Blue Velvet has been performing in the
Mid-West for almost three decades. The band plays a mixture
of traditional bluegrass as well as more modern arrangements.
The band prides itself on a solid sound as well as a professional
appearance.
The
Band Members
Wendy Smith has been playing Bluegrass Music since the 1950's.
Blue Velvet, based in Michigan, has been performing for
many years and has recorded several albums. Wendy's
solid mandolin rhythm helps keep everyone on time!
His distinctive tenor and lead vocals have become a familiar
part of the bluegrass scene. Wendy has written many
songs that have been recorded by top bluegrass artists.
His song "Carolyn, the Teenage Queen" which he
recorded in 1967, was re-recorded by the Lonesome River
Band in 1999 and became the #1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited
charts for several months.
Freddie Harris started playing guitar and mandolin
at the age of 13. As mandolin player, he has recorded
and performed with many top bluegrass groups, including
Jimmy Martin, Allen/Lilly Band, Vernon McIntyre, RFD Boys
and more. After taking several years off, he has returned
to the music scene and is excited about the new Blue Velvet!
His lead and tenor, combined with the driving rhythm, add
to the distinctive sound of the band. He has also
written several songs that will be featured on upcoming
recording projects.
Tim Ellis is the newest band member. He started playing
banjo at the age of 12 and has become a prominant part of
the local bluegrass scene. He performed with Jim and
Jesse McReynolds for several years, before returning to
Michigan. His hard driving banjo picking, as well
as his smooth vocals speak for themselves! Tim has
an instrumental project completed and is looking forward
to performing and recording with Blue Velvet.
Keith Jason and his rock solid bass help set the pace for everyone.
According to Keith, music has been in and around his life
since he was 10. He is an intricate part of the group
and offers his professional insight to the musical compositions.
Keith says, "I've spent many years slaving over a hot
turntable at various radio stations in Southeastern Michigan".
As a radio personality, he can be heard on the air from
10:00 am -- 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday at WSDS 1480.
Just click on our links page and listen in. Feel free
to make a request.
Matt Stoddard is the youngest member of Blue Velvet.
His fiddle playing adds the musical backup that rounds out
the Blue Velvet sound. Matt has learned from some
of the best fiddle players in the business and reflects
his dedication to the music in every song that he plays.
He also sings the bass part to round out the close four
part harmony. He has composed several instrumentals
and is planning an instrumental project in the near future.
With his addition to the group, the Blue Velvet sound is
complete.
To join our free monthly newsletter, never spam, only good
decent information about Bluegrass Music in Michigan, please
visit our newsletter signup page:
