Line-up
Jesse played the mandolin with a unique, self-invented "crosspicking"and "split-string" playing method, and Jim sang as a high tenor and played guitar. They played with their backing band, The Virginia Boys, consisting of five-string banjo, fiddle and bass. The Virginia Boys have included a who's who of famous musicians such as famed fiddler Vassar Clements, banjo great Allen Shelton, fiddle great Jimmy Buchanan, Carl Jackson, Glen Duncan, Jesse's oldest son, the late Keith McReynolds, Randall Franks and many more.
Since the death of brother Jim, Jesse has gone on with their famous Virginia Boys band. He has continued in the bluegrass music tradition and has added other genres of music to his repertoire. His present show includes Chuck Berry songs, and he has just completed a tribute to Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter (of the Grateful Dead) released October 5, 2010, on Woodstock Records. It features Jerry's friends David Nelson and Sandy Rothman, along with Stu Allen, of the present Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band. The album is titled: "Jesse McReynolds & Friends Tribute to Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter ~ Songs of the Grateful Dead."
Jesse's present band lineup includes Keith's son, Garrett McReynolds as tenor singer/rhythm guitarist. Garrett's older sister Amanda sings third part harmony. Sometimes Jesse grabs the historic fiddle his grandfather played on the Bristol Sessions, and lets grandson Luke McKnight do the crosspicking that Jesse invented & made famous. Rounding out the group is Travis Wetzel on fiddle and Gary Reece on banjo. This musical tradition continues on, entertaining fans all over the world.
Read more about this topic: Jim & Jesse