Nixon

Nixon, Blevins & Gage continue to entertain audiences with their presentation of the emerging genre of the acoustic trio. Loosely based in bluegrass, they bring to the audience the finger-picking, early country music popularized by Doc Watson and Merle Travis. They are a pioneer and a part of the emerging genre of acoustic trios as originated by Doc Watson and continued by such groups as the Kruger Brothers and Blue Country. This music combines folk, traditional, religious and country in an audience orientated presentation. Selections range from modern songs adapted to the style to true-to-form preservations of older songs. Since first appearing in 1995, they have continued to evolve with appearances in clubs and festivals including Merlefest in 2006. To date they have released four CD's. These releases have been critically acclaimed in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine and have received national airplay. Bluegrass Unlimited noted that in their first release, "Pick One For Me", the guitar playing was "seamless". Their second release, "Pick Another One, Son" was recommended by Bluegrass Unlimited to all aspiring pickers. Their most success (their "best seller") has been experienced with "Picking on Christmas", which was critically by the Raleigh News & Observer who noted that, "The juxtaposition of Nixon's finger-style playing with guitarist David Blevins' flat-picking results in an acoustic ambiance reminiscent of Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt and the late Etta Baker."