Musical Style and Sound
The band seeks to remain "true to the traditional sounds of the great bluegrass bands of the 1940s and '50s", while also performing and recording original songs by their prolific songwriter, lead singer Mike Andes. Classic bluegrass material draws from Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, the Country Gentlemen, and the Seldom Scene; but song selection ranges from original material to gospel classics to covers of pop artists such as Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
In live performance Nothin' Fancy has been noted for its strong vocals, five-part arrangements, and its high-energy shows well-seasoned with humor. The quintet gathers around one microphone, employing a shell-game choreography for solos and back-up which keeps the show visually active as well as aurally pleasing. Andes' clear singing style is attributed to the unique stylings of Charlie Waller, whose earthy bass-baritone voice sang with clear enunciation. Farris sings a bold tenor harmony remarkable for its projection; his powerful delivery has been likened to the late John Duffey of the Seldom Scene. Shorter occasionally sings baritone harmonies an octave higher, while Davis lends a rumbly bass to the mix, especially on gospel songs.
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