Charlie Oakley & Blazin Grass are happy to announce the addition of banjoist, Travis Pool, to the band.
They have been performing for well over 20 years, and originate from Roxboro, NC. Blazin Grass has worked hard to keep the traditional bluegrass sound alive and take pride in doing so. The band consists of Charlie “Buck” Oakley on bass, Johnny Ridge on fiddle, Glenn Waller on guitar, Tim Peade on mandolin, with an occasional fill-in by former band member, Brian Aldridge, and his son Carson, and now Pool on banjo.
Travis hails from South Boston, VA and has previously performed with the band, Blue Drive. His initial interest in the banjo did not stem from a passion for bluegrass music; however, his father, Darryl Pool’s, enthusiasm for the genre exposed Travis to it early on. He has participated in picking sessions at John Henry Smith and Lawrence Smith’s mechanic shop in Red Bank, Virgilina, as well as “The Barn” in Alton, Virginia—owned by Kenneth Reaves—and to an old store near Christie Road in Virgilina, owned by James Comer. His early influences included Earl Scruggs, Joe Mullins, J.D. Crowe, and Ralph Stanley.
Cliff Smith of the late Hagar’s Mountain Boys served as an important mentor, offering guidance and patience throughout his development. Eventually, he began performing with local bands at various events and venues. Doug Moore of Chase City, Virginia played a pivotal role in encouraging him to participate in band performances.
Travis shared of his banjo journey…
“As I matured musically, my influences expanded to include Blue Moon Rising, Blue Highway, Lou Reid & Carolina, Junior Sisk and Ramblers’ Choice, The Traditional Grass, The Johnson Mountain Boys, The Bass Mountain Boys, The Boxcars, and the Del McCoury Band. The banjo players from these groups have shaped my understanding of the instrument’s sound and artistry.
Although I have paused playing several times, six years ago I recommitted to refining my technique with Blue Drive. Doing this has allowed me to continue defining my musical direction with respect to timing, taste and tone. Inspirational banjo players from then, to the present include: Jim Mills, Earl Scruggs, Jason Davis, Justin Jenkins, Ron Stewart, Cody Looper, J.D. Crowe, Terry Baucom, and Rob McCoury. I love hearing everything these men do with a banjo.
Currently, I play a 1960 Gibson TB-100 equipped with a Donald Bryant skirt-less tone ring and a ’95 Gibson RB-3 five-string neck. Donald Bryant assembled this instrument, which my brother acquired in a trade. Classified as a ‘parts banjo,’ its strong tone led me to keep begging my brother to let me play it, and after a few years, he ultimately gifted it to me for my 34th birthday. This banjo is infinitely more capable than me as a player, and I cannot thank him enough for being so supportive of my musical journey.
I owe all credit to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for giving me the talent and strength to play the music that we all enjoy. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all individuals referenced in this article for their contributions to my development. The dedication involved in participating in bands can be demanding, and often entails considerable personal sacrifices in order to remain involved in our shared passion.”
Charlie Oakley & Blazin Grass can be seen every second Thursday of the month through May at 7:00 p.m. at La Piazza Restaurant in uptown Roxboro, NC, and will be performing this year at various festivals in North Carolina and Virginia.
Visit their Facebook page to see where you can find them next!
