Cornerstone

A group of five musicians with Musical roots in Florida, Virginia, Texas, and upstate New York can add up to only one thing: a bluegrass band with a solid folk base that does stunning original material. That's what Cornerstone, based near Ithaca, New York, is all about. Led by banjo player-songwriter Chris Stuart (FL), Cornerstone is made up of vocalist-fiddler Dee Specker (NY), mandolinist-fiddler Rick Manning (TX), bassist Dana Paul (VA), and virtuoso guitarist Tim Wallbridge (NY). This fusion of musicians from old-timey and bluegrass traditions makes for a special sound, one that features twin fiddles on some cuts, cajun accordion on others, Irish harp, and even the traditional five piece bluegrass band lineup. The vocals are stunning, the feelings real, the instrumental backup exactly right for each tune. ~ Allan Shaw, All Music Guide