"Besides being an avid and long-time fan of bluegrass music, I’m also a conscientious, and I think fairly knowledgeable, buyer of bluegrass talent—our California Bluegrass Association produces three major festivals each year and scores of concerts from the Oregon border down to Bakersfield.
"From our first exposure to Copper Canyon, we knew we’d found a winner… a band that could sell tickets and get 'butts in seats.' Copper Canyon isn’t what I’d call a traditional bluegrass band… but I wouldn’t exactly call them 'progressive' either. Their music has the kind of honesty and truth you expect in the traditional genre, but it’s also got a freshness and currency that surprises and delights. Original, understated songs about real people and the real feelings people have; instrumental virtuosity that keeps you virtually pinned to the back of your seat; and a friendly, almost graceful stage presence that makes audiences feel at home from the moment they sit down till the last encore—these are the reasons why the CBA has booked Copper Canyon into all three of its Festivals this year.
"They’re a good buy, and they deliver."
Rick
Cornish
Chairman of the Board
California Bluegrass Association
"It is my privilege to have an opportunity to write this letter of
reference about this great up and coming band, Rick Jamison & Copper
Canyon. Rick Jamison and Copper Canyon was one of four 'Emerging Artist'
bands to perform at our 2003 'Bluegrassin' in the Foothills' music festival.
"I will state that the competition was extremely solid, with the judges having to base the scores on a variety of categories: skill & ability, music mix, stage presentation, timing and overall entertainment. Rick Jamison and Copper Canyon won the competition and the 2003 award as "Emerging Artist of the Year." As the winner of the event, the band was invited back in 2004, performing two sets. This is where I feel the band's advancement has been extremely evident.
"Their quality of songwriting with the presentation of original music has grown substantially over the past year, as has the great balance of musicianship and the blend of band members with one another, which they demonstrated in their stage presentation, drawing the attention and respect of the audience. Their calm, yet dynamic approach to their stage presence and the array of music selection keeps the audience wanting more. This band, with their exceptional songwriting, is opening eyes throughout the West Coast.
"Their professionalism and approach to success is very refreshing and dealing with Rick Jamison in this manner is a very strong attribute. He has demonstrated his willingness to work out details. Any promoter or event producer can rely on this band to perform and capture the audience with the highest quality of entertainment.
"If you are looking to enhance your event and establish yourself as having a quality band, I strongly recommend hiring this band for your event."
Larry
Baker
L & S Promotions
"Bluegrassin' in the Foothills" Festival
"Rick Jamison and Copper Canyon represents a bright light for California
bluegrass. This exciting new band reflects its California roots in the
blend of the contemporary bluegrass songwriting and deep respect for tradition.
The harmonies are super tight and the instrumentation is rock solid. Songwriters
Jamison and Phil Cornish both bring highly personal perspectives on life
and our times with a distinctive west coast sensibility, laying down their
well-crafted lyrics over original state of the art bluegrass melodies.
The themes are down to earth and conveyed in an artful manner that draws
the listener in.
"Copper Canyon's performance is impressive in its professional quality while having a fun loving, comfortable informality. They dress well, look great and they are obviously having a great time sharing their music with a live audience. The presentation is warm, friendly with plenty of gentle humor. This is a band that really enjoys meeting folks with a shake howdy after the show.
"As a presenter of the Otter Opry I found the band to be eminently professional and a joy to work with. They arrived promptly for sound check and came with a work attitude. Our staff really enjoyed getting to know Copper Canyon."
Mark
Varner
Event Producer
Otter Opry