Artistry is, at best, difficult to define. Such is the case for the music of one of San Diego’s premier acoustic string bands, Prairie Sky. Indeed, with roots firmly in bluegrass, this group of seasoned artists borrows from all musical genres, playing and singing tunes from 60’s era rock, to 30’s and 40’s swing, old-time string music from Ireland and the Americas, with some great original material thrown into the mix as well.
With such diverse interests and an abundance of talent, Prairie Sky’s sets are inventive and entertaining, being constructed with thought and engagingly presented. Whatever and wherever – they play, Prairie Sky demonstrates strong yet tasteful instrumental prowess in guitar, mandolin and fiddle, with unusually clear and beautiful two, three and four-part harmonies.
All said, Prairie Sky is a rare delight, as their motives for performing are clearly for the love of the music, with its members’ mutual joy and shared affection emanating from the stage to warmly infect all who are lucky enough to hear them.
Avery Ellisman – vocals, fiddle, mandolin; Dwight Worden – vocals, bass; Jeff Smith – vocals, guitar; Ramona Ault – vocals, guitar