Down-Home Bluegrass by Bear Mountain Boys

Question: What do the names "800-Pound Gorilla", "Will James Trio", and "Paint A Rose" have in common? Answer: They are all Kern County bands that have contributed a member or two to Tehachapi's own straight-ahead bluegrass band, Bear Mountain Boys.

Devoted to upbeat tempos and rich gospel-­style vocal harmonies, the Boys perform original songs, traditional hymns, and cover a range of traditional favorites from the likes of Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe, The Dillards, Bob Wills, and Johnny Cash.

Scott Sparling lights up the five-­string banjo to launch the band into "high lonesome" territory filled with lively mandolin chops by lead vocalist Jim Davis, heartfelt solos on dobro delivered by tenor Rick Morgan, rock-­solid Martin guitar rhythms courtesy of baritone Dave Brown, and some "slappin' the ol' doghouse" executed by upright bassist Les Webb.

And since you can't have bluegrass without fiddles, the Boys let fly a few twin hoedowns at every show.

Bear Mountain Boys have performed a variety of venues in Kern County including Tehachapi Concerts in the Park, Centennial Plaza, Main Street Farmers Market, Fourth of July Celebration, Bakersfield National Cemetery, and regularly at Tehachapi's Original Apple Shed.

The Boys recently completed recording their first album, scheduled for release this year.