About the Guys of NDS

Scott provides the band with a rock-solid, hard-driving banjo style that elevates any bluegrass band to its full potential. He has an impressive knowledge of the five-string fingerboard.  Some of his biggest influences are Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe and Sammy Shelor.  His versatility allows him to play guitar and he is featured on some of the band’s favorite old country and gospel arrangements.  He brings life to the music with his soulful style of singing that so obviously comes from his heart.  His high lead and tenor vocals are a trademark of New Dixie Storm.  As a founding member, his enthusiasm for the band and its success are clearly displayed in their performances throughout the Southeast.

 . . . Timing is everything in music, especially in a bluegrass band and Jeff seals the deal with his impeccable sense of taste and rhythm. He stumbled upon the chance to start playing bass in the early 90’s while playing guitar and singing tenor in a local band. Hayes loves playing bass as well as banjo and rhythm guitar.  His love of classic country and bluegrass styles is reflected in his exceptional playing and harmony singing. Jeff’s appreciation for most all types of music covers a wide range of artists and genres from Jamey Johnson to Sheryl Crow. A couple of his bass playing influences are Barry Bales & Dennis Crouch. In 1999, Jeff acquired a 1939 Kay M-1 from Del McCoury Band alumnus, Mike Bub and he also plays a 2005 Azola Bug Bass. When he is not playing “unplugged”, Jeff uses Gallien Krueger and Trace Elliot amplification.

Glen was born and raised in the golden corner of SC, Oconee County.  He still resides at his home place in Westminster, SC.  Glen’s Dobro playing contributes a sound that gives this band a completely new and refreshing feel. His soulful solos and tasteful back-up reflects his desire to make great music.

Glen has three favorite guitars: A guitar built by Papa Jimmy Ray Street, “my J. Ray,” as well as a fiberglass model melobro guitar and a wechter sheerhorn.  “I am influenced most by Josh Graves and Jerry Douglas.” Glen started playing “dobro” in 1985. He also plays lap steel, bass and drums. Glen grew up around music. His father was a guitar player and an accomplished bass player, and without a doubt his greatest influence. When Glen is not recording or performing, he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson. His favorite place is lower Broadway in Nashville, Tn.

Born in the hills of Northeast Georgia, Blake started in music around the age of 14. His dad took him to his first bluegrass festival at 15 and that is where Blake decided he wanted to play the mandolin. After a few lessons, Blake fell in love with the music and he and his dad spent many hours playing together and learning. Around the age of 20, Blake joined the bluegrass gospel group, Mercy Tree. It was here he learned to play in a band situation. Blake appeared on three of Mercy Tree's CD's. Later, Blake helped form the group Legacy Drive. Legacy Drive went on to win 2nd place in the band competition in Hiawasee, Georgia. Blake enjoys all kinds of music including bluegrass, gospel, country and jazz. Blake plays a 1999 Flatiron mandolin.  Some of his musical influences include Adam Steffey, Wayne Benson, Alan Bibey, Doyle Lawson and most of all, his dad, Charles.

Jeremy is from a little town in Upstate SC called Pickens. Jeremy compliments this aggregation with his rock-solid rhythm guitar. His dynamic and tasteful picking style is a welcome contribution to this band. Jeremy has been around music all of his life starting with the basement jams at mom and dads to the Oolenoy jams and the late night pikins at Cuzzins store. He started playing guitar at the age of 10 when his dad showed him a few chords and this progressed to a few more guitar instructors: Jeff Ellenburg, Hazel Haskett, Craig Market and Wayne Winkle. Jeremy has played with the bands Carolina Backroads, Heavens Echoes’, The Donna Hughes Band and The New Dixie Storm. Some of Jeremy’s musical influences include Tony Rice, JD Crowe, Kenny Smith, Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe. Jeremy enjoys playing Martin guitars with his favorite being his 1949 D-18. When Jeremy is not playing he is usually in the woods hunting, fishing or just enjoying the great outdoors.