tag:fasttrackband.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=2Latest News!2024-03-18T03:17:14-04:00Fast Track Bandfalsetag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/70231122022-06-30T22:00:00-04:002023-12-10T14:10:15-05:00Heartache and Trouble – Fast Track Posted on June 30, 2022 By John Curtis Goad<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/71f2a7db3f7384521bde27ccabd997bc8cee182b/original/285352475-440256488099776-219213134273637933-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />It’s a mark of a great album when you can listen to it straight through without wanting to skip any songs. But what about when you find yourself keeping it in the CD player for hours on end, pressing rewind over and over to hear your favorites, to listen once more to a note-perfect musical break, or to just better appreciate a cleverly written line? Because that’s what I did after receiving a copy of Fast Track’s latest album, Heartache and Trouble, filling a four-hour drive with well-written originals, fine traditional instrumentation, and fresh cuts of a few classic favorite songs. The album – the band’s third effort in as many years from Engelhardt Music Group – has quickly been added to my list of favorites for 2022.</p>
<p><a contents="READ MORE HERE...." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bluegrasstoday.com/heartache-and-trouble-fast-track/" target="_blank">READ MORE HERE....</a></p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/69526842022-04-15T10:00:00-04:002023-12-22T17:37:45-05:00"Heartache And Trouble" Drops For Fast Track<p><em><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/14013a071639f71eb9953776b27170a2292d86fd/original/singlecover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />NASHVILLE, TN</strong></em> - Engelhardt Music Group is announcing the release of a new single from traditional bluegrass music's favorite all-star collaboration of the past few years, Fast Track. This marks the second single from the band's forthcoming third project with the Engelhardt Music Group label. <br><br>"Heartache And Trouble" once again shows us that this group of experienced grassers leaves nothing on the table when they choose their material, step into the recording studio, or take the stage for their fans. An original tune, written by Gerald Evans, Duane Sparks' soulful lead vocal tell this story with purpose and conviction, complete with the signature tight harmonies and superb instrumental prowess we have all come to expect from Fast Track. </p>
<p>The fast-moving tune follows the journey of a young man growing up who knows nothing but "Heartache And Trouble" all his life, fitting one of the many standard bluegrass music themes to a tea. Produced by Glen Duncan & Adam Engelhardt, we get the same stellar sound, arrangement and ear-pleasing quality that the previous Fast Track recordings have provided. </p>
<p>The Fast Track members are: Dale Perry (banjo, bass vocals), Steve Day (fiddle, vocals), Ron Spears (bass, vocals), Duane Sparks (guitar, vocals), and Shayne Bartley (mandolin, vocals). </p>
<p>Radio programmers can download "Heartache And Trouble" on Airplay Direct, and it's available worldwide from all the popular online distributors. Be sure to stay on the Fast Track online and on social media for all updated band tour dates and music news.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">####</p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/69526852021-12-28T12:20:00-05:002023-12-10T14:17:14-05:00FAST TRACK WELCOMES 30 YEAR VETERAN SHAYNE BARTLEY TO THE BAND<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/420a8743930f7a14d62877037154778bbe4dfb30/original/untitled-design-15.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br>DECEMBER 28, 2021 <br>WILSON PICKINS PROMOTIONS <br>864.359.7999</strong></span> </p>
<p>NASHVILLE, TN - The members of Fast Track are proud to announce the addition of accomplished bluegrass veteran, Shayne Bartley to their blockbuster five-piece ensemble. Shayne will assume the mandolin duties as well as be an outstanding inclusion with his strong lead and harmony vocals. </p>
<p>“I'm honoured and excited to be asked to join Fast Track. I am looking forward to making great Bluegrass music with Dale, Steve, Ron, and Duane. It will be so much fun to see all of the fans and friends again!” -Shayne Bartley </p>
<p>Originally from Georgetown, Kentucky, Shayne has had an incredible 30+ year professional career so far and has shared the stage with some of bluegrass music’s most elite pickers and singers. Starting out as a teen performing on guitar with his older brother Rick’s band Newground, the younger Bartley went on to become a polished multi-instrumentalist and vocalist making him a sought after commodity in the industry. His highly esteemed resume displays his skills on banjo, mandolin, and guitar including stints with The Lost and Found, Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, American Drive, Southern Blend, The Charlie Sizemore Band, Dave Evans, Unlimited Tradition, Rarely Herd, David Peterson and 1946, The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, and the list goes on. </p>
<p>The Fast Track band rose quickly to the top of their game in the bluegrass music industry upon their initial formation back in the Fall of 2019. Immediately forming a solid label, publicity and booking team, they went directly into the studio and turned out two hit records with Engelhardt Music Group, their self titled debut, Fast Track, and Good News, an all Gospel release. They also have a newly released single, “Plain Old Country Boy,” currently receiving considerable airplay on bluegrass radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple songs from the previous releases still charting on various platforms. Engelhardt Music Group, of Nashville, TN, is looking forward to starting the next album recording with Fast Track very soon. </p>
<p>Despite the pandemic, the band was able to pull off an impressive touring schedule to date, travelling coast to coast in the last two years. This dynamic band continues to please their legions of dedicated fans with the unique brand of original, traditional bluegrass music that they bring to the stage, wrapped up in an energetic and entertaining show. They not only bring the music, but they bring personality, comedy, fun, and pure entertainment. </p>
<p>“Shayne is a great fit for Fast Track in so many ways. He is such a fantastic musician and singer, but beyond that, just a great guy, and will be fun to travel with! His musical style will melt right into the sound that we have all created for this band. We couldn’t be happier to have him on stage and in the studio with us going into 2022 and beyond.” -Fast Track </p>
<p>Look for Fast Track on their first, weekend tour coming up in mid-January, starting at The Down Home in Johnson City, TN on Thursday, Jan 13th, then over to Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music on Friday, Jan 14th, and finally on up to an already sold-out show, the BBQ & Bluegrass Fundraiser in McConnellsburg, PA on Sat Jan 15th. Stay tuned to all of their upcoming dates at FastTrackBand.com.</p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/68203012021-11-15T13:00:00-05:002023-12-10T14:10:15-05:00FAST TRACK NEW SINGLE "PLAIN OLD COUNTRY BOY" - November 15, 2021<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/59de3d5d5d930ee5e4f8cb3eaaa5d3ef64aebfe9/original/250160629-554845655879095-2972360066919118171-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />NASHVILLE, TN - Engelhardt Music Group is releasing "Plain Old Country Boy" the first single from Fast Track's next album (due out Early Spring 2022). </p>
<p>"Plain Old Country Boy", features the whole band in true Fast Track form. </p>
<p>Duane Sparks takes the lead vocals, with Ron Spears and Jesse Brock handling the harmonies. </p>
<p>Showcasing strong solos from Dale Perry, Jesse Brock, and Steve Day. </p>
<p>Written by Gerald Evans Jr, a former member of Traditional Grass and frontman of his own band until his passing in 2010. </p>
<p>Grab on tight for this tune. It will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Enjoy this great preview of what's to come for Fast Track in 2022! </p>
<p>"I chose "Plain Old Country Boy" because I've always loved the feel and drive the song has. The entertaining silly story it tells makes it a fun stage tune as well" - Duane Sparks (Fast Track) </p>
<p>Fast Track members are Dale Perry (banjo, bass vocals), Steve Day (fiddle, vocals), Ron Spears (bass, vocals), Jesse Brock (mandolin, vocals), and Duane Sparks (guitar, vocals). </p>
<p>Produced by Glen Duncan & Adam Engelhardt. </p>
<p>Radio DJs can find the single on AirPlay Direct.</p>
<p>The single, "Plain Old Country Boy", is now available everywhere. </p>
<p>For additional Fast Track media inquiries, please contact Melanie Wilson at wilsonpickins@gmail.com.</p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/64326432020-09-10T15:45:00-04:002023-12-10T14:10:15-05:00"Fast Track" REVIEWED BY SEVERIN THEINERT for Uncut Grass September 2020<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/2e77f52491ce6549e1339132d699ea31fbd2b3ee/original/fast-track-front-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />This is the long awaited debut album of the new bluegrass supergroup Fast Track. The members of this all-star extravaganza are Dale Perry (banjo), Steve Day (fiddle), Ron Spears (bass), Jesse D. Brock (mandolin) and Duane Sparks (guitar). And as you read these names you know for yourself that each and every band member is providing vocals. One could say that this band is mostly “David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition“ without David Parmley, which was pretty amazing already, but wouldn't tell half the story. The different members of “Fast Track“ have played with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Continental Divide, Larry Stephenson, Special Consensus, The James King Band, Ronnie Reno, Lonesome River Band, Gary Brewer, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Chris Jones and the Nightdrivers, Audie Blaylock and Redline, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers and more. And Ron Spears had his own outfit as a band leader some years back with “Ron Spears and Within Tradition“. These guys have all been around but they never have lost their love for the music.. And this is exactly what makes this record so special. This is not one star beside another on stage – this is a true band. A band with so much experience and respect, making the band leader unnecessary. </p>
<p>Like the members of the band, the song selection is exquisite. Three originals by Ron Spears and the title track instrumental by Dale Perry. These four tracks pretty much set the tone for what this band is all about. Hard-driving traditional bluegrass with a love for melody and harmony. We also get songs from the record written by Brink Brinkman, David Stewart and more. It's needless to say but there is not one song that isn't worth being on this record. </p>
<p>I’ll kick off by mentioning my favorites. Check out the opener “Blue And Lonesome Again“ written by Ron Spears. It boasts a great rhythm, awesome melody and harmony vocals, and has a bluesy kind of feeling. Next, the bluegrass cover of country tune, “Play Me A Song I Can Cry To,“ written by Jerry Chesnut and originally recorded by “The Killer,“ Jerry Lee Lewis. Another great cover song is the 1989 “(I Wish I Had) A Heart Of Stone,“ by Baillie & the Boys, turned into an up-tempo bluegrass hit. And the thought provoking, “Ghost Of A Miner,“ about the hard working Appalachian people during the mining days. There is something unconditionally uplifting like “Come On Down“ with one of the most beautiful mandolin breaks I've heard yet. The CD closes with another great song from 'Brink' Brinkman, arranged and recorded in a stripped down folky style with a pleasant and surprising ‘walloon’ banjo and mandolin melody line. </p>
<p>I think you can get the picture: This is one of the BEST BLUEGRASS RECORDS I have heard this year! I say this not only because of the wide ranged, brilliant song selection, or the absolutely remarkable musicians and singers. But also because of the most perceptive recording, engineered by Adam Engelhardt and Glen Duncan of Engelhardt Music Group. Let's just hope that these guys stick together for many years of live shows and records to come.</p>
<p><a contents="https://uncutgrass.world/cd-reviews" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://uncutgrass.world/cd-reviews" target="_blank">https://uncutgrass.world/cd-reviews</a></p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/62755052020-04-07T19:52:22-04:002024-03-18T03:17:14-04:00New Single Drops for Fast Track!<p><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/6f432c0c61d43adeb0210eaa5c17d2a03cc0d097/original/id-like-to-wander-back-fast-track-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />NASHVILLE, TN</em> - Fast Track along with their label, Engelhardt Music Group of Nashville, TN, officially announce their latest single being released to radio today. </p>
<p>The newest single, "I'd Like To Wander Back To The Old Home," is another original tune, penned by the band's bassist and also lead vocalist on the track, Ron Spears. Fans may remember this track as a first collaboration they received as a sneak peek of the group in a video that the band released upon first announcing their formation back in late November of 2019. </p>
<p>After first listening to the brand new track, Bob Mitchell, host of the popular radio show Best of Bluegrass, said, <em><strong>"This is Bluegrass the way I like it. Straight ahead and traditional. These boys do it right!" </strong></em></p>
<p>This tune clearly highlights the band's love and respect for the traditional sounds of the genre, again showcasing the highly skilled musicianship and vocals that veterans Ron Spears (bass), Dale Perry (banjo), Steve Day (fiddle), Duane Sparks (guitar) and Jesse Brock (mandolin), bring to the table as a band. Radio and it's listening audience will no doubt love this song for it's feel good, traditional vibe, and of course, the stellar group delivering it. </p>
<p>Upon signing with Engelhardt Music Group, the label that also represents stand out artists like, Ronnie Bowman, Tim Crouch, Chris Roberts and Eddie Sanders, the guys from Fast Track went straight into the SonyTree Studios on Music Row, with EMG executives Adam Engelhardt and Glen Duncan, to begin recording their debut album. This is their second single release from the forthcoming project, following "Blue And Lonesome Again," also written by Spears. </p>
<p>"I'd Like To Wander Back To The Old Home," from Fast Track, is now available on AirPlay Direct for download by radio programmers, and will be available worldwide for download on iTunes, and other popular download and streaming platforms later this month.</p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/60735602020-01-03T11:15:00-05:002024-03-13T06:13:02-04:00Fast Track Signs with Engelhardt Music Group in Nashville<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/9192cd2c5a28b819321fd482576fbd7c7efe0e79/original/fasttrack-emg-signing-bandw.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qOzsPfu84yM" width="560"></iframe></p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/59658792019-11-19T14:45:44-05:002023-12-10T14:23:27-05:00FAST TRACK to perform for the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour<p>Monday, November 25th, FAST TRACK will be making their official band debut on the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour stage for a live taping that airs Friday's and Wednesday’s on RFD-TV, and every Sunday at 7 and 8 PM on 650 AM WSM, the broadcast home of the Grand Ole Opry. WoodSongs is produced 44 Monday eveings out of a year. On the bill with FAST TRACK is noted fiddle virtuoso, Kyle Dillingham.</p>
<p>The live shows are hosted by folksinger, Michael Johnathon at the Lyric Theatre in Lexington, KY and you can get tickets and schedule online at <a contents="Woodsongs.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.woodsongs.com/" target="_blank">Woodsongs.com</a>.</p>
<p>We hope you can join us!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/9c744f7a605d11046c51149a8b2f91950871bac2/original/layout-1-11-25-19-1024x585.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/59658832019-11-18T14:50:00-05:002023-12-10T14:10:15-05:00FAST TRACK to Wilson Pickins Promotions<p>For Immediate Release <br>November 18, 2019 <br>Wilson Pickins Promotions</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/2006373dee63268cd6b3159ab44fca086037dd3c/original/ft-website-cover-2.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Nashville, TN - Wilson Pickins Promotions proudly announces the signing of the brand new bluegrass super group, Fast Track. </p>
<p>Fast Track is a band formed following the recent announcement of the retirement of long time Cardinal Tradition band leader, David Parmley. Three of the four members decided to form the band and sought out to fill the remaining spots, mandolin and guitar, seeking instrumentalists who were also strong vocalists. Wow, did that ever work in their favor. </p>
<p>The five members of Fast Track are not only all highly decorated in awards from the IBMA and SPBGMA organizations, but are also veteran players on the Grand Ole Opry stage, across the United States, up through Canada, and throughout Europe. Between all of the gentlemen, they have performed with, recorded on and participated in countless projects with bluegrass and country music royalty throughout their most impressive careers. </p>
<p>The Fast Track members are: Dale Perry (banjo, bass vocals), Steve Day (fiddle, vocals), Ron Spears (bass, vocals), Jesse Brock (mandolin, vocals), and Duane Sparks (guitar, vocals). The band already has a list of music compiled from favorite songwriters, as well as original music they have written, that they will be choosing from for a project that is set to start immediately, with an EP to be released after the first of the year. That highly anticipated release can not come to soon according to the overwhelming support and encouragement the band has already received from their fans in the bluegrass community. </p>
<p>"When we found out David was retiring, our first thought was that he deserved it and we were so happy for him. Our second thought? We aren't ready!!! And so....Fast Track was born. From our three advancing members, Dale Perry, Steve Day and Ron Spears, we were privileged enough to add two more veteran grassers to our band family, with Jesse Brock and Duane Sparks. Together we have created an incredible sound that we can't wait to share with all of you. We really enjoy playing music together and are focusing on original music arranged and performed in our own unique and traditional style. We look forward to seeing all of you on down the road and continuing to pick, grin and pick some more! <br>Thank you so kindly for your support!!" ~Fast Track </p>
<p>Wilson Pickins Promotions has been hired by the Fast Track band to handle all of their publicity and booking needs and looks forward to working with the guys. </p>
<p>"We have known and loved these guys for such a long time, musically and as friends. It is our privilege to work with each and every one of them and there's really no question that the show and the music will be outstanding with these five musicians together on a stage. I am so glad that we are ready to move forward now and all the pieces are in place, <br>it's going to be amazing!" ~Melanie Wilson </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Keep track of FAST TRACK on their website at fasttrackband.com or on Facebook and call Melanie at <br><a contents="Wilson Pickins Promotions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wilsonpickins.agency/" target="_blank">Wilson Pickins Promotions</a> to BOOK Fast Track for your stage for 2020-2021!</p>Fast Track Bandtag:fasttrackband.com,2005:Post/59607602019-11-14T15:57:56-05:002023-12-10T14:22:25-05:00STAY TUNED HERE FOR THE LATEST!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/408892/a9568f90d1f008bc8f6507e0efb140f399acd9c9/original/webimage-a2499e19-ece0-4c85-9dcd1ccf99fe075b.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Fast Track Band