CROSSHILL
Crosshill has been performing together for almost three years. They first met when the three brothers known as "The Smith Brothers Band" and Tommy Tucker met at a local jam session. We enjoyed playing together and begin to play a few dates with one another and liked the sound we had as a group. The brothers bring special vocal harmonies to the group in a way only siblings can. The addition of the bass simply added a solid foundation to an already great sound. The sound of the band is influenced by our gospel & bluegrass roots. We all love and respect the old masters of bluegrass & gospel from Bill Monroe to The Lewis Family, yet we are excited by the modern sounds from Cherryholmes to Mountain Heart. When choosing a name for the band we wanted something that reflected who we are and what we believe in. There is a small town near where we live named Crosshill, SC and we all live just a few miles from it. But the significance of the name for us is twofold. First it is meant to pay homage to both the old and new styles of bluegrass music and the crossing over between the two. Second it is to remind us of our Christian roots again paying honor and respect to the cross on the hill. So welcome to the website of Crosshill and we hope you enjoy our unique blend of the old and the new and we hope we get to see you at one of our performances real soon.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The Siblings of the Group
These three brothers (Dennis, Gregg & Neil) moved around a lot growing up, as sons of a late minister, playing gospel music. "Mama taught us to sing church songs when we were about 5 years old to do on Daddy's church radio broadcast." By their early teens they were playing music at all the family gatherings...Birthday dinners, holidays, reunions and such. Over the years, after absorbing various styles of music and adding some of their own experiences, they felt Bluegrass was a natural choice for them, considering it has deep roots in Gospel music. They started playing where ever they could, car shows, hot dog sales, local festivals, events, and churches; that led them to be invited to play other places like large 4th of July events at the local College and National Night Out Against Crime-three years in a row. The Pickens Visitors Center at Hagood Mill , A Five Star Camp Lodge in Helen, Georgia, and the famous Newberry Opera House. They also performed on the main stage at Asheville, North Carolina's 'Shindig on the green'. Singing and playing is part of their being and it has taught them that a joy shared, is a joy doubled!
The Big Guy of the Group
Tommy Tucker began playing bass after hearing the group Southbound in Greenville SC. A couple of members of that group Jimmy Haley and Louis Pyrtle (aka Lou Reid) went on to play with the original Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. He listened to the sound of the Osborne Brothers and anyone else he could hear in concert or recorded. He first started playing bass at a noted jam session in Mt. Rest SC know as Cuzzins General Store. I have had the opportunity over the years to play with many fine groups and musicians at many wonderful festivals and venues. Playing such places as "Green Acres" (Steve Metcalf) in NC, Kentucky Fried Chicken Bluegrass Festival in Louisville and opening for acts such as New Grass Revival, John Hartford, Doc Watson and Norman Blake His fondest memory is being a guest of Bill Monroe at the Grand Ole Opry. The love of the music and the respect he has for its roots and traditions, coupled with the respect he has for those who are blazing new trails make him proud to be as part of this great musical experience.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, Churches, festivals, private and public gatherings. Newberry Opera House, Earntest Tubbs Record Shop & Midnight Jamboree, Grand Ole Opry.
Your musical influences
The old masters of bluegrass & gospel from Bill Monroe to The Lewis Family, yet we are excited by the modern sounds from Cherryholmes to Mountain Heart.
What equipment do you use?
Beyer vocal mics, LR baggs acoustic Di boxes for instruments to keep a pure acoustic sound and eliminate feedback. Hot spot monitors to give us clean mobitors with little feedback and plenty of presence.
Anything else?
Hope to get to meet you and play for you or your event soon!
