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From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Spinney Brothers are comprised of Allan Spinney , Rick Spinney, Gary Dalrymple and Terry Mumford. Brother Allan and Rick debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for it's energetic and distinctive sound.
The cornerstone of the Spinney Brothers musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The first generation bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material, which draws from various sources, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present.
The Spinney Brothers believe in freshness and excitement of traditional bluegrass music. Brother duet singing, backed by supportive and complimentary instrumentation, is the foundation of their tasteful and recognizable sound. Give a listen, and you are sure to be entertained.
Allan Spinney guitar & vocals
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on August 5, 1965. In
1969, his family moved back home to the Annapolis Valley of
Nova Scotia. He now makes his home in Gaspereau, with his
wife Lynn. Raised in the midst of a musical family, it was country
and bluegrass music that played the largest role in his musical up
bringing. At a very early age, Allan demonstrated the desire to
be a performer. Home recordings have documented his vocal
abilities, as early as age six. Shortly after, he took a strong
interest in the organ. It was in 1979 however, upon buying his
first guitar, that he started down the road to performing on
stage. He began studying the guitar works of Smiley Bates, as
well as the sounds of Bill Monroe & Flatt & Scruggs. It was the
vocal harmonies of the Stanley Brothers however, that really
appealed to Allan. He strongly encouraged his brother Rick to
explore the music as well.
In 1989, Allan co-founded his first bluegrass band with his
brother Rick. The “Bluegrass Student Union” was comprised of
Allan, Rick, and their good friend, Steve Jackson. This
formation performed at various school functions,
variety shows, and benefits. By 1991, Allan was
ready to put together a full bluegrass Band.
His dream was realized, in the creation of
The Spinney Brothers Bluegrass Band.
Through out various personel
changes, four independent
recordings, and years of live
performances, Allan continues to
craft the Spinney Brothers style of
traditional bluegrass music.
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Rick Spinney banjo & vocals
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on August 5, 1966 – one
year to the day of his brother Allan. As Rick likes to point out,
“he was his brothers first birthday present”. Rick makes his
home in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, with his girl friend Machaela
and step-son Keegan. Compared to his brother, in his early
school years, Rick did not spend as much time on music.
Instead, Rick excelled in sports. First in soccer, and then in
basketball. His dedication to team sports, found him on
championship teams at numerous levels. It was with the
persistence of his mother Wava, however, that Rick began
examining his musical abilities.
In 1987, Rick obtained his first banjo. After some
instruction from local musician Roy Thompson, and Canadian
bluegrass great Vic Mullen, Rick was well on his way. Along
with his brother, Rick began to study traditional bluegrass
music. As a banjo player, the music of Earl Scruggs was very
influential. Vocally, Rick and his brother worked on their own
style of “brother duet” vocals. With the creation of the
Spinney Brothers Bluegrass Band in 1991, Rick
has continued to work tirelessly, in shaping
the sound and image of the Spinney
Bothers music. Rick is the main
spokesman for the Band. As well, he
handles bookings and promotions.
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Gary Dalrymple mandolin/fiddle
Born on December 10, 1969, in Halifax,
Nova Scotia. He now resides in Sackville,
Nova Scotia, with his wife Melanie and two
sons, James and Brendan. Gary, also grew up in a
musical family, and was exposed at an early age, to the
music of Country and Bluegrass greats such as Buck Owens,
Merle Haggard, Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Munroe, and Reno &
Smiley. His father Carl, being a musician in the Maritime music
scene, exposed Gary to an array of musicians and live
performances. Practically from birth, Gary has attended
Bluegrass festivals, and in the early 80’s, the thought of playing
an instrument took hold. He bought his first mandolin in 1984,
and hasn’t stopped playing since.
Gary continued to attend festivals, and the “bluegrass bug”
really took hold. He began to search out and to learn the more
traditional stylings of bluegrass. It was the fiddle playing of
Benny Martin and Paul Warren that really steered him towards
the power of traditional southern bluegrass music. In 1986, he
took up the fiddle as well. He began playing with several local
bands, and finally joined up with the Spinney Brothers in 1993.
Besides his musical contribution, Gary also looks after various
aspects of promotion and booking for the band.
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Terry Mumford acoustic bass
Born 1960, in Windsor, Nova
Scotia. He now lives in Dartmouth,
with his wife Janice, and sons
Tommy and Patrick. Some of his
earliest musical memories are of
listening to classic country music on
CFAB radio.  Terry was also highly
influenced by “Don Messer’s Jubilee”. Terry
identified a musicalitly and teamwork in Don
Messer’s music, that he personally strove for, once he
began learning an instrument. This took place while attending
Windsor Regional High school. Terry joined a new band
program started by Brian Johnston. Terry learned the
trombone, euphonium, tuba, as well as doing some conducting.
He became a member of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, as
well as the local Army Reserve Band. Terry still serves with the
36th Canadian Brigade Group Band, as the Assistant Director
of Music.
Terry’s first exposure to Bluegrass came from local
bluegrass musician, Peggy Warner. As many people do, Terry
got “hooked” to the music, after attending his first festival. He
took up both the bass and banjo, and thru the years, has
performed with local groups such as Custom Made, Blue Haze,
Just In Case, and Sunrise. Terry joined up with the Spinney
Brothers in 2004. In addition to his bass playing, Terry also has
been doing sound at the majority of The Spinney Brothers
bookings.
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