John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range Debut
at the Grand Ole Opry March 8th
Performing Music from Their Independently Released Album DAYLIGHT
John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range Performances:Sat 3/9 Knoxville, TN WDVX 1:30pm
Kind Words About Daylight:
“Hopkins’ vocals complement the use of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and Dobro played by BR to produce a Southern sound that is truly alive… The deep tone of Hopkins’ vocals have the ability to convey edge and grit in songs [with] original lyrics are consistently honest, at times tongue-in-cheek, and at other times thoughtful…”
–Valerie Bertolami, Performer Magazine
“Pure musical joy, with songs ranging across every musical style from bluegrass and gospel to jazz and blues to country… often blinds with dazzling light.”
–Henry Carrigan, Country Standard Time
“Front and center here is Hopkins’ deep, rich and sensual baritone. His singing is warm and melodious in tone, inviting one to pay closer attention… Daylight is deserving of brighter shade.”
–Bill Clifford, Jambands.com
“I Will Lay Me Down” listed as a recommended track in indie releases
—CMT’s Craig Shelburne
“They make music that’s both country and grass, while being pure expressions of neither. There are banjo rolls and mando scratches throughout… Purists may scoff (as purists are wont to do), but the results are enough to satisfy the lover of hyphens in me.” –Scott Foley, KRFC’s Routes and Branches
“Love a rich, deep country voice? Then John Driskell Hopkins is your man.”
–Mary Armstrong, Philadelphia City Paper
“A voice huskier than Charlie Daniels after a hard night.”
—Jim Farber, New York Daily News, #5 in Top 10 picks in music release week
–Oliver Wood (of the Wood Brothers)
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the thick of it, swattin’ it out with a bonafide Bluegrass band with power vocals coming from a fellow with a pedigree like John Driskell Hopkins possesses. I don’t see anything but clear sailing for this song [Runaway Train].”
–Jerry Douglas
“John Hopkins’ new album, Daylight, has rich vocals and excellent pickers that are wrapped around well-crafted songs. What’s not to love?”
–Jim Lauderdale
“The unusual Sunday Jan. 27 WDVX Blue Plate Special [John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range] was the most highly attended yet in 2013, and one of the biggest turnouts in memory. Even before the show went live on the air, the standing-room-only audience’s excitement was electric.”
–Sarah Waldrip, Blank News
“A colorful collaboration… with meaty vocal performances that fluctuate from smooth croon to bluesy spittin’ growl, Hopkins takes us on a lively journey backed by a fine, fine group of ace musicians.”
–Janet Goodman, Music News Nashville
John Driskell Hopkins’ interview with Executive Producer Rich Reardin
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