Copus Hill

Contact: Mike Ball Phone: Email: Banjomk1@yahoo.com Website: www.copushill.com

 

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Musicians

Mike Ball - Banjo and Vocals

Don Long- Upright Bass

Mitch Ball - Mandolin & Bass and Vocals

Jesse Cains- Guitar and Vocals

 

Toby McClure- Guitar and Vocals

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Discography

 

Visit www.soundclick.com to listen to Copus Hill with their hit #1 in
the Bluegrass charts today (March 19, 2004)

Andy wrote both of them! "Charlotte Baker " and "Little Darlin'"

 

Buckeye's Falling From The Sky!

If you had asked me to provide the name of three Ohio bluegrass bands last year, I would have stared into
space and come up with an 'I-dunno'. But lately they must be putting something in the water there in the
Buckeye state, because there is certainly no shortage of talent. Copus Hill is about to release their Debut
CD and listening to the advance copy, I have to wonder why it has taken so long!

Let's start right at the beginning. Andy Crabtree (Of Just Bluegrass Band fame) takes on lead vocals
this time around and he nails it. The sweet baritone with a country wail and a bluegrass personality puts
him at the top of his game. He also plays the Dobro, (which is now known in many circles as the Resonator
guitar) and Lead guitar as well on several tracks. He has played with the who's who of Ohio bluegrass
bands, and should be encouraged to land at Copus Hill and stay put.

Mike Ball needs the next mention. His banjo picking skills are right on, and he holds the band together
with amazing picking prowess. It's often been said that any bluegrass band is only as good as their banjo
player. Copus Hill is a great band. Kevin Crabtree holds it all together with the bassline. He also provides the Mandolin on most track and sings the tenor parts throughout the CD. Kevins bluegrass harmony sensibility sets him apart in the role of Mandolin player. Both on the Mando and on vocals he is constantly dancing around the melody
making a song unique and memorable. Michele Vance is another piece of this musical puzzle, fit as a fiddler, she helped out on this project and her handy work can be heard on 5 tracks. She also lends lead vocal voice to the song "Lonesome Pines". Her range and control make her the perfect addition to the project.

Larry Matney and Rick Krassow take turns on Lead vocals as cameo appearances on the CD. Larry on
"Blackjack County Chain", and Rick on "All Because of Me". I'm certain that this project would be less distinctive without the addition of these two talented bluegrass artists. Lastly, Mitch Ball (Son of Banjo picker Mike), joins the group on Mandolin and bass. This 23 year old plays in a rock band "3Deep" and his father is
certainly trying to break him of the habit. Images of Nickel Creek pop to mind when I picture the 'rock
star' type bluegrass band in my head, so who knows what will lay down the road for young Mitch.*
Standout tracks are "Blackjack County Chain", "Simple Life", and "Blue Night". Any of the songs on this CD
could easily be singles, and all will certainly become festival favorites. All hail Ohio, the new bluegrass
hotbed thanks to groups like Copus Hill. If you enjoy bluegrass music, you should buy this CD as soon as it
comes out!

Mark Bee is the Program Director and Host of the internationally syndicated bluegrass radio program,
"Blades Of Blue". He also writes a monthly CD review column for several community newspapers.

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Independent Country Universe
Blades Of Blue
For The Record
Syndicated radio productions of Green Mountain Music Productions and Boulton Beach Studios
www.greenmountainmusic.com

 

Please check the bands website for current events and gigs.

If you need further information on this band, please consult the contact information.

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Go to the Next Ohio Band!

 

 

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copyright © November 2003 • all rights reserved.