EDITORS’ AWARD FOR BEST SUPPORTING BAND

December 4, 2008

On Friday, November 21, 2008, an award presentation was held at Grand Country Music Hall where every Friday at 11:00PM a live radio show called Branson Country USA is “ON THE AIR.”

Hosts Mike Patrick and Jamie Haage introduced Chad Ray who then presented the Editors’ Award for Best Supporting Band to the Grand Band which includes the following members:

Danny Yancey (Steel, Banjo, Rhythm guitar & Music director)
Matt Hanshaw (Lead and flattop guitar)
Robbie Blackwood (Drums)
Larry Allred (Electric and upright bass)
Wayne Massengale (Fiddle, Mandolin, & Rhythm guitar)
Michael W. Davis (Piano, Keyboard, All vocal arrangements)

Before presenting the award, Chad read the following editor quotes:

“These guys can do it all; classic & new country, bluegrass, rock, pop, gospel, and more. From the driving rhythms that keep your toes tapping to the smooth, mellow sounds of a lonely steel guitar or fiddle, the musicians of the Grand Band are experts in their art and they blend together to produce the sweetest music around the Ozarks.

Award winning Danny Yancey is the music director and expertly plays the pedal steel, banjo, and rhythm guitar. Danny is endorsed by the Gibson Banjo Company and in this show you can see why.

Matt Hanshaw plays lead guitar with a vengeance and he does some flattop picking in the bluegrass segment that the audience just can’t watch fast enough.

Robbie Blackwood lives behind his drums; he plays 3 shows a day at the Grand Country Music Hall, and then again on the live Branson Country USA radio show on Friday nights. He is fun to watch as his solid driving beat is precise, moving, and colorful with the occasional twirling drumsticks.

Larry Allred’s light-hearted personality would make you think he doesn’t take his musicianship seriously. Wrong. Larry is very serious about his bass playing. He is as much into the tempo of the music as the drummer and if you watch closely, you can see him coordinate with the others by eye contact and body gestures.

Wayne Massengale is a master on the fiddle and a veteran entertainer and gets the crowd into his music every time he is featured. Not only is Wayne expert on the fiddle for bluegrass and country numbers, he also provides the smooth violin sound for more classical songs

The piano/keyboard sounds come from Michael W. Davis. When you watch him play the piano you immediately see, as well as hear, the musical talent. He is all over that keyboard like he was born with it. Bob Cort, Editor”

“Collectively, they are aptly-named, because they ARE the Grand(est) Band in Branson. When you hear them, you just need to grab ahold and hang on for the ride, because they know their music. They can play anything and everything from mega-speed hand-clapping, foot-stomping numbers (like the fastest version of "Orange Blossom Special") to the slower-tempo rhythmic songs, from rock & roll to ballads.

Each member is an integral part of this band. Wayne Massengale is one of the best, if not the best, fiddle player I've ever heard. He sets the place afire whenever he plays (like in, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”). The steel guitar player (Danny Yancey) is also amazing!

They all do a supreme job, whether they are backing New South (and other vocalists) or whether they get to take the spotlight. As I said, they KNOW their music and they KNOW how to deliver it! Kathy Bennett, Editor”

Larry Allred accepted the award on the band’s behalf. Jamie Haage thanked the Editors at Branson Critic for the award and stated what a well-deserved and incredible honor it was for each member of the band.

The show continued with amazing performances by guests Jackie Brown, New South Quartet, Stephanie McKinney, and Tony Roi (from Tony Roi & the Elvis Experience Show). Some comedic fun was also thrown into the mix as Trey Wilson, too, appeared as Elvis, while the cloggers were brought onstage - quite a combination that had everyone in stitches!

Branson Country USA is always fun and exciting as they feature incredibly talented guests from various Branson area shows. Branson Critic was excited to have made a little history of its own by having one of our awards presented while “ON THE AIR” during Branson Country USA! Thank you Mike, Jamie, and the members of Grand Band for making it possible!!

Be sure and catch the fabulous Grand Band performing year round with the Grand Jubilee Show at the Grand Country Music Hall!

Sandi McKim, Editor