PERSONNEL
Personnel
JIM MULLER, Guitar and Lead Vocals
Jim was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Jim is the band's principal lead singer and songwriter. Jim's rich, distinctive lead vocals and offbeat humor have become one of the group's trademarks. A guitarist for over 40 years, he is also known for his polished flat-picking and rock-solid rhythm. Jim is also a respected staff-writer for Bluegrass Now Magazine (Rolla, MO). His regular feature onsound reinforcement, titled "Plugged In", has received a great deal of international attention.
SHARON HOROVITCH, Acoustic Bass and Harmony Vocals
Aggressive, creative and irrepressible, Sharon is known for her limber bass work, infectious smile and her tireless energy on stage and off. She also sings tenor and high-baritone harmonies. Sharon started playing bass while a grad student at MIT, and she never looked back. She also handles Southern Rail's booking and publicity. Sharon and Jim are co-founders of Southern Rail.
RICHARD STILLMAN, Banjo and Harmony Vocals
Rich has been playing bluegrass banjo for over 30 years. He has founded or been involved with of a number of influential bluegrass bands, and also has numerous studio recording credits with other New England folk artists. Rich was New Jersey banjo champion in 1983, as well as the 2002 and 2003 New England banjo champion. He is a six-time winner of the annual banjo contest held at Lowell, Massachusetts (1985-1995). Rich has been a regular on the faculty of Banjo Camp North, has taught bluegrass banjo classes for Boston Bluegrass Union, and is an adjunct faculty member of Tufts University.
JOHN TIBERT, Mandolin and Harmony Vocals
Hailing from Northboro, MA, John started playing guitar at age 14. But once he heard Dave Grisman on"Old and in the Way", his life was never the same. He's been addicted to bluegrass ever since. He's a prolific songwriter and also has taught mandolin for over a decade. John's mandolin playing is fluid, lyrical and from the heart, and his superb bass vocals are a powerful addition to the group's signature quartet harmonies.
Southern Rail members can be reached by email at SouthernRail.bluegrassband@gmail.com.