BlueBilly Grit
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BlueBilly Grit’s definition of bluegrass is anything but ordinary. A North Georgia based band, Bluebilly Grit draws its inspiration and drive from all genres of music. You’ll hear lots of original tunes with their own unique style and sound, along with some traditional songs from artist like Bill Monroe or the Dillards, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Janis Joplin, and even some Alanis Morissette, all done BlueBilly style of course. While together as BlueBilly Grit for only a year, each member has their own musical background with many performances under their belt. This past year was spent playing venues in the southeast, gaining momentum, and getting some studio work done. Their new CD, "Mill Grinder’s Blues", was released on November 14th, 2009. Mark Garrison plays banjo, guitar, mandolin, and if you can talk him into it, some fiddle. Adam "Doc" Garrison keeps the beat on Doghouse bass, Matt Garrison plays the flattop like you’ve never heard it before, and Amber Garrison has a voice that...well, you just have to hear it. This high-energy band also has that three part family harmony that makes bluegrass what it is and will leave you with a new and fresh appreciation for a style of music that’s as old as the hills from which it came.
Mark Garrison was born with a passion to make music. From the time he entered his first talent show in third grade, got his dad to teach him to play guitar, and won, he has been hooked. Mark started his first band at the age of 14 and became a local talent. After graduating from high school he started a rock band and began playing the bar scene. This band included Lee Davis, who has since gone on to make quite a name for himself within the music world. Mark and Lee have remained close friends to this day. BlueBilly Grit is currently in the process of recording a CD at Lee Davis Studio to be released on Lee's record label, Rogue Records. Mark eventually became burned out with the bar scene and decided to move to Nashville to pursue a record deal. He spent nearly ten years in Nashville in which time he had a country group from England, Blue Rendevous, record one of his songs, "She'll Go Her Way, I'll Go Mine". The last five years in Nashville Mark landed a job working for Reba McEntire. Reba published three gospel songs Mark had written under her Starstruck Angel Publishing Co. and offered to shop a record deal for him. Marks' desire for success in the music business was losing it's appeal and Mark turned the offer down, decided to move back to Ga., and got out of music all together. He spent the next 13 years driving a truck and raising a family. During this time he developed a love for the purity of bluegrass music. He had been exposed to it and played it all his life, but never really fell in love with it, until his wife gave him a banjo one year for Christmas. The rest as they say, is history.
Adam "Doc" Garrison, the Bass Player, has been playing bass guitar for over 20 years. Picking up the Stand-up Bass a few years ago, he hasn't looked back since. Adam graduated from Jefferson High School, "Home of the Dragons" in Jefferson, Georgia, playing saxophone and snare drum in the highschool band. He also had the opportunity to be the school's drum major. During his early career he played with his family at many community organized events. After high school Adam became a Paramedic, where he worked in his hometown for 15 years. He then decided to change his career path and become a policeman. The tragedy of 911 occurred shortly thereafter. After his decision to join the Navy, he spent a 10 month stint at Al Asad, Iraq. He now remains a Navy Corpsman as a reservist and currently works as a Police/Medic for the Braselton Police Dept., in Braselton, Ga. Adam, has been married for 17 years and has two boys. His wife and kids have constantly stood by him and supported him. He enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing and of course, Pickin! Adam believes that BlueBilly Grit is a group of family and friends, who are "drawn together by strong original materials and by a chemistry like no other".
Amber Garrison-"the girl with the beautiful face and the beautiful voice" has been performing since the age of three at county fairs, churches, coffee houses, competitions, and many other venues. She has also been involved with community theater allowing her the opportunity to act and sing. She has written several songs, one of which is due to be on the band's upcoming CD. Amber's love for music is the force that drives her. Her musical repertoire spans all genre's and is evident in the way she performs. With her unique voice and style she brings a sound to BlueBilly Grit that is like no other bluegrass singer, blending with Mark and Matt to create that pure, perfect three part harmony.
Matt Garrison -Though only eighteen years old, has had recording and live careers consecutively with two other Northeast Georgia alternative rock acts prior to joining Bluebilly Grit . His guitar playing is often noted with giving the band a more eclectic sound, containing not only elements of traditional Bluegrass and Americana but also that of Indie rock and raw-style blues. Matt is a self taught guitarist and has written a number of his own original tunes. Matt currently resides in Athens, Ga.
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