Biography

Southern Rail’s performances are high-energy exuberant fun, with riveting harmonies, irrepressible humor and sparkling banjo, guitar and mandolin solo work. The group’s reverence for the traditional shines throughout their live concerts and recordings, and is reflected in their prolific songwriting.

Southern Rail's past recordings climbed to #11 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s Top Thirty Single’s Chart, and hit #1 on a number of radio stations across the nation. Their songs have graced Bluegrass Unlimited's Top Thirty Singles Chart for a combined total of 32 months. One of Southern Rail’s earlier CD’s, a special Bluegrass Gospel compilation entitled Glory Train, was nominated for Best Gospel Recording of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Southern Rail has been selected by the New England Foundation for the Arts to be included in their prestigious Touring Roster.

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PAST REVIEWS:

“Beautiful quartet singing....a pure winner.” SPGMA’s Bluegrass Music News

“The vocal harmonies are exquisite and the musicianship is impeccable.” Radio Star, Ireland

“Beautiful and creative arrangements, emotionally knife-edged”. Twangin' Country Magazine, CA

“Simply outstanding!” Cybergrass

“First rate bluegrass...precise harmonies, sharp instrumental work, soaring and lush.“ Boston Herald

“One of the most significant groups in contemporary bluegrass..the cutting edge of creativity.” Bluegrass Unlimited

“The best Gospel I’ve ever heard!” WXCF, Clifton Forge, VA


DISCOGRAPHY

Looking for the Lighthouse - Track Records, 1987
HOME - Track Records, 1989
DRIVE BY NIGHT - Turquoise Records, 1991
ROADWORK - Turquoise Records, 1992
CAROLINA LIGHTNING - Turquoise Records, 1993
GLORY TRAIN (All-Gospel.) -Pinecastle, 1995.
- Finalist for IBMA Gospel Recording of the Year.
WASTING MY TIME - Pinecastle Records 1998
COAL TATTOO - Railway Records 2002
THE EARLY YEARS - Railway Records 2007
LIVE AT THE LINDEN TREE - Railway Records 2008
ON THE ROAD FROM APPOMATTOX -Railway Records 2009
SATURDAY NIGHT (DVD) - Railway Records 2013
VOICES IN THE WIND - Railway Records 2013

PERSONNEL

JIM MULLER (Richmond, VA. Resides in Waltham, MA) Guitar & Lead Vocals.
A guitarist for over 30 years, Jim is known for his polished flat-picking and rock-solid rythm. He is the band’s principal lead singer, as well as being a talented songwriter whose songs have been performed and recorded by many national artists. In addition to his powerful guitar work and prolific songwriting, Jim’s rich, distinctive lead vocals and offbeat humor have become the group's trademarks. “One of the most distinctive voices in Bluegrass today. It is the type of voice from which bluegrass legends have been made." Bluegrass Now, Rolla, MO. "Muller's guitar work is the genuine article." Bluegrass Unlimited, Broad Run, VA. Jim is also a respected staff-writer for Bluegrass Now Magazine (Rolla, MO). His regular feature on sound reinforcement, entitled “Plugged In”, has received a great deal of international attention.

SHARON HOROVITCH (Montreal, Quebec. Resides in Waltham, MA) Acoustic Bass and Harmony Vocals.
Aggressive, creative and irrepressible, Sharon is known for her infectious energy, her limber bass work, and an explosive double-slap. "Brisk double-slap and sweet harmonies." Dirty Linen Magazine, Baltimore, MD. "Marvelously upbeat!" Worcester Telegram, MA. Sharon and Jim are co-founders of Southern Rail & reside in Massachusetts.

RICH STILLMAN (New Jersey. Resides in Massachusetts) Banjo and Harmony Vocals.
A 30 year veteran of the banjo, Rich has extensive performing and recording experience with a variety of national bluegrass acts, including a stint with Southern Rail from ‘85-’89. Rich has multiple banjo championships to his credit (New Jersey champion 1983, New England champion in 2002 and 2003), as well as extensive teaching experience (Banjo Camp North, Boston Bluegrass Union, Phillips Academy in Andover, MA)

JOHN TIBERT, (Northboro, MA) Mandolin, Harmony and Lead vocals.
John’s a prolific songwriter and has taught mandolin for over a decade. His mandolin playing is fluid, lyrical and from the heart, and his superb bass vocals are a powerful addition to the group's signature quartet harmonies.


CONTACT:
E-mail: bluegrass@SouthernRail.com