for us, he's woking with his Gospel group, the Menolites or attending a Bluegrass festival somewhere on the east coast.. Kenny also has been known to wear the promoter's hat and bring national Bluegrass groups to the Delmarva area as a fundraiser for his church such as Dailey and Vincent and Kenny and Amanda Smith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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John Heinz

John_HeinzJohn Heinz is The Country Grass' fiddle player extordiar and the busiest musician of the group. He plays in several other groups and enjoys playing many types of music. If there's an open mic or a jam in the Ocean City area, chances are you'll see John. He's been with the group for about 2 years and joins us when we're not performing as a quartet.

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