This is Carolina Bluegrass Style!
Carolina bluegrass Style is a unique blend of young and old past present and, maybe the future. When Tommy Thomas asked Tyler Chasteen, Don Ashley and David Prosser to get together and play some music they had no idea that they would be creating a new group, But the popularity of the group has passed all expectations. While all the members of the band live in the Columbia SC area they have been honing their sound in restaurants, clubs and other Venues around Ashville NC.
The band’s eclectic mix of members has brought about a fusion of both musical style and musical selection. A little of everything from old Western Swing music to Jazz to Reggae and of course Traditional and Contemporary Bluegrass. The band has become known for not only their sound and mix of music but also their warm and endearing stage presence that keeps people entertained and involved in what they do.
Let’s meet the band.
Tommy Thomas – the “foundation” man for the band, Tommy has played Jazz, Big Band and Classical before getting into bluegrass and playing with several local bands before bringing Carolina Bluegrass Style together. Tommy is not only rock solid on the beat but also can move the sound with his walking lines. Of course, Having people like Tom Grey and Edgar Meyers as inspiration will motivate you.
Don Ashley – Don has the double duty of being both fiddle player and Master of Ceremonies for the band and does great at both. His charm and wit along with his easygoing manner brings the crowd in and gets them going. Don has played with several bands over his career and his style of powerful double stop fiddle and his strong baritone lead voice makes for a fun guy to listen to.
Tyler Chasteen – holding down both rhythm and lead guitar for Carolina Bluegrass Style is the youngest member of the group. To say that Tyler is talented is as much of an understatement as you get, having people like Tony Rice, Clarence White and now Billy Strings as his icons helps but, Tyler is as good a singer as he is player his strong lead and tenor voice fit perfectly over the music that Carolina Bluegrass Style lays down.
David Prosser – rounding out the ensemble is the Banjo/Dobro player. David has been playing since he was 17 and loves the music he plays. He’s at home playing a little swing or hard driving bluegrass and loves to just have a great time with the music. Its not likely you’ll see David with a frown the banjo is his first love and with everyone from the great Earl Scruggs and Don Reno to gentlemen like Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka as the influences he draws from he just loves to see what he can learn next.
That’s the band or as we like to say…This is CBS!