Traditional foundation
The repertoire begins with bluegrass standards and the unmistakable conversation between strings and voices.
About the Band
Rooted here. Ready to roll.
David Wade & Black Mountain brings traditional bluegrass, original material, driving rhythms, and vocal harmony from Louisa, Virginia to stages around Central Virginia.
See Upcoming Shows
The story so far
Bluegrass from the Central Virginia foothills
David Wade & Black Mountain is rooted in the foothills of Central Virginia, where bluegrass and Appalachian music run deep. The quartet blends heartfelt original material, high-energy pickin’, and soulful harmony with a clear respect for the tradition.
A set might move from a driving instrumental to a tender song and straight into a foot-stomping standard. Guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass give the band a classic bluegrass frame. The four players bring the personality that makes it their own.
Honest music, played with energy, a close vocal blend, and room for a grin.
What it sounds like
Original material
Heartfelt songs sit naturally beside familiar favorites without losing the band’s direct, approachable voice.
Drive and harmony
Rhythmic push, quick instrumental breaks, and backup vocals keep a set moving and an audience connected.
Meet the Band
The pickers
One guitar, one banjo, one mandolin, one bass. No ukuleles.
Frontman
David Wade
- Plays
- Guitar and vocals
- From
- Louisa, Virginia
David is the frontman and rhythm-wrangler. His guitar and lead vocal keep the melody out front while the band drives underneath. Sometimes he brings pizza to band practice.
Mandolin
Greg Goodson
- Plays
- Mandolin and backup vocals
- From
- Charlottesville, Virginia
Greg plays the mandolin (it is not a ukulele) and adds backup vocals, quick fills, and plenty of chop to the rhythm. He likes when Dave buys pizza for band practice, Elon Musk, and ice cream.
Banjo
Jered Gillispie
- Plays
- Banjo and backup vocals
- From
- Palmyra, Virginia
Jered plays banjo like it owes him money. Thanks to his Ralph Stanley-like style, his five-string drive and backup vocals bring lift and momentum to the band’s sound.
Bass
Ken Holley
- Plays
- Bass
- From
- Waynesboro, Virginia
Ken brings the thunder on bass and a little mischief between songs. He keeps the whole quartet planted firmly in the groove.
Hear it for yourself
Find a show or bring the band to you.
Prefer email? davidwadeblackmountain@gmail.com