It is seven years since The Packway Handle Band exploded on to the US bluegrass scene from their base in Athens, Georgia.
Since then, their reputation has continued to grow and, in the intervening period they have shone at major events - and been finalists on three consecutive occasions at the prestigious Telluride event.
Now UK audiences will get a chance to see the band perform here for the first time early in the New Year.
Much of their appeal rests in an ability to bring a fresh vitality to the performance while honouring the past and handling rousing gospel in particular with an authentic firebrand understanding.
In the process, they have built a huge ìteens and twenties' fan base as well as keeping old-school aficionados happy.
The band is a solid and innovative bluegrass quintet with an appeal that, though rooted in tight three and four-part vocal harmonies and crisp playing, is bolstered by an impressive brand of original material and well-considered covers.
After releasing their debut album CHAFF HARVEST, in 2004, the South-eastern Bluegrass Association summed it up by noting: ìthis is not a recording for those who would like bluegrass to remain frozen in 1953.î
It was followed up in 2005 with the release of the album (SINNER) YOU BETTER GET READY, a storming collection one reviewer described as ìso hot it's close to spontaneous combustion!
Today, the five-piece is famed for white hot performances, and being tipped as a band with all the vitality and playing style to make a major breakthrough worldwide. That initial tight bonding took place when three of the band met as school friends in the late ë90s, discovered they had similar tastes in music and went on to start gigging together.
This will be a first-time visit to the UK for a headline appearance at Glasgowís big Celtic Connections Festival in January, followed by a string of other dates, with a brand new album - THE PACKWAY HANDLE BAND - to promote and several radio sessions to record.
Band members, Michael Paynter (mandolin/vocals), Josh Erwin (guitar/vocals), Tom Baker (banjo/vocals), Andrew Heaton (fiddle/vocals) and Zach McCoy (bass), have an established following in Europe and will continue to tour in Holland and Belgium after their UK shows.
Several commentators have picked up on Paynter's unusual mandolin style. He holds the instrument upside down and in the process, has become one of the most exciting players on the circuit.
Banjo man, Tom puts a lot of the bandís appeal down to the fact that the onstage and offstage chemistry is so good.
"There is nothing better than to have the feeling that you are all there together with the one aim - to make sure everyone (and that includes us) has the best possible time," he says.
We all grew up listening to great music, and all had similar tastes, so there's a basic instinct to create something we all feel proud of.
ìIf it turns out to be magical, you won't find a happier bunch of guys.
Website: www.packwayhandle.com
Wed Jan 30 Wallace Bennett Suite, Arts Guild Theatre, Campbell Street, Greenock, PA16 8AP. 8pm. Tickets (£12.50) from 01475 723038
Thurs Jan 31 The Regal Theatre, 24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 4PS. 7.30pm. Tickets (£12/£8 consc) from 01506 433634.
Sat Feb 2 The Tollbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1DE. 8pm. Tickets (£12/ £10 consc) from 01786 274000
Sun Feb 3 Jumpin Hot Club, The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 2PQ. 8pm. Tickets (£10) from 0191 2304474.
* Tour dates and publicity co-ordinated by the Brookfield-Knights agency and bloodygreatpr (www.brookfield-knights.com)
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