Bio
Based in Nashville for over 20 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 27 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.
2012-2021 were incredible years for the band! They toured the U.S. with shows in 21 states: AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA and WV. Highlights include: HoustonFest 2016, Sounds of Dumont, Carter Family Memorial Center, the 36th Annual Fall Homecoming, 43rd Annual Lucketts Fair, Ozark Folklife Festival, Mountain Folk Festival, Mid-South BBQ Festival and even backing 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
New CD
The McLain’s brand 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
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
Click to Download
Band - Color - Alt 2
Black and White Band Photo
Michael and Jennifer w/ Banjos - Bright Color - Live
Michael - Color - w/ guitar