Biography

Michael Cleveland is one of the premier bluegrass fiddlers of his generation and, with nine International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Fiddle Player of the Year awards under his belt, he is one of the most celebrated fiddlers in the history of the music. Cleveland plays with so much fire, drive and virtuosity that audiences are often left shaking their heads in amazement. Together with his band Flamekeeper (four-time IBMA Instrumental Band of the Year Award winners) Cleveland delivers some of the most powerful, exciting and authentic bluegrass you can find.

ON DOWN THE LINE finds Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper hitting their stride as a band. This quintet has it all and, under the guiding hand of producer Jeff White (Vince Gill, The Chieftains), the band has never sounded better. Songs on the album range from the fiddle driven “Fiddlin’ Joe” to ripping version of Julian Lennon’s “Too Late for Goodbyes” propelled by Glenn Gibson’s banjo. Cleveland delivers a haunting solo fiddle version of “Jack of Diamonds” and a show-stopping version of “Orange Blossom Special.” Guitarist/vocalist Joshua Richards weighs in with the original “Johnny Thompson” and his tenor voice soars over “The Sunny Side of Town.” Rounding out the band are mandolinist/vocalist Nathan Livers and bassist/vocalist Tyler Griffith. Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper are important torchbearers for the bluegrass tradition and ON DOWN THE LINE will further their reputation as one of the most important bluegrass groups of our time.