Press Release - Immediate
December 1, 2010

CRASH COURSE IN THE BLUES by WILDFIRE
Hits #1 in Advance of Official Release Date


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Knoxville, TN (December 1, 2010) – Lonesome Day Records is pleased to announce the new album, CRASH COURSE IN THE BLUES by WILDFIRE, is set for digital release on Dec. 21, 2010 with the physical release set for Feb. 22, 2011. The album has already made an impression at bluegrass radio reaching #1 last week (up from #32) on the Roots Music Bluegrass Report.

Collectively the members of WILDFIRE have all spent a lifetime immersed in bluegrass and country music, inspired by the greats of their genre including J.D. Crowe, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, Tony Rice, Keith Whitley and more. The band was formed in 2000 by members Robert Hale (Guitar and Vocals), and Curt Chapman (Bass) and are joined by Johnny Lewis (Banjo), Matt Despain (Dobro), and Steve Thomas (Fiddle and Mandolin.)

Robert Hale contributes two original songs to the album.  He was first exposed to the genre through his father Clayton, who performed on a weekly TV show WOAY in the 70’s. He also promoted a huge festival in Tazewell, VA for years that hosted the likes of greats like Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, and Doyle Lawson, (who would become a huge influence on Robert as he was growing up.) Robert began playing mandolin at nine and was soon playing five shows a day at Dollywood. Dolly Parton tapped him to play on two of her albums, HALOS AND HORNS and FOR GOD AND COUNTRY.” Robert was also a founding member of the band Live Wire, which was a precursor to popular bands like Mountain Heart.

Curt Chapman was raised in Nashville and began playing bass at 12.  His talents were discovered by an Opry member, so soon after, Curt along with his brothers and sisters, hit the road playing Air Force bases and NCOs around the country. Throughout his career he has played with Josh Logan, Southern Blend and logged 15 years as part of the renowned JD Crowe and the New South before striking out on his own with Hale to form WILDFIRE.

Soon after forming, WILDFIRE quickly become one of the most talked-about groups in bluegrass music, with three CD projects, solo recordings and chart topping songs, it has proven its longevity in a competitive market.

"I am very excited to be working with WILDFIRE.  Robert Hale has been one of the best vocalists in bluegrass music over the last 20 years and sounds better than ever on this new record," says Randall Deaton, President/Owner and Founder of Lonesome Day Records.

Stay tuned for more updates on CRASH COURSE IN THE BLUES via www.lonesomeday.com and www.wildfireband.com (new band website launching soon.)


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Record Label:
Lonesome Day Records
Randall Deaton
www.lonesomeday.com


Booking:
Philibuster Entertainment
Email:  philibuster1@yahoo.com
Phone:  865-607-6208
www.wildfireband.com (NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!)