David Powell began playing guitar when he was 13 years old and he’s been hooked ever since.
“I’ve played all kinds of music in all kinds of bands,” said Powell, chairman of the English department. “I became interested in traditional American music in college when I first heard Doc Watson play.”
In 2000, Powell joined Paul Pitts and the Porch Pickers, a group of local musicians who play old time, bluegrass, original, folk and pop music. Pitts, lead singer and rhythm guitar player, and Merle King, vocalist and upright bass player, had been making music together for at least 10 years when Powell and banjo player Phil Helton joined the band.
“The name was Paul’s choice,” said Powell. “He wanted to stress that this kind of music has been kept alive, not by radio play and huge arena concerts, but by people who love it. They have passed it down through the years, playing on their porches and other informal settings.”
These settings include festivals, clubs, restaurants, lodges, conventions, state parks, private parties, Elderhostels, holiday events, art shows and school assemblies.
“We have played in Rome’s First Friday Concert Series, at Red Top Mountain State Park’s bluegrass series and at many arts fairs and private parties throughout middle and north Georgia,” said Powell.
Porch Picker performances have been known to include renowned old-time fiddler James Bryan of Mentone, Ala. and, occasionally, Pitts on the claw-hammered banjo, dulcimer and autoharp. In addition to guitar and vocals, Powell also plays mandolin, an instrument he picked up just five years ago.
“My brother-in-law Fred, a songwriter in Nashville, asked me if I could play it on a CD he was recording. I got hooked on the instrument,” he said.
The band’s repertoire includes traditional favorites as well as a few songs written by Pitts.
“I love all the instrumentals, which feature banjo, mandolin and fiddle solos,” said Powell. “The interplay between instruments is very satisfying (if we play well). It makes me happy to know that these old songs still work. They have an energy which still grabs listeners.”
The Porch Pickers will make an appearance at Darlington’s Alumni Weekend in October. The band will provide the entertainment at the pre-game picnic on Oct. 15. For more information on the Porch Pickers, please
click here.
