Those “patient fans” who had the pleasure to see the fabled Freight Hoppers perform from 1992 to the band’s lay-up will certainly know what a sight and sound it is to witness the infectious groove of fiddle and banjo combination driven by David Bass and Frank Lee. These guys set a new benchmark on the circuit back in the mid 90s. When the band took a rest, in 2002 when they last performed together, many wondered if that hallmark sound would be heard again.
Now, Lee and Bass are back and have brought in Isaac Deal on guitar and vocals and Bradley Adams on upright bass. With the two original members reunited and joined by Deal, whose ardent high lead and tenor voice holds the line and traverses the music’s authentic spirit and Adams on powerhouse bass, a string band has been created to rival the best that ever kicked up dust. During the 1990s, The Freight Hoppers became the most popular modern day old time music string band in the world. The Freight Hoppers recorded two critically acclaimed albums that climbed into the Top 20 of Billboard’s Americana music charts: “Where’d You Come From, Where’d You Go?” (1996) and “Waiting on the Gravy Train” (1998). They toured extensively in the U.S., Canada and Europe, appeared on Garrison Keillor's " A Prairie Home Companion,” and elevated the popularity of old time music all over the world. With performances at concerts and festivals and radio airplay, they shook up the music landscape and created a new audience of traditional music fans.
Their music turned people on and trail blazed the way for other successful string bands to follow their lead. The reshaped band will elaborate on their trademark sound by drawing upon their personal musical rapport to make a sonic hue that refracts their inspirations and love of Southern American, gospel, blues, punk and, folk music. A new album on Rounder Records is already in production and eagerly awaited.
