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2005: What a Year for the Greencards

A year ago the Greencards were an obscure Austin-based trio comprised of a Brit and two Aussies (thus the band's name) trying to make a name for themselves in the distinctly American world of bluegrass. Now - one year later - the Greencards have emerged as one of the hottest and most promising acts in bluegrass music. Consisting of South London native Eamon McLoughlin and Australians Carol Young and Kym Warner, the Greencards possess an infectious sound which is newgrass with enough traditional elements to appeal to Bill Monroe fans.  (The band routinely covers Monroe's "Walls of Time" in concert.)   

The busy year for the band began in January when their new record label Dualtone released the band's debut CD Movin' On.  The CD had been recorded and released by the band on its own prior to signing with Dualtone.  With the support of their new label, Movin' On garnered airplay on bluegrass and Americana radio around the country. Featuring songs such as "Life's A Freeway" and the title track, Movin' On was one of the strongest releases in bluegrass in 2005.

Springtime saw the band make appearances at two of the country's premier Americana festivals - the SXSW Festival followed by Merlefest. A couple of months later, the band found itself opening for Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan during their summer US tour.  On June 28, the Greencards released their second Dualtone CD of 2005 entitled Weather and Water. Once again, the band produced another solid effort which was every bit as compelling as its debut release.  Stand out tracks from the CD include "Time" and "The Ghosts of Who We Were."  The band also received a nomination for Emerging Artist of the Year by the Americana Music Association. 

By August, the Greencards were opening for Aussie Kasey Chambers on a handful of dates around the US.  Joined on stage by Chambers' guitarist Rod McCormack, the band become a temporary foursome for the series of gigs. On August 12, Chambers and the Greencards stopped by WFPK's Live Lunch to record a few songs for the nationally syndicated radio show.  The band also appeared on the WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour to promote their 2005 releases.  An appearance on CMT's Studio 330 program provided another opportunity for the band to feature its music before a wider country music audience.

By the end of the year, the band's fortunes had caused them re-locate from Austin to Nashville.  Unfortunately, the band experienced a traumatic end to their busy year.  On December 8, the tour van carrying the Greencards hit a patch of ice and rolled over while returning to Austin from a gig in Bryan, Texas. Fortunately, no one received serious injuries and the band completed its tour to close out the year. 

Apparently when everything is going your way, not even a serious traffic accident can stop the momentum.  Here's hoping the Greencards give bluegrass fans another year to remember in 2006.      

                  
(Jan. 8, 2006)