Hickory Hill

Note from the band:     As some of you know, at the end of last year Don Eaves decided to retire from the band. Don, a founding member of the band, has and always will be a big part of Hickory Hill. We thank you Don for your friendship, loyalty and 30 years of making music from the heart.  You will be truly missed, partner!  Hickory Hill is still dedicated to making the music that we hope, is as special to all of you as it is to us.  With that said, we feel very honored and blessed to welcome our newest member of Hickory Hill -- Jake Jenkins!  Some of you will know Jake.  He played many years with Karl Shiflett and Big Country.  Jake is a great banjo and guitar player, singer and songwriter.  We look forward to what Jake will add to Hickory Hill's music and us adding "a little hickory smoke" to Jake's own great style.                                                   

            Celebrating their 30th anniversary in September, 2009, Hickory Hill has proven to be one of Texas' most popular and enduring acoustic groups. Hickory Hill includes John Early (guitar), Bob Stegall (bass), Wes Perry (mandolin) and Jake Jenkins (banjo). 

            Hickory Hill’s music is characterized by uniqueness. The website for Uncle Calvin’s, a renowned music venue in Dallas, described Hickory Hill as follows: “Garnering many awards and ‘Best Of’ titles, HHB infuses its own energetic originals with influences of rock & soul, old-time gospel sounds and progressive country, bringing an alluring diversity to their bluegrass based music. Their unique, smooth, laid-back sound, infectious humor and youthful verve blend with vocal harmonies, guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass & fiddle on tastefully arranged standards and lyrically astute, deeply spiritual originals.” 

            Hickory Hill has been recognized nationally over the years for its originality and the quality of its recordings.  In 1993, Hickory Hill was named "Band Of The Year" by the Arts and Entertainment Committee of East Texas, and in 1996 was selected for a showcase performance at the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual World of Bluegrass in Owensboro, Kentucky.  The group has served as host band for three well known Texas festivals, the Overton Bluegrass Music Festival, the Argyle Bluegrass Festival, and the new Texas Rose Horse Park Bluegrass Festival. 

            Hickory Hill’s eigth and most recent recording, Old School, was released in January, 2007.  It includes two original songs written by the band’s mandolinist Wes Perry, as well as the band's arrangement of  Steve Earle’s Pilgrim, and many fine traditional bluegrass tunes. 

            According to the Bluegrass Newsletter, "Selectivity and tasteful arrangement are characteristic of Hickory Hill's repertoire." Variety is an important ingredient in Hickory Hill's performances. The band emphasizes original material, seldom heard "gems", or songs adapted from other styles of music. Original and classic gospel songs are some of the band's favorites.      

      Hickory Hill has always been known for its warm personality and stage presence.  Lee Kelly of the Longview Morning Journal wrote "...Together, they forge a sound like a drink of cold spring water, guaranteed to clear your head and wash away the taste of ashes." Bob Claypool of the Houston Chronicle said "...The next time Hickory Hill is in your town, go see them, you'll love them."