Cache Valley Drifters

Emerging from casual jam sessions, the Cache Valley Drifters have sustained a forward-thinking approach to bluegrass and country. After a lengthy hiatus spanning 1979 through 1992, the ensemble has worked consistently to recover that interval. Their sets regularly feature bluegrass-inflected versions of material from Paul Simon, Leon Russell, and Cream alongside pieces by the late country folksinger Kate Wolf and traditional Appalachian sources. The connection to Wolf feels organic, given that the band's longest-tenured member, Bill Griffin, performed in her backup ensemble and oversaw production of her final recordings. Earlier, Griffin had contributed as a sideman to projects by Earl Robinson, Pete Seeger, and Odetta while also appearing in a series of national radio broadcasts alongside the late Burl Ives. In 1992 Mike Mullins joined on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; the sibling of banjoist Tim Mullins, who performed with the group from 1972 to 1973, Mike had participated in acoustic circles since the 1980s as guitarist for the Phil Salazar Band. During 1990 he united with former Cache Valley Drifters member Cyrus Clarke to establish the Acousticats. Bassist and vocalist Wally Barnick, whose initial tenure ran from 1975 to 1979, returned after the reunion and has remained ever since. Their early acclaim rested on lush vocal blends and instrumental precision, bolstered by endorsements from bluegrass guitarist Dan Crary that led to their debut recording contract. The self-titled first album appeared in 1978.