In the 20+ years that they have been in existence, the bluegrass band Creek Bend has established itself as one of the top groups in the New York State area. The band’s repertoire draws heavily from early pioneering groups in bluegrass music as well as country music standards from the 1950s and ‘60s. Current band members include Carl Eddy (guitar and lead vocals), Chris Panfil (mandolin, fiddle, and tenor vocals), Mark Panfil (banjo, dobro, and baritone vocals), and Rich Schaefer (electric bass and bass vocals).

Thanksgiving features a wealth of rich, entertaining original material (six tracks altogether). The title track, a warm and sentimental piece written by Carl Eddy, conjures up images of past Thanksgiving holidays spent with his family in Oswego, New York – images that are, no doubt, universal in their appeal. Also presented are a number of songs previously recorded by artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, and Lefty Frizzell. Mark Panfil provides a special spark, turning in a lively rendition of the classic Josh Graves dobro instrumental “Evelina.”

With this, their second Copper Creek project, Creek Bend once again proves what bluegrass fans in their home state have known for many years – they are an abundantly gifted group of musicians, with remarkable cohesion, and a unique ability to present songs from many different genres in their own unique style. In keeping with the holiday season from which this new release draws its title, we should truly be thankful that such a dedicated group of musicians is creating music for our enjoyment.