Live Performance Video
Reviews
"McLains have mastered their art... immaculately produced outing... its chief distinguishing feature is virtuosity... a classy, top shelf professional release from two supreme stylists in the genre... a great deal of timing and years of playing that goes into making music this challenging sound so effortless."
- Gashouse Radio
"acoustic guitar work, once again, is sparkling."
- Skope Magazine
"may just be the perfect Bluegrass album… downright moving in its display of the band's prolific talent."
- Roughstock Magazine
“textbook bluegrass, page one, and delivered with the gusto that defines the best the genre has to offer.”
- Band Blurb
“Throughout the album, Jennifer McLain’s crystal-clear vocals (sometimes joyous, sometimes plaintive, always truthful) are wed to Michael McLain’s incredibly skillful musicianship. It is a relationship that creates just the right atmosphere to showcase each of the twelve tracks.”
- Parcbench.live
“quite a satisfying work of musical art.”
- Vents Magazine
New CD
The McLain’s new recording project, Hit The Road And Go, was released on their label, Big Pick Productions. The project showcases their music described as “upbeat and bluesy – that is polished, but with the energy of rockabilly (Johnny Cash meets Dolly Parton).” Although progressive in this sense, Roots Music Report classified the project as “traditional bluegrass,” and Band Blurb states, “Hit the Road and Go is a completely professional and thoroughly artistic experience capable of entertaining longtime fans of the genre and newcomers alike.”
The project has been extremely well received! In its first week of release, Hit The Road And Go was the #1 Album of all genres on Airplay Direct. Also, the opening track, “This Old Heart (Is Gonna Rise Again)” reached #9 on the Roots Music Report chart of traditional bluegrass singles.
- Hear the project: www.banjocats.com/music-store
- CD Artwork & Credits: www.banjocats.com/new-cd
Bio
Based in Nashville for 30 years, husband and wife, Michael and Jennifer McLain both grew up in musical families, are both banjo players, and have been playing together since their first date. Their music is a fresh blend of "Jennifer's sweet and pure, even angelic voice” and Michael’s “incredibly skillful” musicianship. Together they have performed in 32 states from New York to California, Canada, and have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, CMA's Fan Fair, West Point’s Eisenhower Hall, Kentucky Educational Television, Iowa Public Television, TNN, CMT, NPR, and the PBS show, Song of the Mountains, which airs on over 180 Public Television outlets across the United States.
2012-2025 have been incredible years for us! We were featured on NPR, PBS, RFD, WSM, and toured the U.S. with shows in 32 states: AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MN, MS, NC, ND, NY, OH, PA SC, TN, VA and WV. We were honored to headline concerts and festivals in Minot, ND, Boca Grande, FL, Reading, PA, Lafayette, LA, Lutsen, MN, and even had the opportunity to back Justin Rivers (from “The Voice”) at a show in Bowling Green, KY!
The McLain’s also provided live music for over 50 corporate clients (U-Haul, Subway, John Hancock, Library of Congress, Hanel Storage, Boy Scouts of America, Lifepoint Hospitals) and 5 major universities. The band was featured on the PBS show, Song of the Mountains. The show is taped at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA in front a live audience. It airs on over 180 Public Television outlets across the United States.
- Click here for more bio information about the band
Click to Download
Michael and Jennifer w/ Banjos - Bright Color - Live
Michael - Color - w/ guitar
Michael and Jennifer - Color - w/ banjos