Biography
Sam Hill sets itself apart from many current bluegrass ensembles by placing primary importance on musical substance instead of instrumental flash. Based in Portland, OR, the band steers clear of showy displays of speed and dexterity, instead capturing the core spirit of mountain music through a steady stream of strong, roots-oriented original material on every release. The lineup features songwriter/vocalist/mandolin player Jeff Smith, guitarist/vocalist Doug Sammons, bass player Dee Ann Davidshofer, fiddler/vocalist/songwriter Pat Kramer, and banjo player Peter Schwimmer.
Formed in the early ’90s, the group experienced personnel shifts as its audience expanded, including the departure of Smith’s longtime musical partner Dave Chalupsky. The arrivals of Kramer—who emerged from retirement to participate—and Schwimmer nevertheless propelled Sam Hill to fresh levels of achievement. In 2000 the popular neo-traditionalist singer Laurie Lewis cut “Hard Luck & Trouble,” the title song from the band’s second CD and a composition by Smith. Sam Hill issued its third CD, Haunted By a Memory, in 2001.
Formed in the early ’90s, the group experienced personnel shifts as its audience expanded, including the departure of Smith’s longtime musical partner Dave Chalupsky. The arrivals of Kramer—who emerged from retirement to participate—and Schwimmer nevertheless propelled Sam Hill to fresh levels of achievement. In 2000 the popular neo-traditionalist singer Laurie Lewis cut “Hard Luck & Trouble,” the title song from the band’s second CD and a composition by Smith. Sam Hill issued its third CD, Haunted By a Memory, in 2001.
Albums
a moment with God
2024
Open Heart
2023
March to the Mountain
2018
The California Dream (Sam Hill Presents)
2017
The Hope Chest
2016
Hard Luck & Trouble
2008
Haunted By A Memory
2001
Singles
