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Biggs & Gustin
Chris and Ken met many years ago attending local jam sessions in the area. Always enjoying the playing and company of the other, each liked the comradery they shared when they tuned up, loosened up, and just starting playing good tunes. They complement each other like a pair of old gloves, worn in to just the right degree of comfort, fitting like only like minds can. Alone they are strong foundations for any musical program, yet together they fill the air with heartfelt and diverse stylings delivered skillfully, sometimes tenderly and sometimes energetically, with a respectful nod to tradition yet always moving forward.
Performances exhibit a unique blend of genres . . . . . bluegrass, folk, country blues, swing and classic country styles are common, interlaced with flatpicked fiddle tunes, energized banjo interpretations, and a blues tune or two. Familiar and unfamiliar tunes, traditional tunes and original tunes, all are fair game at one of their events. Indeed it seems common to find new songs never played together before making a debut at one of their shows. The sage wisdom of years of experience and a general lack of fear can spawn a special moment, and it’s now a regular experience.
Many attending a show with Chris and Ken especially appreciate their harmony singing, mistaking their abilities to match each other’s vocal stylings with those that have sung together for a great many years. They haven’t, they just sing well together, reminiscent of great duos of the past like the Louvin Brothers, Everly Brothers, and Brewer and Shipley. Some come for their guitar playing, to hear the culmination of two styles meet in the middle and become one finely coordinated bigger voice, as they combine cross-tuned guitars and various key combinations to illuminate their song arrangements. It is their sensitivity to the delivery of their music that most remember when the song is over. . . . . having heard a great song done well. Might be that’s the best one can hope for. That is what Chris and Ken try to do, every time they play, every song, every note.
Every other Wednesday night Chris and Ken can be found at The Little Grill restaurant in Manhattan, sharing their music to an appreciative crowd, and they also perform regularly at other local venues, such as The Bluemont Hotel and the TallGrass Tap House. You can find them from the Sandstone Saloon in Brookville to the Classic Bean in Topeka, and the Volland Store near Alma. They are a highly respected and sought after group for performances in the area, and for special events and private engagements. Their performance calendar fills quickly so contact them early to discuss booking for an event!
See the Events page for upcoming shows.
