July 20-21-22, 2001

FESTIVAL

The High Atmosphere Bluegrass Band brings a lot of energy and the best in bluegrass gospel from the Colorado high country - music with an altitude! Bluegrass and traditional music is steeped in the gospel music tradition including favorite hymns, songs, and spirituals. The band specializes in this uplifting and positive music style featuring close vocal harmonies. High Atmosphere is a group of friends with a common goal: to express faith and provide encouragement through bluegrass music.

Stan Campbell is the bass player and provides a lot of the lead vocals with his warm, distinctive voice. Stan is a Texas native who played full time in folk and country bands for a few years after high school. He "was there" during the "Armadillo World Headquarters" heyday in Austin. Stan is also an excellent guitar player and is invaluable in working up musical arrangements.

Dave Gleason is a fine musician who plays outstanding lead guitar and mandolin. Dave is originally from Wisconsin and started playing guitar in his Dad's country band as a 12 year old. He started a rock and roll band in High School and played all over the State. In later years, Dave was in demand as a guitar plyer for some of the best country bands in California. Dave provides baritone harmony vocals in the band.

Paul Danley sings lead vocals and tenor harmony. Like Stan, he is also originally from Texas, having spent his formative first six months in Abilene. Paul is a "preacher's kid" and was influenced by good four part harmony singing from early on. Paul has written some of the band's material, and enjoys arranging old hymns and songs for Colorado bluegrass! He plays rhythm guitar and mandolin in the band.

Fred Martin is grateful to have been raised in a Christian home and church where he learned to appreciate gospel music and harmony singing. He first heard the ringing sound of the banjo at a performance as a college student in his native Pennsylvania. He was instantly hooked and in his words, he's "been a song short ever since!" We're glad, because he's now one of the finest banjo players around. He gracefully receives all the banjo jokes and also rounds out the quartet with his bass vocals.

The band has been enthusiastically received playing festivals, churches, retreats, fundraisers, and community events.

Charlie Hall, of the Black Rose Acoustic Quintet, says, "The High Atomsphere Bluegrass Band brings the Gospel alive through their music! Great harmonies and fine picking, these guys have a great time on stage, and so does their audience. Always entertaining!"