Out of the tractor shed into the studio best describes Flattbroke. Three friends - Sheldon, Myron and Pat - were part of a local bluegrass band for several years, which broke up the fall of 2007. They continued to get together weekly to play and work on some original songs penned by Sheldon. It wasn't long before they realized to reform as a band the needed a banjo, lead guitar and additional vocals.

Through work association, Dale and BJ expressed interest in coming just to 'jam'. After the first night, the weekly two hour practice turned into jams which lasted into the wee hours of the morning. Everyone brought a little different style of music to the group and even songs some had never played before came together like the five had been playing together all their lives! Dale brought more original songs.

After getting together for only a few weeks, the group was asked to play for a benefit. Then the hard part came: coming up with a name! Many suggestions were written on the wall of the tractor shed where the group was practicing but nothing seemed to just fit. During one practice after playing a Lester Flatt tune, the discussion began again. The benefit was for a family that was broke due to medical bills and inability to work. So 'FlattBroke' was picked as the temporary name to have something to use in the advertisements. The name stuck and is the one used on the first CD recorded in the studio.

The friendship and love for all styles of music has enabled the group to develop a song list including old traditional, new bluegrass, gospel and original songs and instrumentals. They have also adapted some Bob Dylan classic rock and Kenny Chesney country to the 'FlattBroke' style.

The recording of 'Out of the Tractor Shed' was a very humbling experience, but allowed each member to see each other in a new way and how each person bring something very important to make the group successful. A special thanks to Mike Ketchum and Alex Hibbitts of Blue Ridge Recording in Luray for their patience, encouragement and direction.

Jim Almarode of High Ground, Pat Shipe of Flattbroke and Sammy Shelor of The Lonesome River Band

FlattBroke At Clementines in Harrisonburg VA, May 2011

 

Rick Altis and Jim Almarode from High Ground join FlattBroke on stage 7/29/2009

 

FlattBroke- Gypsy Hill Park- 2008

For more information on dates or bookings contact Pat at 540-886-8286 or via e-mail at flattbroke@mgwnet.com.

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