"These are musicians of dynamic imagination and massive musical talent. However, the music on their album feels as comfortable as a pair of long-worn leather slippers. A fascinating debut." - Tom Clarke, Elmore Magazine
"With George Clement’s soothing vocals leading the way, The Lonely Heartstring Band achieves one of the highest callings of music’s true purpose.” - Gregory Victor, Parcbench
"Original, effusive songs compose the bulk of the album, words bursting forth in staccatos of whimsy and rhyme." - Donald Teplyske, Lonesome Road Review
"We won’t know until December if The Lonely Heartstring Band will get a GRAMMY nomination for its engaging 2016 Rounder Records debut album, Deep Waters. But this fast-rising young quintet is the most notable bluegrass band to come out of Berklee well, maybe ever.” - George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune
"Masterful musicians that have carefully crafted a unique brand of bluegrass.” - Good Times
"One of the most talked-about young groups on the modern bluegrass scene.” - Vineyard Gazette
Nourished by deep roots in the expansive canon of traditional American music, The Lonely Heartstring Band embodies the modern American condition—an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future. George Clements (guitar, vocals) Patrick M'Gonigle (fiddle, vocals) Charles Clements (bass, vocals) Maddie Witler (mandolin) and Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) bring together their own musical styles to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts.
Combining soulful instrumental virtuosity with soaring three-part harmonies, their growing repertoire of original songs and compositions showcases not only their considerable talents, but a dedication to meaningful roots-conscious music.
Since their beginnings in 2012, The Lonely Heartstring Band has been on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down. With their 2015 IBMA Momentum Award and their 2016 release of their debut full-length album, Deep Waters, on Rounder Records, followed by their sophomore album, Smoke & Ashes in 2019, there is every reason to hope that they are at the front edge of a significant career.
Already they have generated a devoted following of music-lovers across North America, performing and headlining at major music festivals and historic venues from Western Canada to California, from Kentucky to New Hampshire. Whether it’s a festival stage, theatre, or intimate listening room, The Lonely Heartstring Band always delivers a dynamic, diverse, and heartfelt performance. Over the last three years of touring, the band has crafted shows that generate a genuine connection and bring crowds to their feet.
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"These guys are as close to the Real Deal as it is possible to get. They made my hair stand on end."
-Darol Anger, fiddler for Republic of Strings –Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music
"Topnotch instrumentation and a beautiful vocal blend are the cursory reasons to begin forming an allegiance to this band. Their music is addicting, and just like viewing the Grand Canyon, you can't begin to find the words to describe the wonder witnessed."
-Bluegrass Unlimited
"The Lonely Heartstring Band, may well be a precursor of what bluegrass music will sound like in the future."
- John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
