The Falling Run Bluegrass Band
The Falling Run Bluegrass Band is no stranger to the regional music scene. The band has played events around the region for over 15 years, including festivals, events, and West Virginia University functions. The band focuses on traditional bluegrass and features accomplished musicians who have mastered numerous playing styles from Rock-a-billy bass “slapping” to Scruggs-style banjo playing. Members of the Falling Run Bluegrass Band have also performed with other notable bluegrass groups including the Songcatchers, Uncle Earl, and Wild Hog. Band members are Ray Hicks, Tiffany Underwood, Tim Selman, Aaron Holley, Rachel Eddy, Chris Haddox, and Zach Fanok.
Ray Hicks was born in Madisonville Tennessee in 1942. He began playing guitar in 1958 and immediately took an interest in traditional music, learned from local musicians, records and off the radio. Ray’s influences include Bill Monroe, Jimmy Rodgers, and The Carter Family. Ray joined the faculty of forestry at West Virginia University in 1978 and has played in numerous bluegrass and oldtime bands over the past 40 years.
Tiffany Underwood plays mandolin and sings with FRBB. She has one of the richest strongest voices anywhere. Tiffany also plays with the Songcatchers from her native Raleigh County. Tiffany now makes her home in Morgantown.
Tim Selman, along wit Ray is an original member of the FRBB and a 3rd generation banjo player hailing from Webster County. Tim now lives in the Morgantown area and is one of the best Scruggs-style players anywhere. Tim also builds and repairs banjos.
Aaron Holley is a great bass player from Cabell County who has mastered several styles, including the Rock-a-billy “slapping” style. He is currently a student in Mining Engineering at WVU.
Rachel Eddy is from Morgantown, but has traveled the world playing music. Fresh from a European stint, she returned to the states to play with the popular all-woman bluegrass/oldtime band Uncle Earl. Rachel plays fiddle, banjo , bass or guitar and is a great vocalist as well.
Chris Haddox, fiddle/mandolin/guitar/vocals, is originally from Logan County, but now resides in Morgantown and works in the Davis College, focusing on “green design” of buildings. Chris and Ray have played in several bands together, including “Wild Hog” with the late legendary fiddle player Craig Johnson.
Zach Fanok is another Morgantown product. Zach is a master fiddler, winning numerous contests, and an alumnus of the East Tennessee State University “Pride Band.” ETSU is the only university in America to offer a bluegrass program and boasts of alumni such as Adam Steffey, Tim Stafford and Barry Bailes who have played in bands with Alison Kraus. Zach is currently working toward another degree from Fairmont State University.
Check out these songs from the Falling Run Bluegrass Band: