Richard Angell - Banjo & Vocals Richard has experimented with many different instruments...guitar, fiddle, drums...but when he bought a cheap banjo (complete with instruction book) at a garage sale in 1979, he was home!  Within a couple of days, he was playing several of the old standard banjo numbers like "Cripple Creek" and "Banjo in the Hollow."

Richard received some vocal training in youth choirs while growing up, but his instrumental ability is the result of intensive self instruction.  As his talents developed, he explored several different genre including old time country and folk.

But, he remembered his grandfather playing bluegrass tunes on the fiddle and the harmonica.  These recollections brought Richard back to his roots and he settled into bluegrass for good. As he upgraded the quality of his instrument, he searched out jam sessions and began attending bluegrass festivals where he took advantage of music seminars offered by the likes of Alan Munde and other famous bluegrass banjo players.  His favorite banjo player is the great Earl Scruggs whom he tries to emulate in both style and consistency.

Richard has made a name for himself, not only as a performer, but as an instructor in the rigors and arts of the five string banjo.  He also builds and repairs dulcimers and banjos.  He and his wife, Joyce, currently make their home in Texarkana, Arkansas.

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Kathryn Roberts - Mandolin & Vocals Kathryn is the youngest member of Denim Grass and handles the lead on several vocal numbers.  She has been attending bluegrass festivals and jam sessions ever since she was just a couple of months old.  She comes from a long line of musically inclined ancestors and takes to the stage naturally and unafraid.  Experienced musicians remark about her ability to deliver her vocals with clarity and precision.  She has performed with Denim Grass for almost two years, including apperances at Six Flags Over Texas as well as several other venues in the northeast Texas area.

Kathryn has recently begun to try her hand at the mandolin, and with a little instruction, assistance, and encouragement from the entire family, she is doing quite well, indeed!    

Kathryn was just starting third grade about the time Denim Grass released their first CD in 2004 on which she is featured in several numbers.  At the present, if she is not busy with school activities or perfecting licks on the mandolin, she can be found taking care of her bunnies, cats, dogs, and ducks.

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Bart Smith - Bass & Vocals As with other members of Denim Grass, Bart is from a multi-talented family.  His father, uncle, and cousins all play various instruments.  His mother plays piano and organ in their church.  His brother and his eldest son play guitar and perform regularly at family gatherings.

Career and family activities took up so much of Bart’s time that he did not actively pursue his musical talents until he was in his late 20s.  He acquired an old guitar and was soon playing along at family gatherings.  One day, he reluctantly took the lead on a vocal number.  Bart was truly surprised at the reaction to his vocal debut.  Everyone was speechless for a moment.  Then, applause broke out.  His vocal talents had finally been uncovered!

Bart has been involved with several bands over the years, but he always came back to old-style country and country gospel music.  His recent transition into bluegrass seems to be a natural progression that fits his talents well.

During a performance, Bart stands back from the front of the stage and quietly smiles while playing the bass with precision and concentration.  But when he steps forward to take the microphone, his soft baritone is smooth and unwavering.  His voice blends so well with other members of this group that music critics often remark that their harmony is of a quality usually heard only in closely knit musically inclined families.  

At the present, Bart and his extended family live and work in Forney, Texas.

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Justin Roberts - Banjo & Bass Up until he was about 12, Justin seemed content to watch from the sidelines as his Mom and Dad and little sister Kathryn performed.  But, one day early in 2004, when no one was looking, Justin picked up a banjo.  That’s all it took!  He found that he had the same musical gift that resides in the rest of the family.  After just a couple of lessons, Justin was playing the old banjo standards like “Cripple Creek” and  "Old Joe Clark” 

But, before long, Justin surprised everyone by picking out some rather complicated Scruggs and Stanley numbers like “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “Clinch Mountain Backstep.”  Justin’s style is his own, but his fret action, note clarity, and timing are professional quality.  Like so many other banjo players, he just stands there and delivers!

Justin has also been learning to play the bass.  He now fills in when the regular bass player is absent. 

Justin loves to read and play basketball.  He also plays a pretty mean trombone in the school band.  A truly versatile musician!

But, with his heritage of musical ability, how could it be otherwise?