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Biography
The Moonshine Racers are a North Carolina based band which performs a self described style of music called "Prograssive-Y'allternative". The band has existed since early 2001, and in that time has played numerous festivals, clubs, weddings and other private events and functions. Members have shared the stage with such musical greats as Doc Watson, Moe, Acoustic Syndicate, The Larry Keel Experience, former Newgrass Revival member and dobro wizard Curtis Burch, the Gibson Brothers, David Allen Coe, Goose Creek Symphony, Darrell Scott, Guy Clark, and the Seldom Scene among many others.
The band draws on a variety of influences including bluegrass, classic country, jazz, blues, old-time, gospel, rock and roll and American roots music. The individual members of the band have almost 100 years of combined musical experience among them.
Cito Giulini
Lead guitarist and vocalist, combines his Latin upbringing (born in Caracas, Venezuela) and his classical guitar training to create a unique and compelling guitar style which can range from soft and subtle to towering and powerful. He is alumni of the popular North Carolina jam bands Liquid Sound and the Other People.
Tommy Rapé
Banjo player, is a native of the Charlotte area and began playing at an early age in school bands. He started on stringed instruments with guitar but soon found his affinity for the banjo and started developing the "hot as a firecracker" style he still uses today.
Fudd McKinney
Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist draws upon his Appalachian mountain heritage and love of bluegrass and roots music to write songs that reach back into the past but are also firmly planted in the present. McKinney's passion is educating himself and others about the many varied musical styles he loves.
Steve Keim
Bass player, from Charlotte has been playing live throughout the Carolinas for at least 20 years and provides a solid foundation for the rhythm section. Steve has played off and on with Fudd and Cito and was an original member of the Newcastle Boys
Matt Miller
Mandolinist, aka Shorty, has played in Charlotte and surrounding areas since 2001 as a member of Tater and Laughin'gravy. Matt started playing mandolin in 1995 and hasnt looked back since. His style emulates Sam Bush, Bill Monroe and David Grisman although his favorite influence is the Wizard himself, Mike Marshall. Other projects include Leisure McCorkle and Jerry and Ray and GC/DC
Other members
Rick Stapleton (who replaced original bass player Tim Conard in spring 2003 (Tim is still an occasional guest of the band), also received some of his earliest musical experiences in school band. Incidentally, Rick professionally repairs and maintains woodwind and brass instruments. His many years of experience with several different bands have solidified his fluid yet forceful bass style. In addition, his strong vocals add a whole new element to the band's sound.
Check out our live shows, check out the downloadable music on the site or contact any of us.
Press
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Bluegrass Unlimited [April 2006 Issue]
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HIGH COUNTRY NEWS by David Brewer August 2006 While there is no shortage of great pickers living and playing around the High Country, there also happens to be quite a few living off the mountain. One band that falls headlong into that category is Charlotte’s Moonshine Racers. |
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MOONSHINE RACERS The Moonshine Racers just may be one of the South’s “oldest, new bands.”Between the four members of the Charlotte, North Carolina-based band, they have more than 100 years of performing and recording experience between them.Lead guitarist Cito Guilini spent the late 80’s and most of the 90’s with Charlotte’s Other People (remember the “Be Kind to Other People” stickers?), as well as his own project Liquid Sound.Singer, songwriter and guitarist Scott “Fudd” McKinney performed with the Southern jam band Residew in the early 90’s and with the Newcastle Boys.Banjoist Tommy Rape’ (pronounced rah-PAY) and bassist Rick Stapleton performed with numerous groups including Western North Carolina favorites The Woodies. The experience shows in the Moonshine Racers debut CD Skyline Motel.The band describes itself as “Prograssive-Y’allternative,” and the bluegrass influence is prominent.Tight, three-part vocal harmonies, tasteful and melodic guitar and banjo, and a guest appearance by longtime Doc Watson side-man Jack Lawrence underscore the bluegrass roots of the band. The traditional influence of Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and contemporary great Del McCoury can be heard in such songs as “Nothin’ but a Memory,” “Breakdown,” and banjo player Rape’s “Haley’s Ride.”But there is much more to the Moonshine Racers’ sound than just “pickin’ and grinnin’.”McKinney’s songwriting abilities are displayed in the CD’s opening track “November Rain” (and no, not the Axl variety) which features guitar and banjo harmonies..Giulini’s well-honed guitar skills are displayed on the harder edged acoustic rockers “Pain is Never Free” and “Hard to Say.”Jam band aficionados will be impressed with Giulini’s Latin feel and Garcia-influenced leads.The Moonshine Racers plan to hit the road in the summer and fall of 2006, but until then you can get a feel for their live sound with free downloads from the band’s website.A follow-up CD is planned for late ’06 or early ’07. This is one “old, new band” that will be worth waiting on,
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Rating: three and 1/2 out of four stars Charlotte's Moonshine Racers kick off their debut album, "Skyline Motel," with the catchy "November Rain," which quickly gets stuck in your head. It's not a cover of the Guns N’ Roses song of the same name, though. With nimble picking that serves an almost vocal role, and a memorable chorus, their "rain" is less dramatic and more organic than the old version. With front man/vocalist McKinney's relaxed storytelling, the group's restrained harmonies and subtle, layered banjo, guitar, and mandolin picking, this local bluegrass outfit brings pop, classical and jazz sensibilities to his traditional Carolina template. Instrumental runs by Venezuelan-born guitarist mandolin player Cito Giulini bring a Latin element to the mix. He, McKinney, and banjo player Tommy Rape provide fitting solos that manage to impress without being showy. The group describes its sound as “prograssive y'allternative.” It's a fitting term considering the sound combines the inventiveness of new newgrassers like Bela Fleck and Sam Bush with a quiet, chamber rock gentleness and the blue-collar realness of classic bands like the Eagles.
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By “GTR” Levin I like to think of myself as an open minded listener, but even I find most bluegrass rather grating after too long. The Moonshine Racers changed things up enough to keep the record interesting, and when the record was over, I had no hesitation to pressing play and starting the journey all over again. However, as with most DIY debut albums, I found the overall performance a little flat and one-dimensional; especially after hearing the live recordings on their website. Their live performances have a punch and fire that is not as apparent on Skyline Motel. Nonetheless, Skyline Motel is a fine debut, and after a glimpse into the world of “progressive Y-allternative,” I think I want some more. |
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Woody Mitchell You don't get much rootsier than this Charlotte crew. Drawing on old-
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North Carolina's Moonshine Racers call their music "prograssive-y'allternative," and this compact disc is an ideal showcase for the compositions of bandmember Scott (Fudd) McKinney. The band's contemporary style reflects a multitude of influences ranging from bluegrass and country to jazz and rock-n-roll. A few of the more compelling tracks are "Hobo's Prayer," "Pain Is Never Free," and "Nothing But A Memory." Anyone who enjoys the progressive side of bluegrass will find much to savor from the Moonshine Racers. (Moonshine Racers, 6700 Orr Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213, www.moonshineracers.com.)
