An enthusiastic group of HVBA faithful were warmed on a cold end-of-February night by the toe tapping rhythms and ear-pleasing harmonies of Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, an Albany based quintet (minus one) playing mostly original music in the borderland of bluegrass, country and folk, a traditional Americana mix! The band consists of singer-songwriter-joke teller-guitarist Jim Gaudet, bassist Bobby Ristau, mandolin player Sten Isachsen and new member Scott Hopkins on banjo. Absent and on “maternity leave” pending the birth of a new baby was fiddler Mat Kane. The band warmed the crowd with a blend of upbeat tunes and warm humor, mixed with sweet vocal harmonies. The band has been together as a group since 2006 and have 4 CD’s to their credit.
This HVBA Member Band is another fine example of regional homegrown bluegrass talent that matches the talent and originality of more southern based roots music. Those who have not yet had the pleasure of hearing them can catch them at Grey Fox or at one of the Albany area traditional music venues. Be sure to check them out.