The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

May 15, 2009

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge to play at Lewisburg’s Wild Bean

By Tina Alvey

Touring behind a new CD, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge will make a stop in the cozy confines of Lewisburg’s Wild Bean this month.

Next Friday marks the third time for the band, primarily known for its bluegrass stylings, to play the downtown venue, and banjo player Jason Flournoy is delighted with the opportunity.

“For the past three years, since I’ve been with the band, West Virginia has always been strong for us,” Flournoy says. “People treat us like gold. Our music really resonates with the people in West Virginia.”

Joining the Louisiana-born Flournoy on stage are Jenny Keel, bass fiddle and vocals; Mark Schimick, mandolin and vocals; and, of course, Larry Keel, guitar and vocals.

“I’ve always been a music fan,” Flournoy says. “I had my parents buy me records from the time I was about 5, but I didn’t start to play an instrument until I took up the guitar at 17. I went to school for a year for guitar, but I fell in love with the banjo.”

Flournoy says he doesn’t so much consider himself self-taught on the banjo as well mentored by a diverse group of musicians he has had the opportunity to meet along the way.

“I learned a lot from being around people (who played) better than me,” he explains. “I can learn from anybody.”

Although he’s only been with Natural Bridge three years, Flournoy has known the other band members for “10 or 11 years.” The stars were in the right position for him to join the group when a project he’d been involved in Colorado drew to an end at the same time Natural Bridge was putting on a show in Boulder.

“I sat in on the Boulder performance and it felt good,” Flournoy recalls. “I always wanted to be in a band with Larry.”

What sets Natural Bridge apart, Flournoy believes, is that the band’s members have such diverse backgrounds and they all love all kinds of music.

“We don’t stick to any one thing,” he says. “Whatever we feel like doing, whatever is entertaining the audience, that’s what we play.”

The group released the 10-tune CD “Backwoods” in February.

“It’s been doing well,” Flournoy says. “It was in the making for two and a half years. We’re proud of it.”

To reserve tickets for Friday’s performance at The Wild Bean, call 304-645-3738.

— E-mail: talvey@register-herald.com

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