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The Missouri River Band is rooted deep in the traditional Bluegrass and Mountain music of the "first generation". Drawing influence from the many great acoustic musicians and singers, they attack each song with their own tasteful interpretations. A typical show will include tight harmonies, blistering solos, soulful gospel singing, a couple of hot fiddle tunes, and maybe even a little humor. MRB is a crowd favorite, as well as, the host band for the Back Forty Bluegrass Festival in Curryville, MO each August.
Greg began playing guitar and mandolin with friends during his college career. Together, under various names, they played bluegrass festivals in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He was constantly listening to classic bluegrass albums, as well as turning to newer bands and local bands alike for inspiration. As members began to focus on family and careers, the band quit booking festivals but continues to play casually on a regular basis
He later was asked to join the band Southwind on mandolin and vocals. For three years, Southwind played bluegrass festivals and churches around Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri and recorded two albums.
In 2004, Greg became a member of the band Arlington, led by Bruce Punches. This would mark the change from mandolin to guitar and afforded him the opportunity to travel to the states of Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas. For over a year he honed his skills as a guitar player and harmony singer with Arlington, but decided to take some time from playing when his third son was born.
Greg is now the guitar player for the Missouri River Band and is excited to be playing with some of the finest musicians the Midwest has to offer. He sings lead and harmony vocals and has written some of the band's original material.
Joe first picked up the mandolin at age 7 when his dad, Bob was learning the banjo. Soon Joe's mother, Sue decided to learn the bass. This led to formation of the Gateway Bluegrass band in1979.
During this time, Joe listened to recordings of Bill Monroe, the Stanley's, Flatt & Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, and many others to pick up everything he could about the music.
Joe eventually played with Bill Jones' BluegrassTravelers, Down The Road, and was an original founding member of Rhonda Vincent & the Rage in 1995. Other bands that have enjoyed Joe's instrumental and vocal talents have been Twin Rivers, The Bluegrass Five, Brightwater Junction (briefly), Cedar Hill in 2006, and Ironweed Bluegrass band.
Joe is now proud to be singing baritone, and playing
mandolin and fiddle with the Missouri River Band. He is considered to be one of the Midwest's premier mandolin players and is equally capable on guitar and fiddle. His instrumental work adds depth and drive to anything he plays and has helped to define the sound that the band has developed.
Alvin started playing banjo in his teen years, as he became the banjo player for his mom and dads bluegrass band in the late 70’s. He went on to play for several groups, Makin Dew, Step Sons of Bluegrass, Heavens Sent and His Song traveling throughout the Midwest for several years.
Alvin’s favorite banjo players are Earl Scruggs, J.D.Crowe and Tom Adams. You can tell by his traditional sound and attack that these influences have stayed close to him through the years.
After taking a long period of time off from playing music, Alvin is excited to join some of his favorite musicians and best friends to help make up the Missouri River Band. Alvin’s banjo and guitar playing helps define the sound of the group and from time to time he even gets to step up to the mic and sing a song or two.
Alvin is also the owner/operator of Morgan Music in Lebanon, Mo. The store stocks some of the finest acoustic instruments being made today. Stop by and let Alvin give you a tour and get your hands on some of the merchandise.
When Darrell was 12 years old, his mom bought him his first guitar. His first introduction to bluegrass music happened while farming with his Grandpa. He would listen to Doyle Lawson in the tractor cab while working the family farm.
His Grandpa & Grandma started taking him to area bluegrass festivals and as time went by he learned to play nearly all of the instruments that make up a bluegrass band. He bought his first mandolin when he was 14. Then, at age 16, he bought his first banjo.
After learning the banjo Darrell started playing with some friends in a family band called Shady Nook. Chris & Cristy Wheeler taught him a lot about timing and structure.
Darrells' love for bluegrass and family has been his biggest encouragement. Darrells Dad & Grandpa started their own bluegrass festival on the family farm near Curryville, Mo. The Back 40 Bluegrass festival has become one Missouri's most respected bluegrass festivals and is host to some of the finest nationally touring bands in the business.
After starting the festival, the Missouri River Band was formed as a host band and has now grown into what you see today. Although being fluent on all of the instruments, Darrell has settled in his role as bass player for the band, as well as, singing lead and harmony vocals. Darrell has also written some of the band's original songs.
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Greg Potter
Joe Wieneman
Alvin Deskins
Darrell Turnbull
Gerald Jones
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Gerald is one of the areas best bluegrass fiddlers for sure. He started out learning to play classical violin and quickly converted to Bluegrass when hearing the lonesome fiddle of Kenny Baker. Gerald's fiddle takes you back to the heyday of Bill Monroe and his bluegrass boys with every stroke of the bow.
Gerald has toured locally and nationally with a number of bands, most recently, The Men of the Week. Well known and respected among the bluegrass and old-time fiddling crowd alike, Gerald enjoys jamming until the wee hours of the morning and will often be found watching the sunrise before leaving a jam session. The Missouri River Band is proud to add Gerald to the band and we know you will enjoy everything that he has to offer to the band.
