Mandolinist and singer Nick Dumas has been named as the newest member of Illinois’ long-standing traditional bluegrass band, Bluegrass Express.
This move was precipitated by the departure of the Hunt brothers from Oklahoma, Andrew on fiddle and Jonathan on banjo. They took their leave to focus attention on their own group, the Hunt Brothers Band.
As a result, Jacob Underwood, the youngest of three generations of Underwoods in Bluegrass Express, is now on banjo, with his grandfather, Gary Underwood on guitar, and his father, Greg Underwood on bass. With Nick on mandolin they will continue on as a four-piece band.
Dumas is an experienced bluegrass pro, having grown up in Brier, Washington watching three generations of his own family playing bluegrass together. As a teen he became proficient on fiddle, mandolin, and guitar, and singing both lead and harmony vocals. Before long Nick was co-founding Northern Departure, who made quite a mark on the northwestern bluegrass scene, and then as a co-founder as well with North Country Bluegrass.
Then in 2015, he made the move to the center of the country to take a job with Special Consensus, touring and recording with them for the next four years before pursuing a solo career with the assistance of Skyline Records.
Speaking jointly, the Underwoods say…
“Nick was our first call when we learned of the Hunts’ decision, as he had filled in with the band multiple times over the past few years. The schedule was a fit and we couldn’t be happier. We have been friends with Nick for some time, and he is a fantastic player and singer. We look forward to what he will add to the band’s sound. A new recording project is being planned for Bluegrass Express with Nick.
We are grateful for the many years of dedicated service, exceptional musicianship, wonderful fellowship, and great fun that Andrew and Jonathan contributed to the band. You will not find finer pickers nor finer gentleman anywhere.
We all remain great friends and you may still see the Hunts filling in with the group on occasion.”
Nick will continue to record and perform on his own as well as with the Underwoods.
Keep an eye on the Bluegrass Express schedule online to see when they might be playing near you.
