Who G-runs faster than a speeding bullet, is more traditional than Orange Blossom Special, and out-glows the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign at night? That would be the Central Valley Boys, featuring Yoseff Tucker (guitar), Victor Skidanenko (banjo), John Cogdill (mandolin), Dave Gooding (bass), and Pete Hicks (fiddle). I once called this fine bluegrass band a “crazy lazy susan of talent,” and it’s still true. Each spin of the Central Valley Boys dial gets you exactly what you’re looking for: old-school and innovative, reverential gospel and traditional tunage, soul-searing harmonies and old-time on-stage classiness, irreverent humor, and just plain awesome neon-ness all around.
So what really gives the Central Valley Boys that hearty glow? Let’s hear from the sharp-dressed gentlemen themselves:
1. Who are you listening to right now?
The latest thing has probably been The Earls of Leicester (Johnny Warren, fiddle; Charlie Cushman, banjo; Barry Bales, bass; Tim O’Brien, mandolin; Shawn Camp, guitar; and Jerry Douglas, dobro). They’re a Flatt and Scruggs tribute band.
2. What’s your greatest fear?
Our greatest fear as a band is that we were not entertaining to an audience. When that happens, it’s time to pack in in.
3. Who are your heroes/heroines in life?
Superman.
4. If you had to combine your personalities into a band name, what would you callyourselves?
Bluegrass Casserole.
5. What is your greatest extravagance?
Duh, suits.
6. What’s one of your deep, dark bluegrass secrets?
Next question.
7. What has been the trippiest perk of success?
We’ll tell you when we get there.
8. Who is sitting there in your dream jam?
Nobody is sitting in our jam. Stand up!
9. If any of you could hear any non-bluegrass tune done bluegrass, what would it be?
“Gangsta’s Paradise.”
10. What song hits your heart every time?
“Angel Band.”
11. What bluegrass memory makes you smile?
Grass Valley. 4 am. Any year.
12. Do you have a bluegrass player tip or secret you’d like to share?
Play it straight.
13. What’s the weirdest food you’ve experienced backstage? The best?
A weird pizza experience. Best: Grass Valley with Jennifer Kitchen.
14. What was the best advice you’ve been given so far?
Don’t quit your day job.
15. Do you have a memorable on-stage gaff?
Once a certain Guitar Player wore the the wrong color suit.
16. Where’s the strangest place you’ve performed live?
Berkeley.
17. What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you?
We have matching undergarments.
18. CDs, downloads, or vinyl?
8 track.
19. Who really gets the most groupies?
Not the bass player.
20. What is your motto?
WWVD. What Would Vern Do?
(Cameron Little is a young bluegrass musician who hopes he’ll have a video camera ready when someone, somewhere asks the Central Valley Boys about those matching undergarments.)
