BB: Hello and welcome to my first interview with a new band in town called the: Wildwood Boys. I know you will welcome some of these “seasoned” musicians. It is always a pleasure to have folks share their musical beginnings. The band is led by Dave Batson who many of you already know as the bass player for the Bluegrass Missourians and will continue to be. Dave is branching out so he can play his banjo. Hope you enjoy this interview.
BB: How did you band get started?
WWB: My son, my nephew and I played in a rock band together for several years. When that band broke up, I came back home to bluegrass. To make a long story short, my son and my nephew wanted to learn bluegrass. We started getting together and jamming and pretty soon my neighbor from up the street and another old rocker started coming to the jamb.
BB: What type or style of music will you be playing? (traditional bluegrass or what?)
WWB: Most of our songs are based on the older traditional style. With exception of one song, our originals are done traditional style.
BB: What is the total number of years of experience of musicianship in the band?
WWB: About 275 years. I’ve been in bluegrass about a total of 18 years, the other guys about 2 years each.
BB: Who are the band members and what instruments do they play?
WWB: David Bullock – guitar, Nate Batson – mandolin, Tom Thiesen – fiddle, Chris Spriggs – bass and Dave Batson – banjo.
BB: What are the vocals? (who is lead, tenor, bass) or who sings harmony?
WWB: David, Nate and Dave Batson take turns singing lead. We also sing either tenor or baritone when not singing lead. Chris sings bass.
BB: Do you have any original songs that you sing?
WWB: Right now we have three; Ride The River, Stayin’ In Tune and Go To The Water. We also have a couple more in the works.
BB: Do the band have a particular bluegrass artist that they like? If so, who and why?
WWB: Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scrugs, Reno and Smiley. The old time, lonesome sound.
BB: Who is your primary audience? (in other words, what venues do you prefer to play?)
WWB: Any place that will listen and enjoy.
BB: What is the contact information for bookings? (telephone, email, or website).
WWB: For bookings or information contact; Dave Batson – 816-358-6025 ddljbat@sbcglobal.net
If you get a chance, make sure you contact them for some bookings. They have some really good family type harmonies. I am sure you will be very pleased!
Bill